Associateship of Canadian Surety Bonding

About the Program

The Associateship of Canadian Surety Bonding Designation Program (A.C.S.B.) aims to provide students with a theoretical and in-depth practical understanding of surety bonds and the suretyship process.

The program was developed by the Surety Association of Canada (SAC) in September 1998, and it is intended for those who plan on embarking on a career in the surety industry.

The objective of the A.C.S.B. Designation Program is to provide surety firms with a workable alternative to the development of expensive and time-consuming in-house training regimens. However, like all educational programs, the A.C.S.B. is meant to compliment; not supplant the on-the-job training provided by the student’s employer. It is anticipated that firms will continue to provide mentoring and practical guidance to augment the learning experience for young professionals and prepare them for the day-to-day requirements of their jobs.

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will receive the designation of Associate of Canadian Surety Bonding (A.C.S.B.); conferred by the Surety Association of Canada.

Registration now open for the Fall 2026 Term, click HERE.

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Important Program Update

As of the Fall 2022 term, the Surety Association of Canada (SAC) transitioned the A.C.S.B. Designation program “in-house”. Previously the program was offered in partnership with the University of Toronto (1998 to 2019), then with McMaster Continuing Education (2020 to 2022).

Please note that as of the Fall 2025 term, new students who enroll in the program who have obtained a university degree within the last five (5) years will no longer be required to take the two (2) elective courses to obtain the A.C.S.B. Designation. This is the only requirement; however, to be eligible for this exemption, students must provide a copy of a certified transcript from the university where they had completed their degree. Note that this change does not apply to students who are already enrolled in the program prior to the Fall 2025 term.

Students who have not received a university degree within the last five (5) years will be required to successfully complete two (2) elective courses in order to obtain their designation. Elective courses must be taken independently from any other degree or designation and cannot be carried over from other programs. Only elective courses that are begun and completed subsequent to the student’s registration in the A.C.S.B. designation program will be considered for credit. Course outlines for elective courses should be submitted to program [at] suretycanada.com for approval to ensure that it meets the program requirement prior to enrollment in the course.

All students are required to complete four (4) core courses, to include the SAC-developed courses: SAC 101: Principles of Suretyship, SAC 102: Contract Surety, and SAC 103: Construction & Surety Law which are offered directly through the association’s On-line Learning Management System (D2L/Brightspace); as well as the Introductory Financial Accounting course which can be taken through any accredited Canadian university. Those wishing to apply for an exemption to the Introductory Financial Accounting course must submit a certified transcript to SAC’s Head Office for review and approval at the time of registration into the program.

Upon completion of all the required courses, please note that students must have a minimum of one (1) year work experience in the Canadian surety industry to be eligible to receive the A.C.S.B. Designation.

Le Programme des Associés en Cautionnement Canadien (P.A.C.C.) 

In 2019, SAC began the translation and adaptation work towards the francization of the program for the surety bond market in Quebec. While the English course (A.C.S.B.) takes into account the reality of the Common Law legal framework, the francization of the program has been adapted according to the civil law framework used exclusively in the province of Quebec.

In Fall 2022, SAC launched a French version of the program, le Programme des Associés en Cautionnement Canadien (P.A.C.C.). 

CLICK HERE for more details!

Who Should Take this Program?

The program examines surety bonds and the suretyship process in some detail and was designed as a learning vehicle for students who plan on embarking on a career in the surety industry. While it’s not intended for individuals in other disciplines or industries, students from outside the surety world are welcome to take these courses.

Registration/Cost

In order to receive the A.C.S.B. Designation, students are required to register for the program through the Surety Association of Canada prior to starting the first course. To register, applicants must submit a completed program application to SAC’s head office.

Program registrants are required to pay a one-time, non-refundable program application fee. Employees of full member firms pay $200, and employees of affiliate member firms pay $400. Non-member firm employees pay $1,000 to enroll in the program.

Students will also be responsible for submitting payment for each of the required ourses to be considered for the designation.

More Information

If you would like to learn more about the A.C.S.B. Designation Program, give us a call at (905) 677-1353 or email us at program [at] suretycanada.com.