If you work in different positions related to multiple DSI registries, we recommend that you apply for additional DSI certification. To apply for certification with DSI, you go through several steps.
A screening is a standard part of the certification process at DSI. This applies both when applying for a new certification and when changing your current certification. This screening is carried out by DISA. We explain how this screening process works on this page.
Are you a ZZP-er and would you like to certify with DSI? On this page you will find a detailed explanation of the application process at DSI as a ZZP-er. The application process differs whether or not you have your own AFM license as a ZZP-er. Select the process that applies to you and review the details.
Before starting to apply for certification in one of DSI’s registries, the professional must start a certification application in MyDSI. This is a secure online portal where professionals can apply for, view and change a certification. Using the certification guide, you can determine in advance which register is best for you.
When applying for certification, a professional needs the following documents:
Yes, you can be listed on multiple DSI registries, provided you meet the job profiles and entry requirements for each register. Each register focuses on specific roles within the financial and investment industry and helps you demonstrate that you meet the requirements for integrity and competence as a financial professional.
An overview of all DSI registries and their terms and conditions can be found via the link below this FAQ.
Yes, self-employed professionals can also certify with DSI. This applies to ZZP’ers, temporary workers, secondees, franchisees or employees of an organization covered by the AFM license of a DSI participant.
For freelancers, there is a special page with all the information about the certification process so you can demonstrate that you maintain integrity and professionalism as a financial professional in the financial and investment sector.
Want to know how to become DSI-certified as a self-employed person? Check out the information at the link below this FAQ.
This is stipulated by the European Securities & Markets Authority (ESMA), the issuer of the mandatory ESMA Guidelines. Only employees who have both an appropriate qualification and appropriate experience (as referred to in the ESMA Guidelines) may act within their organizations as supervisors of candidates for certification, i.e. professionals who do not yet meet the guidelines. The employee in question may not work under supervision for more than 4 years. For more information please refer to the ESMA Guidelines and the AFM.
The Financial Markets Authority requires 12 months of relevant work experience on a full-time basis.
Based on this, DSI sets the following requirement in relation to DSI certification:
The certified person must have spent a substantial part of his/her time in the past five years for 12 months (on a full-time basis) on work related to the registry, either in the current position or in a previous position.
This means that in the case of part-time employment, the required number of months of work experience should be higher (calculation depending on the part-time percentage).
DSI wants to ensure that employers are well informed about the work experience of their employees upon hire. Therefore, DSI requires employers to indicate in writing on the employer statement that the 12-month requirement has been met.
The data and documents you upload in MijnDSI in the context of a DSI certification are processed in accordance with DSI’s privacy policy. This involves careful handling of personal data of financial professionals in the financial and investment sector, with attention to integrity and careful data processing.
DSI uses different categories of personal data with corresponding retention periods. How long data is kept depends on the purpose for which it was collected and legal and organizational obligations.
Want to know exactly how DSI handles your personal data and what retention periods apply? Then read the full privacy statement via the link below this FAQ.
You do not need to resubmit information that has been submitted to us within the last two years. In order to apply for a new certification, however, you do have to go through another screening by DISA if the screening was taken more than 1 year ago.
Look here for more information on applying for certification.
Are you a freelancer looking to certify with DSI? On this page you will find a detailed explanation of the application process at DSI as a freelancer. The application process differs if you as a freelancer have your own AFM license or not. Select the process that applies to you and view the details.
Various requirements apply for admitting professionals to a registry and maintaining certification. These requirements range from admission requirements to mandatory attendance at a Continuing Professional Education program. Below is an overview of the various requirements.
Knowledge Exam
To be certified for a specific registry, a candidate must have successfully completed a knowledge exam at one of the accredited training institutions. The exams and requirements vary by registry.
Testing of Skills
Professionals must meet the professional competence requirements as stated in MiFID II and the ESMA guidelines for certification in one of the ESMA registers. Part of this includes the skills test. Through the examination, professionals demonstrate that they have the necessary skills to start and continue to work professionally.
DSI Integrity Program
A professional must have successfully completed the DSI Integrity Program. This program consists of an E-learning from the Netherlands Compliance Institute and, in the case of some registers, attending an additional workshop.
Work Experience
A certified has spent a substantial portion of his/her time in the past five years for 12 months (on a full-time basis) on work related to the registry, either in the current position or in previous positions.
Continuing Professional Education
Every certified is required to complete the Continuing Professional Education program annually. This allows certified individuals to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date. These courses are taken at one of an accredited training institute.
