FAQs

The Program was developed to provide IROs formal education in IR while the CPIR designation elevates the stature of the IR profession. By participating in this Program and earning the CPIR designation, you will enhance your knowledge of IR through thought-provoking classes, learning not only from the faculty but from your peers; be recognized by your peers and others in the capital markets for having earned this credential; and improve your opportunities for career advancement and greater compensation. Here are some of the comments CPIRs have made about the Program:

"Investor relations professionals wear many different hats and the function can vary greatly depending on the stage and market capitalization of a company. The CPIR program provides a consistent baseline of knowledge and raises the bar for the profession. The program has enhanced my knowledge, by filling in gaps in some areas and providing a refresher in others. I have also strengthened my network of investor relations professionals across Canada. Overall, the program helps ensure that I am prepared to meet future challenges. I believe that the CPIR program is becoming the gold standard for investor relations." - Lori Rozali, Investor Relations Manager, Teck Resources Limited

"I highly recommend the CPIR program to IROs looking to strengthen their skills and advance their career. The program covers a wide range of topics that are relevant and based on the discipline's best practices. The course is delivered by high-quality instructors who equip their students with the latest thinking and meaningful insight to help them excel when engaging with the C-Suite, the Board and the market. The CPIR helped me to think differently; to be more analytical and strategic. The professional designation enhances credibility and provides a competitive advantage. As someone who has dedicated her career to professional development, I believe the CPIR program delivers a comprehensive learning set that is difficult to match." - Nathalie Megann, CPIR, Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Affairs, Chorus Aviation Inc.

To participate in the Program, you must have the following:

• At least three years investor relations experience*, OR
• Four years of related experience** and have participated in CIRI’s Essentials of Investor Relations program within the past five years, OR
• Four years of combined experience in investor relations and a related field** and have participated in CIRI’s Essentials of Investor Relations program within the past five years; AND 
• One professional reference letter, preferably from your current employer.

*Where 50% or more of your time was spent on investor relations.
**Related experience can be from any of the disciplines that make up the role of IR including capital markets, securities law, regulatory disclosure, accounting, finance, communications, ESG and strategy

The 10-month Program starts with three days of in-person classes at the Rotman School of Business in Toronto. This is followed by eight months of online classes to provide flexibility and accommodate the travel schedules of IROs. Each online class consists of a two- to three-hour tutorial to be watched on demand and a one-hour online class to discuss the lesson with the instructor and fellow students, taking place approximately every three weeks. The Program concludes with two days of in-person classes at the Rotman School of Management in Toronto.

The face-to-face classes at the beginning (three days) and the end (two days) of the Program are mandatory.  We recognize that travel schedules may not make participation in the online classes possible. As such, the one-hour online classes are archived so that students may access them at a more convenient time.

Each online class consists of a two- to three-hour tutorial to be watched on demand and a one-hour online class to discuss the lesson with faculty and fellow students, approximately every three weeks. Some classes may include an assignment.

We strongly encourage you to participate in all online classes; however, should you be unable to, they are archived for students to listen to at their leisure.

The face-to-face classes at the beginning (three days) and the end (two days) of the Program are mandatory. These classes are not recorded, and it is encouraged to take detailed notes.

No. The online material and recorded online sessions are only available for one full year from the start date of the Program. The cut-off date will be clearly outlined to you. It is encouraged to take detailed notes throughout the entire Program.

Students who have been successful in this Program generally committed approximately 10 hours a month to complete readings and assignments. Required time commitments will vary according to the individual.

After completing the Program, you are eligible to write the certification examination. Upon passing the exam, you will earn the Certified Professional in Investor Relations (CPIR) designation.

The mock exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and is scheduled for one hour. These questions cover each of the key sections of the Program: strategy; finance & accounting; capital markets & regulations; and communications.

The final exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and is scheduled for three hours. These questions cover each of the key sections of the Program: strategy; finance & accounting; capital markets & regulations; and communications. You must pass each section (achieve 50% or higher) and achieve a minimum of 70% overall to earn the CPIR designation.

If you are not familiar with a financial calculator, please take the opportunity to learn as it is not covered in the Program. There are multiple tutorials available online.

Exam marks are presented with a percentage of your overall exam mark, as well as the percentage earned in each key section of the Program: strategy; finance & accounting; capital markets & regulations; and communications. You will not receive the exam questions or be informed of which ones you failed.

You may write the exam up to three times over a two-year period following completion of the Program. The mock, final and one rewrite are included in your Program fee. The fee for one additional rewrite of the exam seating is $400 plus taxes. After the two-year period, you would be required to retake the Program and successfully pass the exam to acquire the CPIR designation. 

To maintain your CPIR designation, you must maintain your membership in CIRI, agree to comply with CIRI’s Code of Ethics and complete a minimum of 14 continuing education units (CEU) within each calendar year. More information can be found here. Below are some ways to earn your CEUs.

• Participate in professional development programs and events;
• Speak at CIRI National and Chapter events;
• Serve as a mentor; or
• Volunteer on the CIRI National Board, Chapter Executive, or a Committee.

We see signs that the CPIR designation is gaining recognition in the industry. More often, job postings include the designation as a preferred prerequisite. We have also heard that IROs with the designation can expect up to 10% higher compensation than those without the designation when looking at new opportunities. We expect this recognition to continue to grow over time.

CIRI Program from October 2024 - June 2025: CIRI members pay $10,500 while non-members pay $12,500 (plus applicable taxes). This fee includes the in-person and online classes, all course materials as well as meals (breakfast, lunch and breaks) for the in-person classes.

The next class will run from October 2024 to June 2025. The Program begins in person at Rotman School of Management, Toronto, October 8-10, 2024 with online classes scheduled approximately every three weeks until the Program concludes in person at Rotman School of Management, Toronto June 18-19, 2025.

The deadline to apply for the October 2024 Program is June 30, 2024. Click here for more information on the application process or click here to apply today.

This Program takes place approximately every 18 months from the start of the last program.