Frequently Asked Questions

Annually, we determine the cost per participant. We do this based on the average number certified over the past three years.

We ask new clients to provide at the beginning an indication of the number of certificants for which he would like to be billed. Over time, this is automatically corrected.

Customers receive one invoice per year. You need not extra pay for new certifications en/or changes during the year.

Based on the total number of certified and the 2026 DSI budget, we have set the cost er DSI certification in 2026 at 330 EURO. We set this in January, using the final numbers at the end of 2025.

Each January, customers receive an invoice for the coming year.

Congratulations on passing your certificate! We are notified each month of the exams passed by the training institutes. We then add the exam results to the certifications. You do not have to do anything at all for this.

PE program exam results do not arrive until after the year is completed. For PE 2025, we receive these results from the trainers in January 2026. This is because the majority of those certified may have completed the PE program by then, due to the trainer where the PE training is taken. Once we have processed the results in the records, we will automatically email you an updated certificate with the updated information.

On January 1, 2018, we transitioned to a new registry building that aligns with the new legal standard, ESMA. As a result of this switch, data has been converted, and this date has been used as the start date for each (candidate) certified. If you would like to change your start date, please contact us at info@dsi.nl. We will then adjust the data in our records.

You want to change your certification because, for example, you have changed positions or are going to work for another employer. Through the Change Certification page you will find all information about changing your certification or applying for additional certification.

Do you change positions? You do not need to inform us of this. If you do want to pass this on, please contact our Customer Care Officers via telephone number 020 – 620 12 74 or send a message via e-mail: info@dsi.nl.

Once you have passed your last professional competence section, your status can be changed from candidate certified to certified. Also, if you notice that your status is not displayed correctly in the DSI Public Register, you can have it corrected.

In that case, send a message with your registration number to DSI via the contact form or call 020 – 620 12 74. DSI will then ensure that your correct status is visible in the Public Register within two working days. In this way, your integrity and professionalism as a financial professional is always up to date and visible to the sector.

Want to get your status updated immediately? Then use the contact options at the link below this FAQ.

To terminate your application, send an email to info@dsi.nl requesting termination. Please include the application number and reason for termination in the email. We will then archive the application. During the legal retention period, the information will still be available.

If certification is no longer required, please notify your retirement at info@dsi.nl stating your registration number.

Certifiers and Candidate Certifiers who are no longer working for a Participant can continue certification for up to one year. The cost for using this service is €75. Do you have questions about the conditions and registration? If so, please contact our Customer Care Officers by calling 020 – 620 12 74 or send a message via email: info@dsi.nl.

If your employer is not visible in MijnDSI, this may be because your employer is not a participant of the DSI Foundation. To certify as a professional, your employer must be affiliated with our foundation.

Your degrees remain valid as long as they meet the current requirements of the registry in which you were certified. You can view the current registry requirements on this page under the specific registry.

If you are DSI-certified, you not only demonstrate professional competence, but you also subject yourself to the DSI Code of Conduct and are therefore subject to DSI disciplinary law. Employers affiliated with us must report incidents involving their DSI-certified employees to DSI. This is how self-regulation works. Employers who are not affiliated with DSI have no reporting obligation. Therefore, you can only maintain your certification if you are with an employer who participates in DSI. Employers with an AFM or DNB license can join DSI. Look here for more information.

Have you started a new certification application in MyDSI, but don’t want to continue it? You cannot terminate an application once started yourself. Please send an email to info@dsi.nl with the request to terminate the application. Please include the application number and the reason for termination in the email. We will then archive the application after an inquiry with the employer. During the legal retention period the information is still available.

DSI’s procedures are laid down in the AO/IB (administrative organization and internal control measures). An auditor monitors DSI’s compliance with these procedures and reports to both the Board and the AFM (under the covenant between DSI and the AFM).

We periodically receive results from all trainers and process it automatically. Therefore, you do not have to do anything. If you haven’t heard anything after one month after passing all requirements, please contact us via email: info@dsi.nl.

If you are certified, of course you want to communicate that. As a DSI-certified professional, you may use the DSI logo for that purpose. However, there are conditions attached to this logo use. Read further here for the terms and conditions and its use on social media.

