QAFP professionals serve a diverse population by offering advice for today's speed of life.

QAFP certification confirms your financial planning competence, and your commitment to high ethical standards. It’s a quicker path to becoming a professional financial planner, and it can be a stepping stone to earning your CFP® certification.

To earn QAFP certification, you will complete a comprehensive education program, pass a national exam, demonstrate one year of qualifying work experience and have a postsecondary diploma.

All candidates must adhere to the FP Canada Standards Council™ Standards of Professional Responsibility, including a Code of Ethics which requires that QAFP professionals place their clients' interests first.

Candidates with five years of qualifying work experience may be exempted from the postsecondary diploma requirement.

You can find more information in the QAFP certification policies.

 
 

Certification process

Education

Start by completing FP Canada Institute™ Technical Education—Fundamentals or a Fundamentals program recognized by FP Canada. Next, complete the FP Canada Institute QAFP Professional Education Program. You must complete this education before writing the QAFP exam.

Exam

Pass the three-hour, computer-based exam consisting of both stand-alone and case-based multiple-choice questions. The exam focuses on specific elements of the FP Canada Standards Council™ Competency Profile for QAFP Certification and integrates several financial planning areas.

Experience

Complete one year 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 QAFP certification must hold a minimum two-year diploma from an accredited Canadian postsecondary institution, or an international equivalent, or have five years of qualifying work experience.

 

QAFP certification also can be a bridge to CFP certification

If you are a QAFP professional seeking CFP certification, you can follow a tailor-made route to reach your goal. 

To qualify to write the CFP exam, complete FP Canada Institute Technical Education—Advanced or an Advanced program recognized by FP Canada and the FP Canada Institute QAFP Certification to CFP Certification Professional Education Program.

You can find more information in the CFP certification policies.

Relevant Professional Qualifications Path to QAFP Certification

If you are interested in pursuing QAFP certification and hold a relevant financial or other professional qualification (CPA, CFA, FCIA, LLB/JD), you may be eligible to pursue an alternate path to certification.

Education exemptions

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

 

“The certification upped my game and level of knowledge. I can now suggest more solutions for my clients and ask some difficult questions. Instead of focusing on one need, I’m able to see a bigger picture for their financial plan.“

QAFP  Professional

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 from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.

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