Associateship of Canadian Surety Bonding

About the Program

The Associateship of Canadian Surety Bonding Designation Program 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) and has been offered since September 1998. 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.

Program Partnership

As of January 2020, those interested in pursuing or continuing to pursue their A.C.S.B Designation will be required to register with McMaster Continuing Education for upcoming courses as the program was transitioned over from the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies (SCS) at that time.

Students are required to complete six (6) courses; four (4) core courses and two (2) electives through a distance/online learning platform.

The program is offered in English only at this time.

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.

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.

Once the student has received confirmation of acceptance into the program, they may then register for the required courses through McMaster Continuing Education.

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 directly to McMaster Continuing Education for each of the six (6) courses that are required to complete to be considered for the designation.  Note: McMaster Continuing Education sets individual course fees. Prices fall between $700 to $850 per course, plus course materials and exam fees.