What courses do I have to take through the A.C.S.B. Designation Program?
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.
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. Please refer to the list of courses found here.
Students will continue to be required to take the Introductory to Financial Accounting course; those wishing to apply for an exemption must submit appropriate documentation including a certified transcript to SAC’s Head Office for review and approval.
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 free to take these courses if they wish.
I am a new student interested in taking the A.C.S.B. Designation Program, how do I register?
First, students should download and complete the A.C.S.B. Application Form and mail their completed form to SAC’s head office along with a one‐time, non‐refundable program application fee. The form and details on the application fee can be found here.
Once received, students will then receive a confirmation email, at which time they will be required to register through SAC for the first core course: SAC 101 – Principles of Suretyship.
How much does the program cost?
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.
Once enrolled in the program, students will be responsible for submitting payment for each of the courses separately from the program fee to be considered for the designation.
How are the courses offered?
The SAC courses are offered through an online/distance learning platform.
Course materials for SAC 101, SAC 102 and SAC 103 are included with the course fee.
The Introductory to Financial Accounting and elective courses can be taken through any accredited Canadian university. Students will be required to submit a course outline to SAC for approval to ensure that it meets the program requirement prior to enrollment in the course. Course outlines can be sent to program [at] suretycanada.com.
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 SAC A.C.S.B. Designation program will be considered for credit.
Are exemptions available?
Yes. Students can apply for an exemption from the Introductory to Financial Accounting course. To be granted an exemption, students must submit a certified transcript from an accredited university where they successfully completed an equivalent course. This should be submitted to SAC at the time of registration in the program.
In addition, 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.
Are any other exemptions allowed?
Please note that work experience cannot be used toward exemptions from any of the courses.
What is the passing grade required for courses?
All courses require a passing grade of 50% (D-) to be eligible for the A.C.S.B. Designation.
How long do I have to take the required courses?
In order to receive the designation, students are required to complete the required course work within eight (8) calendar years from the time of registration in the program.
I am a previous student at the University of Toronto and/or McMaster Continuing Education, how can I continue taking courses to complete the program?
For any SAC courses, you would register directly with SAC.
For the Introductory to Financial Accounting and elective courses, these can be taken through any accredited Canadian university. Students will be required to submit a course outline to SAC for approval to ensure that it meets the program requirement prior to enrollment in the course. Course outlines can be sent to program [at] suretycanada.com.
I finished the required courses – can I start using the designation?
No. After successful completion of the required courses, students must provide an “official” transcript, not copies, to be sent to the SAC head office.
- For courses taken prior to January 1, 2020, at UofT:
- For courses taken after January 1, 2020, at MCE:
- For courses taken after September 1, 2022:
- SAC course grades will be pulled from a student’s file within the SAC On-line Learning Management System (D2L/Brightspace).
- The Introductory to Financial Accounting and elective courses taken after September 1, 2022, will require students to contact the Canadian university that they have completed the course(s) at to request an official transcript to be sent to SAC directly.
Once all transcripts have been received, they will be reviewed by SAC and those meeting the requirements will be submitted to the SAC Board of Directors for approval. The designation only becomes “official” once the board has given formal approval.
I changed employers during the program – does that matter?
No. Just let SAC know so that we can update your student file at SAC’s head office.
Can I take this program in French?
Yes. SAC is pleased to announce that a French version of le programme des associés en cautionnement canadien (P.A.C.C.) is available. Click here for more details.
I have more specific questions, who can I speak to?
Please feel free to contact the Surety Association of Canada directly at (905) 677‐1353 or by email at program [at] suretycanada.com.