Join an in-demand profession that directly contributes to the well-being of society

As a QAFP professional or CFP professional, you’ll:

  • listen closely to clients and help them identify their aspirations and goals
  • work with them to develop a financial plan that addresses and reflects their whole lives
  • support them to implement the plan
  • continue to evolve the plan to fit clients' changing circumstances

As a financial planner, you’ll focus on all aspects of your clients' lives and see their needs through a broad lens. Plus, you’ll learn to understand the behavioural factors that drive their decisions while working with the highest standards of professional responsibility.

Sound like you?

Earning QAFP certification or CFP certification is your entry to a rewarding career in a rapidly growing profession.

Many paths to a career as a professional financial planner

Wondering if a career as a professional financial planner is a good fit for you? You might be surprised to learn how many paths can lead you there.

FP Canada™ works with you to develop a custom learning pathway to financial planning certification, whether you are already working in the financial services industry, looking to change careers or just starting your professional journey.

 

Financial professionals

Many QAFP professionals and CFP professionals come from related fields in the financial services industry. If you’re already a financial services professional, QAFP certification or CFP certification prepares you to take the next step in your career by leveraging your existing experience and credentials.

Earning a certification from FP Canada can set you apart from the competition.

Career changers

QAFP professionals and CFP professionals come from many fields of work and study.

If you're considering a career change to financial planning, you likely already have skills that are transferable to working as a professional financial planner, including empathy, relationship-building and problem-solving.

When you earn a certification from FP Canada you join an in-demand profession.

Postsecondary students

Postsecondary education offers excellent opportunities to start a career as a professional financial planner.

As part of their degree, diploma, and certificate programs, many Canadian universities and colleges offer programs recognized by FP Canada that will get you started on the path towards QAFP certification or CFP certification.

Learn more about the financial planning profession and which schools offer education towards certification.

Visit Become a Financial Planner
 

Certification equips you with the knowledge and experience you need for a successful financial planning practice, and sets you apart in the eyes of clients and employers.

 

Annual income for QAFP professionals*

Annual income for CFP professionals*

Top 10 employers of financial planners*

  • RBC
  • IG Wealth Management
  • TD
  • CIBC
  • BMO
  • Sun Life
  • Scotiabank
  • Assante
  • Manulife
  • Canada Life
 

*Based on self-reported data for January 1 – December 31, 2023.

 

Find your path to certification

The FP Canada Certification Pathfinder™ is a new approach to help you find your path to becoming a professional financial planner.

Once you’ve created your FP Canada account, your custom dashboard will guide you to certification, recording your progress as you take your next steps.

Get started