Something may have gone wrong with the registration of your data. We would be happy to check this for you personally. Would you like to contact one of our Customer Care Officers so they can check the registration in our system? You can reach them via e-mail: info@dsi.nl. Please include the following information in the e-mail next to the question:

DSI certification is not a legal requirement. There is no legal obligation for financial professionals or organizations in the financial sector to be affiliated or certified with DSI.

In practice, DSI does set the leading standard within the investment and financial sector. Many financial companies affiliated with DSI make certification mandatory for their financial professionals. In this way they guarantee the professional competence and integrity of employees who work with or advise on investments.

DSI was established on the initiative of the industry itself to give substance to self-regulation. In addition, DSI has a covenant with the Financial Markets Authority (AFM). Financial companies are required by law to ensure business integrity. DSI supports this by promoting and monitoring the expertise and integrity of professionals in the financial sector.

Want to know what a DSI certification means specifically for you or your organization? Then read on via the link below this FAQ

Something may have gone wrong with the registration of your data. We will gladly check this for you personally.

DSI stands for independent, serious self-regulation. DSI’s approach is characterized by a system that on the one hand promotes and demonstrates the integrity and expertise of financial professionals and on the other hand intervenes when necessary. Through a covenant with the AFM, DSI also ensures that as of 2018 you, as a DSI certified professional, will comply with the mandatory European ESMA Guidelines.

A DSI certification demonstrates objectively that you value integrity and professionalism and invest in them, for clients, employers and regulators. As a DSI-certified professional, you comply with the mandatory European ESMA guidelines and are included in the DSI Public Register, which is accessible to everyone. Thus, certification acts as a valuable calling card and the industry recognizes your expertise.

Both certified and candidate certified individuals receive an entry in the DSI Public Register. Both comply with the code of conduct set up by DSI. The difference is in the piece of education or work experience. We have explained the difference between certified and candidate certified in more detail here.

DSI distinguishes three different categories of certifications for which professionals can register: for Retail, Institutional and Specialists.

In MijnDSI, we have built in the ability for the (future) employer to send an invitation for certification.

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.

Do you work in different positions related to multiple DSI registries? Then you can apply for an Additional Certification through MyDSI. More information about applying for an additional certification can be found via the link below

Applying for or changing a certification involves several steps. A screening is a standard part of the certification procedure at DSI. This applies both when applying for a new certification and when changing your current certification. Before starting to apply for certification in one of DSI’s registers, the professional must start a certification application in MyDSI.

When applying for certification, a professional needs the following documents:

• E-mail address contact person current/future employer
• Optional: screening document previous screening by DSI, DISA, DNB and/or AFM
• Optional: exam results that apply to certification

More information on applying for certification can be found at the link below.

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.

The Financial Markets Authority requires 12 months of relevant work experience on a full-time basis.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 screening will be conducted by DISA.

The screening will be conducted by DISA.

The screening will be conducted by DISA.

The screening will be conducted by DISA.

The screening will be conducted by DISA.

The screening will be conducted by DISA.

The screening will be conducted by DISA.

The screening will be conducted by DISA.

The screening will be conducted by DISA.

The screening will be conducted by DISA. They can help answer your question.

If a professional does not comply with the DSI Code of Conduct, you can report this to DSI. An internal prosecutor will then see if the complaint can go to the independent Disciplinary Committee.

If the complaint is upheld, the Disciplinary Committee can impose a sanction, such as a warning, a fine of up to 25,000 euros, temporary suspension or even revocation of certification. All decisions are posted in the DSI Public Register. A decision can be appealed to the Appeals Committee.

DSI Disciplinary Law is a form of justice in which the independent Disciplinary Committee assesses whether a certified professional complies with the rules of conduct set out in the DSI Code of Conduct.

Disciplinary law works preventively: a conviction can affect your career and shows that standards of conduct are serious. In addition, DSI offers many practical examples of integrity dilemmas and the Disciplinary Committee publishes its rulings so that everyone can learn from practice.

All DSI (candidate) certified professionals are subject to DSI Disciplinary Law. By certification they agree to the DSI Code of Conduct and the supervision of Disciplinary Law. This applies to professionals who act, advise or inform on investments, as well as to compliance and AML professionals at a DSI participating employer.

Independent contractors are also covered by disciplinary law, provided they are DSI-certified and work for at least one DSI member.

No, reporting content changes by the trainer does not incur additional costs.

Yes, you can request accreditation for both initial exams and PE programs.

Yes, when DSI updates final terms, re-accreditation is mandatory. Changes by the trainer must always be reported to DSI.

