Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the new CIRO proficiency exams, the transition from CSC, and how HawkHive can help you succeed.
📋 Transitioning from the Old System
Q: I already passed the CSC® and CPH®. Do I still need to take the CIRE and RSE?
It depends on your registration timeline. If you were fully registered and active with a
dealer before January 1, 2026, your qualifications are grand-fathered in. However, if you passed the CSC® and
CPH® but never registered with a dealer, those course credits are expired for new CIRO licensing. You will
need to write the new CIRE to get licensed.
Q: Did the CPH® (Conduct and Practices Handbook) completely disappear?
Yes, as a standalone course, it is retired. However, its core legal and ethical concepts
have been heavily integrated into the new framework. Heavy legal topics from the old CPH are now tested
directly inside Element 1, 4, and 9 of the CIRE exam.
Q: What happens if I am in the middle of studying for my CSC® right now?
The transition window is closed for new registrants. Candidates who were enrolled in the
CSC prior to January 1, 2026, have a strict cutoff until December 31, 2026, to finish their old CSI
requirements and register under the legacy rules. If you miss this deadline, you must transition to the new
CIRO exam system.
📖 Study Materials & Exam Mechanics
Q: Where do I buy the official textbook for the CIRE and RSE exams?
There are no mandatory textbooks. Under the modern CIRO model, you pay a flat fee
(approx. $500 per exam) strictly to register for the test itself. CIRO provides "Competency Profiles"
outlining what you will be tested on, but they do not provide text books. To learn the actual material and
pass, you must rely on independent third-party test prep providers like HawkHive.
Q: Is the CIRE harder than the old CSC® Exam 1 and 2?
The difficulty has shifted from memorization to practical application. The old CSC®
required memorizing broad economic equations and historical market facts. The CIRE is a rapid-fire,
110-question multiple-choice exam that places a massive focus on compliance, Know Your Client (KYC) rules,
product suitability, and ethical grey areas.
Q: Are HawkHive's CIRE and RSE mock tests really free?
The first two mock tests for CIRE and the first mock test for RSE are completely free.
We provide comprehensive study guides, syllabus breakdowns, and analytics-driven mock tests to help candidates
succeed. checkout our mock tests to prepare
for your exam.
💼 Career Paths & Licensing Roles
Q: Can I give investment advice to retail clients if I only pass the CIRE?
No. Passing the CIRE alone qualifies you as an Investment Representative (IR). In this
role, you can execute trades on client instructions, but you cannot legally offer advice. To become a
Registered Representative (RR) and advise clients on portfolios, you must pass both the CIRE and the Retail
Securities Exam (RSE).
Q: What replaced the old Wealth Management Essentials (WME®) course?
The Retail Securities Exam (RSE) covers the client onboarding, financial planning, and
advanced portfolio suitability material that used to live inside the WME®. It is a 120-question, 3-hour exam
designed specifically for retail wealth advisors.
Still have questions about your career journey?
If you need further clarification on the CIRE/RSE transition or need guidance on navigating your new career path, we're here to help.
Email Us: info@hawkhive.ca