CAIRP

Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals

CQP Syllabus

COURSE TITLE: Introduction to Insolvency 
PREREQUISITE: None
COURSE SCHEDULE: Course enrolment open throughout the year
COURSE LENGTH: Candidates should be able to complete the course within 6 months of enrollment.
COURSE OVERVIEW: 3 Modules - Each module includes a set of self-assessment questions (a combination of multiple-choice, short-answer and constructed response questions) and solutions.

In addition, there are three self-assessment cases consisting of:

  1. Two illustrative cases for which answers are available on the course site.
  2. A comprehensive assignment case. Candidates are required to submit their answers in the D2L course site to gain access to the solutions.

Final Exam: self-administered multiple-choice exam consisting of 50 questions to be completed within a two-hour time frame. Two attempts are permitted to achieve a passing grade of 60%.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

  1. Understand the purpose of the insolvency system in Canada, the context within which it operates, and the role of the various stakeholders in the process.
  2. Explain the various legislation, in general terms, that govern insolvency proceedings and understand the interplay between provincial and federal insolvency related laws and regulations.
  3. Explain the ethical duties and obligations of a CIRP and an LIT and understand their underlying principles.
  4. Understand the various options available to debtors and when they are applicable.
  5. Explain, in general terms, each step involved in a formal insolvency process and how it may differ, depending on debtor situation and other factors.

RESOURCES PROVIDED: Links to the BIA and other relevant insolvency online resources

COURSE OUTLINE:

Module 1 – Background of Insolvency

Module 2 – Types of Insolvency Proceedings

Module 3 – LIT Insolvency Activities

GRADING REQUIREMENT: Minimum 60% required on final examination to pass course
SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES: None

 


 

COURSE TITLE:  Insolvency Principles, Processes and Practices (iP3)
PREREQUISITE: Completion of the Introduction to Insolvency Course; CIRP, LIT Sponsor
COURSE SCHEDULE: Course enrolment open throughout the year
COURSE LENGTH: Candidates should be able to complete the course with 6 months of enrollment.
COURSE OVERVIEW: 10 Modules - Each module includes a set of multiple-choice review questions.

The course also includes two comprehensive cases: one for an individual debtor and one for a corporate debtor. Candidates are required to submit selected questions from each case to their sponsor for marking. Candidates must achieve a score of “Competent” on the set of assignments to qualify to write the IP3 final examination.

Final Exam - multiple-choice exam with 120 questions. Consult the exam blueprint for more detail.

The final exam will be held annually. Candidates have four hours to complete the exam which is delivered through exam software at the same date and time for all candidates (consult Important Dates). Candidates write the exam from their home/office and must adhere to the general exam rules. Specific exam instructions are communicated to candidates prior to the examination date.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

  1. Understand and explain insolvency principles. processes and practices involved in administering the various types of insolvency proceedings with the assessment of the debtor’s situation through to the practitioner’s discharge, all in accordance with the applicable governing legislation and policies.
  2. Apply the specific sections and rules of the legislation and policies that govern the insolvency and restructuring profession, including the BIA, the BIA General Rules, CCAA, OSB Directives, OSB Forms, and the CAIRP Standards of Professional Practice, and understand the interaction between all those components.
  3. Recognize threats to professional integrity, objectivity, and independence, and demonstrate a strict adherence to the BIA Code of Ethics for Trustees and the CAIRP Rules of Professional Conduct.
  4. Clearly understand and appreciate the role and responsibilities of the insolvency and restructuring professional as an independent and objective authority who provides perspective and guidance to enable stakeholders to make informed decisions.

RESOURCES PROVIDED: Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, BIA General Rules, OSB Directives, CCAA, ITA and related legislation, access to Insolvency Source and IRIS insolvency databases, access to discussion board monitored by LIT/CIRP, CQP Competency Profile, CAIRP Standards of Professional Practice

COURSE OUTLINE:

Module 1 – Assessing the Situation

Module 2 – Appointment Documentation & Stay of Proceedings

Module 3 – Administrative Matters

Module 4 – Interim reporting

Module 5 – Obtaining Authorization/Direction to take Action

Module 6 – Administer Property Realizations

Module 7 – Administering Competing Claims

Module 8 – Managing the Bankrupt/Consumer Debtor

Module 9 – Finalize Asset Disposition, Reporting and Distribution

Module 10 – Obtain Practitioner’s Discharge

GRADING REQUIREMENT: Overall assessment of ‘Competent’ on the assignments and minimum 60% required on the final examination to pass course.
SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Monitoring of candidate progress, guidance and direction on the course content and comprehensive cases, assessment of assignments prior to candidate registration for exam.

