CSCP Examination Eligibility Requirements

The CSCP examination is the first step in achieving certification. To be eligible to sit for the CSCP examination, you must have earned a:

  • US Baccalaureate degree (or foreign equivalent); or
  • minimum of two (2) years experience in securities compliance.

Although not required, it is strongly recommended that you have professional experience in securities compliance; the CSCP examination assesses intermediate proficiency in securities compliance rather than entry-level skills. The testing industry has shown that those taking intermediate to mastery level examinations are more likely to pass with two or more years of experience in the associated field.

 

CSCP Credential Eligibility Requirements

Upon successful completion of the CSCP examination, one is noted as a CSCP candidate until the following eligibility requirements for the CSCP Credential are met:

  • successfully passes the CSCP examination; and
  • earns a US Baccalaureate degree (or foreign equivalent) plus three (3) years of securities compliance experience; or a minimum of five (5) years experience in securities compliance; and
  • attests that neither they, nor any organization controlled by themselves, have ever been convicted of, pled guilty or no contest to, a misdemeanor or felony involving investments or an investment-related business, or any fraud, false statements, or omissions, wrongful taking of property, bribery, perjury, forgery, counterfeiting, extortion, or a conspiracy to commit any of these offenses; and
  • submits a CSCP Credential Application and current resume to NSCP for approval.

 

Experience in Securities Compliance

Securities compliance experience is defined as:

  • Employment in the Compliance or Legal Department of a registered broker-dealer or with an investment adviser, whether registered with the SEC or a State regulatory authority, or exempt from such registration; or
  • Employment in the Compliance or Legal Department of a financial services firm that has a registered broker-dealer or investment adviser affiliate, with substantial job responsibilities supporting the brokerage or advisory services of the firm; or
  • Employment with the SEC, FINRA, IDA, or another securities regulator or self-regulatory organization; or
  • Practice at a law, accounting, or consulting firm, with a substantial part of your practice consisting of providing advisory, consulting or litigation support to the securities (broker-dealer or investment advisory) business of your clients.