Foreign CFP^® Professional Path to CFP Certification

The program is designed to recognize your prior accomplishments and existing certification the certification process for such individuals.

To earn CFP certification from FP Canada™, you will complete an ethics course, pass a national exam, demonstrate three years of qualifying work experience and have a postsecondary degree. All candidates must adhere to the  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 may be exempted from the postsecondary degree requirement.

FP Canada will accept international degrees where there is supporting documentation establishing that the international degree is equivalent to a Canadian degree. Verification of international credentials is handled through World Education Services.

Certification process

Complete the Alternate Certification Path application.

Education

Purchase the CFP Certification Program for Foreign CFP Professionals which includes the Alternate Certification Path Application Fee and the IPE course.

Complete the FP Canada Institute Introduction to Professional Ethics course. 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.