You submit a written accreditation request via email or by mail to the secretary of the DSI Accreditation Committee. This can be done via the contact form or via to

Accreditation Committee DSI
mr. M.A. van der Lecq, secretary
Beursplein 5
1012 JW Amsterdam

PE programs must align with established learning objectives per registry and contribute to knowledge and skills annually. In addition, the DSI Continuing Professionalism Accreditation Requirements apply

DSI only assesses training programs that conclude with an examination.

Accreditation costs a one-time fee of €5,250 excluding VAT per course. Annual renewal costs €1,732.50 excluding VAT per course.

DSI accredits exams and Continuing Professional Education programs that provide access to DSI certification for financial professionals.

With an application, provide the following information:

• A written accreditation request in which you briefly explain what you offer.
• An overview of the DSI learning outcomes incorporated into the education or training.
• A clear description of the exam format (format, length, grading criteria).
• An explanation of how to ensure the objectivity and quality of the review.

Want to start your application right away? You can do so easily via the links below

DSI accreditation ensures that courses meet established learning outcomes and contribute to professional competence and integrity.

Examinations must demonstrably cover all the learning outcomes set by DSI and be objectively and testably designed.

Examinations giving access to ESMA registries are subject to the Accreditation Requirements Regulations.

The current exit requirements can be found on the DSI Exit Requirements page.

For training institutions offering training and examinations to professionals in the financial sector.

How annoying that you cannot log in with your current username and password.

MyDSI is DSI’s online platform for financial professionals in the financial and investment sector. Here you manage your data, track the status of your DSI certification and keep your Continuing Professional Education-activities. The platform thus supports your demonstrable professional competence, compliance and professional integrity.

Don’t have an account yet? Then you can easily register via the ‘I don’t have an account yet’ option on the MyDSI page. After your registration you will get access to your personal environment within the DSI-register.

Want to create an account right away or read more about using MyDSI? Then go to the page using the link below this FAQ.

MyDSI is unfortunately currently only accessible via a desktop or laptop. In the future, we will make it possible to make changes on MijnDSI via a mobile device as well. We ask you to make the change via a desktop or laptop.

At the bottom of the screen you will see a line with the name of the employer. Double clicking on this will take you to the application.

DSI expects employers to have a good view of their employees’ work experience when they hire them. Therefore, DSI requires you as an employer to certify in writing, on the employee’s employer statement, that the 12-month requirement has been met.

You have real-time visibility into the status of certifications, can make changes, create reports and share data for internal purposes or supervision.

Organizations with an AFM or DNB license can easily register through DSI. After registration, you get access to all facilities for employers.

By certifying employees, operating the DSI Code of Conduct and enabling DSI disciplinary law, DSI helps organizations make integrity demonstrable and testable.

DSI’s procedures are laid down in the AO/IB (administrative organization and internal control measures). An auditor monitors DSI’s compliance with these procedures and makes reports on this available to both the Board and the AFM (under the covenant between DSI and the AFM).

If your institution has an AFM license, your employees can certify under the participation as self-employed, temporary, seconded, franchisee or as an employee.

To notify a merger or acquisition complete this questionnaire. Then the employees certified with DSI can be registered under the name of the other organization, provided it is affiliated with DSI.

As an organization participating in DSI, you enjoy several benefits. You benefit from recognition and trust, support with certification and continuous learning, access to the DSI Public Register and insight through the employer portal.

A DSI participant is an organization in the financial sector that is actively committed to integrity, competence and professionalism of its employees. If a company has an AFM or DNB license, the organization can join DSI and thus also become a participant.

By doing so, you objectively demonstrate to customers, prospects and the regulator that your organization values and invests in the integrity and professionalism of employees. DSI certification is a valuable calling card. Being fully DSI-certified also fulfills the mandatory European ESMA Guidelines. In addition, one is included in our public register that is accessible to everyone.

This page provides an overview of what is involved in certification in a broad sense. Here we consider such things as educational requirements, experience requirements, et cetera. Here you will also find an overview of all 12 DSI registers, where the requirements are discussed in detail.

The current list of DSI participants can be found on the DSI website.

Financial organizations with an AFM or DNB license, such as banks, asset managers, investment firms and other financial service providers.

Participation in DSI shows that as an organization you take integrity and professionalism seriously and actively contribute to trust in the financial sector.

