FactSet Quick Start Guide: Personal Device Access

What is FactSet?

FactSet is a research database that monitors world market trends and provides extensive company and industry data, analytic tools, and data feeds. It is used by finance industry professionals around the world. FactSet is specialized software that has been licensed by the FLC and requires accounts to access; it cannot be accessed through the public FactSet.com website.

Options for Accessing FactSet

FactSet can be accessed on a personal device using one of two options:

  • FactSet Web: This version is web-based and compatible with all devices. It offers access to all of the content and functionality available on FactSet Workstation. However, some portfolio analytics and the Excel plug-in are not included with FactSet Web.
  • FactSet Workstation: This version is an installed version, meaning FactSet software must be downloaded directly on to a personal device. This version is only compatible with Windows devices. It offers all content and functionality, and includes the Excel plug-in.

Screen capture of the Digital Market place landing page on FactSet Web with options for FactSet Web and FactSet Workstation

Requesting a FactSet Account

Students, staff, and faculty with a valid University of Toronto email can request an account for use on a personal device.

To request a FactSet account, email us at utm.lkcflc@utoronto.ca with the following information:

  • First & Last Name
  • U of T Email Address (@mail.utoronto.ca)
  • Program (e.g. Commerce, Finance, etc.)
  • Expected Month and Year of Graduation (e.g. June 2025)

A personal FactSet account is required in order to access FactSet Learning, FactSet's e-learning platform. FactSet Essentials, FactSet's certification program, can be accessed through FactSet Learning. Please refer to the FLC's Certifications Quick Start Guide for more information about FactSet Essentials.

Need More Help?

FactSet offers extensive online and in-person help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For context-sensitive help with an active screen or function, look for the blue '?' icon at the top left in FactSet Workstation, and select 'Online Assistant' from the pull down menu.

Close up of FactSet menu with arrow pointing to help icon

Note: Your FactSet account will deactivate after 90 days if you do not use it. Contact FactSet Support at support@factset.com for help reactivating your account. Your account will expire once you graduate from the University.

For more general help, and to access video tutorials and other help content, visit the FactSet Learning website at https://learning.factset.com. Access to the FactSet Learning website requires a personal FactSet account.

For live help, look for the '?' icon and select ‘Contact Us’ from the pull-down menu to locate a toll-free 1-800 number and email address for FactSet’s Support Desk.

Screenshot of Help options with contact us circled in redList of FactSet phone numbers with an arrow pointing to North America

Workshops

The FLC hosts the FLC Tools Workshop series, which include two FactSet-focused workshops: FactSet Basics and FactSet Intermediate. Attendees can earn one Management PSDP point AND one Library 101 certification credit for each workshop attended. Visit https://library.utm.utoronto.ca/flc/workshops to learn more and register.