The Investment Dealers Association’s board of directors has passed amendments to its policy 6, implementing the Wealth Management Essentials course.

The WME course was designed by the Canadian Securities Institute under the guidance of the IDA’s Education and Proficiency Committee to be the only course meeting the requirement for newly approved registered representatives to complete a higher level course within 30 months of initial approval. The amendments are effective July 4.

Currently, registered reps (other than non-retail) must complete either the Professional Financial Planning Course or the Investment Management Essentials Course within 30 months of initial approval. The WME course incorporates parts of both courses so that those taking it gain additional proficiency in both financial planning and investment management.

There are separate top-up courses in both financial planning and investment management for those wish to pursue those topics further, the IDA noted.

The CSI will also grant advanced standing on the relevant portion of the course for those who have already completed recognized courses or examinations in financial planning or investment management that previously qualified for automatic exemptions.

The IDA also issued a member regulation notice detailing transitional provisions for those already enrolled in the Professional Financial Planning or Investment Management Techniques courses or who already completed them but are not yet approved persons.