In order to keep your knowledge, through PE, up-to-date, it is necessary that you attend a complete program at one and the same trainer. DSI does not offer training itself, but has this done by external accredited trainers. These trainers are accredited by DSI and offer current and relevant programs.

In the second half of 2026, we will offer a PE program for the AML Registry, in collaboration with VU. Further information on this will follow.

At this time, there is no Continuing Professional Education program (PE) for the Integrity Registry. The PE requirement does not yet apply to you.

Yes, if you are registered with DSI before January 1, 2026, the PE obligation applies to you as well. It is important that you keep your knowledge up-to-date. Even if you do not yet have all of your diplomas. For (candidate) certified persons in the Integrity register, the PE obligation does not apply in 2026.

No, if you registered with DSI in 2026 then the PE obligation doesn’t start until 2027.

PE learning objectives vary by registry. You can view the learning objectives by register here.

PE 2026 Obligation.

If you registered for (candidate) certification with DSI for the first time in 2025, you will start with PE 2026 as of January 2026. If you registered before January 1, 2025, you will start with PE 2025. This is also confirmed in the confirmation of registration when you register. Click here to learn more about PE 2025.

You can find this in this overview. There are several training institutes that offer accredited PE programs. We recommend that you check with your employer to see if a specific training institute has been chosen. This is the case with a large number of employers.

In order to keep your knowledge, through PE, up-to-date, it is necessary that you follow a complete program at one and the same trainer. DSI does not offer training itself, but has it conducted by external trainers. These trainers are accredited by DSI and offer current and relevant programs. DSI monitors the quality and content of the programs by determining the topics of the programs annually. The order in which the topics are covered varies from trainer to trainer. Therefore, we only process PE results where the entire annual program was taken at one and the same trainer. If you want to switch, you can do so at the transition of the PE year.

We are currently determining the content of the PE program for the AML registry. Before 2025, you are not yet required to take a PE program if you are certified in this AML registry. As soon as more information is available, we will notify you and share it on our website and other communications.

At this time, there is no Continuing Professional Education program (PE) for the Integrity Registry. The PE requirement does not yet apply to you.

Yes, if you are registered with DSI before January 1, 2025, the PE obligation applies to you as well. It is important that you keep your knowledge up to date. Even if you do not yet have all of your diplomas. For (candidate) certified persons in the Integrity Register and AML Register, the PE obligation does not apply in 2025.

No, if you registered with DSI in 2025 then the PE obligation does not begin until 2026.

If you registered for (candidate) certification with DSI for the first time in 2025, you will start with PE 2026 on January 1, 2026. If you registered before January 1, 2025, you will start with PE 2025. This is also confirmed in the confirmation of registration when you register. Read more about PE 2025 here.

PE learning objectives vary by registry. You can view the learning objectives by register here.

If you registered with DSI before January 1, 2025, this means that you are required to take PE 2025. We expect you to successfully complete PE 2025 by January 1, 2026, so you can start the PE 2026 program as of January 1, 2026. Read more about PE 2025 here for additional information. The deadline for completing PE 2025 is March 31, 2026.

You can find this in this overview. There are several training institutes that offer accredited PE programs. We recommend that you check with your employer to see if a specific training institute has been chosen. This is the case with a large number of employers.

Are you currently candidate certified in one of our registries and would like to apply for an exam (Knowledge, Skills, Integrity). For more information on the registry in which you are listed in our Overview of Certifications. Below the entry requirements for each registry is all the information about the courses for each skill area and how to apply for them.

On the DSI website you will find an overview of rulings by the DSI Disciplinary Committee and the Appeals Committee. These rulings are real practical examples of how the DSI Code of Conduct and the DSI Core Principles for Integrity and Professionalism are applied within the financial and investment sector. They show how integrity dilemmas are assessed in daily professional practice and what consequences this can have for financial professionals.

The rulings page includes examples of cases such as:

• Reprimands for careless handling of confidential information and appearance of conflict of interest.
• Cases reconsidered by the Appeals Committee, such as conflict of interest and outside activities issues, linked to the DSI Code of Conduct and core principles.
• Historical rulings surrounding advice in unregulated products, insider trading and conduct of business violations.

These statements will help you understand what DSI understands by acting with integrity and professional competence and how it is weighed in practice.

Want to view the full collection of sayings and get inspired by actual examples? Then go to the statements page via the link below this FAQ.