 


 

COURSE TITLE: Applications in Insolvency & CNIE Preparation (AICP)
PREREQUISITE: Completion of the iP3 Course; CIRP/LIT Sponsor
COURSE SCHEDULE: Course enrolment open throughout the year, should register after completion of the iP3 examination, and 45 days ahead of scheduled in-person Workshop.
COURSE LENGTH: Candidates complete the course (from enrollment) over 5 months; June – November
COURSE OVERVIEW: 4 modules, Self-assessments, Optional Case Response Feedback and, Practice Exam (in-person Workshop starting in 2025)      

Final Exam: There is no final examination for the AICP course. Candidates that have achieved the practical experience requirement and registered for the AICP course are eligible to write the CNIE.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

  1. Develop a CNIE study plan and best practice exam preparation and writing skills for high stakes, competency-based certification exams.
  2. Develop an approach to analyzing and responding to insolvency cases that demonstrates competence.
  3. Apply the approach to the practice cases and practice exam and self-assess performance using the assessment guide provided.
  4. Understand and remediate technical knowledge weaknesses uncovered through the various practice cases using resources provided/recommended by CAIRP, interaction with sponsors and colleagues, Workshop leaders and other reference sources.

RESOURCES PROVIDED: Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, BIA General Rules, OSB Directives, CCAA, ITA and related legislation, access to Insolvency Source and IRIS insolvency databases, access to discussion board monitored by LIT/CIRP, CQP Competency Profile, CAIRP Standards of Professional Practice

COURSE OUTLINE:

Module 1 – Exam Preparation tips, tools, and Workshop

Module 2 – Individual debtor – comprehensive case and Workshop

Module 3 – Commercial debtor – comprehensive case and Workshop

Module 4 – CNIE Practice Exam

GRADING REQUIREMENT: None
SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Guidance on preparing a study plan, assessment of CNIE Practice Exam

 


 

TITLE:  Competency-Based National Insolvency Examination (CNIE)
PREREQUSISITE: Completion of the IP3 & AICP courses; CIRP, LIT Sponsor; completion of 2400 experience hours
SCHEDULE: Once per year (fall), refer to Important Dates
EXAM LENGTH: 2 DAYS, 4.5 HOURS/DAY
OVERVIEW: The CNIE is a comprehensive exam that requires candidates to demonstrate the competencies required of an entry-level CIRP. The exam tests material from the Introduction to Insolvency and IP3  and AICP courses and materials outlined in the Body of Knowledge.

The CNIE is designed according to the CNIE blueprint.

Unless otherwise advised, candidates will be examined on legislation (federal or provincial) in force as of January 1 of the year of writing the exam.

Candidates who do not pass the CNIE can retake it at the next exam offering by paying the exam fee (no other program fee is required). Candidates are allowed three attempts at the CNIE[1], after which they must re-apply as a new candidate to the Program and be eligible for entry according to the requirements in effect on the date of application.

GRADING REQUIREMENT:

Must demonstrate competency in E, Insolvency Law and Practice and on average over the 8 competencies being assessed per the Blueprint.

SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Attestation that the candidate is ready to challenge the CNIE.

 


 

COURSE TITLE: Practical Course on Insolvency Counselling (PCIC)
COURSE PREREQUSISITE: Enrolment in CQP
COURSE SCHEDULE: Registration open throughout the year, final exam offered twice per year, refer to Important Dates
COURSE LENGTH: Candidates complete the course within 6 months of enrollment
COURSE OVERVIEW: 4 modules, Self-assessments, 2 assignments

Final Exam: multiple-choice exam consisting of 75 questions to be completed within a two-hour time frame. Three attempts are permitted to achieve a passing grade of 60%.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:            

  1. provide a basic explanation of insolvency and bankruptcy terms, and the consumer proposal and bankruptcy process;
  2. apply interviewing and counselling skills to insolvency counselling sessions;
  3. apply money management concepts and techniques to help insolvent individuals become more effective money managers; and
  4. understand the financial behaviour of families and individuals, and use this knowledge to assist counselling participants with appropriate referrals

RESOURCES PROVIDED: OSB Directives, Links to BIA and related legislation, links to LIT BIA insolvency counselling resources.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Module 1 – Personal Insolvency/Bankruptcy under the BIA

Module 2 – Interviewing and Counselling

Module 3 – Budgeting and Elements of Personal Finance

Module 4 – Money in Context

GRADING REQUIREMENT: minimum 60% on each assignment and minimum 60% on the final exam.
SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Assessment of 2 assignments

[1] Number of attempts restarts in 2024 i.e., if writing the 2024 exam, counts as the first attempt if you have previously written the exam.