CFP® certification signals to clients that they are working with a professional who has demonstrated the knowledge, skills, experience and ethics to build a comprehensive financial plan at the highest level of complexity required of the profession, so they can Live Life Confidently™.

To earn CFP certification, you will complete a rigorous education program, pass a national exam, demonstrate three years of qualifying work experience and have a postsecondary degree. All candidates must adhere to FP Canada Standards Council™ Standards of Professional Responsibility, including a Code of Ethics which requires that CFP professionals place their clients' interests first.

Candidates with ten years of qualifying financial planning work experience or who have held QAFP® certification for at least five years, may be exempted from the postsecondary degree requirement.

You can find more information in the CFP certification policies.

 
 

Certification process

Education

Start by completing FP Canada Institute™ Technical Education—Fundamentals and Advanced or a Fundamentals and Advanced program recognized by FP Canada.

Next, complete the FP Canada Institute CFP Professional Education Program. You must complete this education before writing the CFP exam.

Exam

Pass the six-hour, computer-based exam consisting of a combination of stand-alone, multiple-choice (20%-30%), and case-based constructed-response (70%-80%) questions.

The exam specifications are published in the FP Canada Blueprint: CFP Exam. Questions focus on specific elements of the FP Canada Standards Council™ Competency Profile for CFP Certification and integrate several financial planning areas.

Experience

Complete three years of qualifying work experience.

Ethics

Review and agree to comply with the FP Canada Standards Council Standards of Professional Responsibility.

You are now ready to apply for certification.

 

Note: Applicants for CFP certification must hold a minimum three-year degree from an accredited Canadian postsecondary institution, or an international equivalent, or have ten years of qualifying work experience.

 
 

Education exemptions

Candidates who hold certain other designations or licenses can apply for education exemptions from components of Technical Education—Fundamentals and Advanced or Fundamentals and Advanced programs recognized by FP Canada.

  • Securities License (IIROC)
  • Mutual Funds License (MFDA)
  • PFA, DFSA and CFSA
  • RRC® 
  • PFP® 
  • CLU® 

Learn more about education exemptions

 

QAFP Certification to CFP Certification Path

The QAFP certification to CFP certification path provides two options for QAFP professionals who are seeking CFP certification.

 

Foreign CFP Professional Path to CFP Certification

Individuals who hold CFP certification from another Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) member territory may pursue the Foreign CFP Professional Path to CFP Certification.

F.Pl. Path to CFP Certification

Licensed financial planners in Québec may pursue the F.Pl. Path to CFP Certification.

 

Relevant Professional Qualifications Path to CFP Certification

If you hold a relevant professional qualification in good standing, you can pursue the Relevant Professional Qualifications Path to CFP Certification.

 

Need help?

FP Canada provides information and guidance to QAFP professionals and CFP professionals at all stages of their careers.

Certificant and Student Services is available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET.

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