A.C.S.B. Designation Program - Curriculum

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.

Please note that the Principles of Suretyship course is a prerequisite for the two other surety courses (Contract Surety and Construction & Surety Law) and must be taken first.

The SAC courses are offered directly through the association and are available in the Fall and Winter terms only.