Through the Institute's unique professional education program, you apply your technical knowledge in real-world situations, learn how to communicate important messages effectively, and understand the key psychological and behavioural factors that motivate clients and affect their decisions.

Offered exclusively by the FP Canada Institute, the CFP Professional Education program uses interactive exercises, real-life scenarios, and direct feedback from financial planners certified by FP Canada to ensure CFP professionals are client ready.

 
 

Program overview

The CFP Professional Education Program helps you understand key behavioural factors affecting client decisions and apply your understanding to complex client scenarios. In this program, you will:

  • learn to support clients to achieve their goals through holistic financial planning that covers the knowledge requirements expected of a CFP professional
  • build behavioural and relationship knowledge and skills
  • benefit from practical learning that includes realistic client scenarios and interactive exercises
  • understand the many behavioral factors that drive client decisions, even in complex scenarios
  • understand the importance of always acting in the best interest of your clients and maintaining the highest standards of professional responsibility
  • receive coaching and feedback from practicing CFP professionals
 

Registration and timelines

To enroll in the CFP Professional Education Program, you must have met one of the following eligibility requirements within four years of starting the program:

  • FP Canada Institute Technical Education—Fundamentals and Technical Education—Advanced
  • Fundamental and Advanced programs recognized by FP Canada
  • hold relevant professional qualifications, the F.Pl. designation or CFP certification from another Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) member territory

You can register for a program cohort that starts within three months. The cohorts start on the first day of each month. Registration closes 10 business days prior to the scheduled start date, including submission of required documentation.  

The CFP Professional Education Program is equivalent to a one-semester university course. The program takes an estimated 75–95 hours to complete and must be completed within 12 months of the program start date. A three-month extension or a postponement can be requested if more time is needed.

For all policies relating to the CFP Professional Education Program, refer to the FP Canada Institute Student Handbook.

Review this recommended schedule to help you pace your progress. For example, if you begin your program on March 1, you will need to complete the quiz and submit the end-of-unit assignment for Unit 1 by March 31.

 
UnitEvaluation itemDue date (by end of) 
Introduction to Professional Ethics Quiz 
Month 1 
1: Value proposition Case study assignment Month 1 
2: Terms of engagement Case study assignment Month 2 
3: Discovery Case study assignment Month 4
4: Analysis Case study assignment Month 6
5: Recommendations and financial plan Case study assignment Month 8
6: Implement recommendations Case study assignment Month 9
7: Monitor and reviewCase study assignment Month 10
Final Assessment 
Final AssessmentMonth 12
 

Continuing education

The CFP Professional Education Program is eligible for the following continuing education (CE) credits:

  • MFDA: Business Conduct, Ethics - 8 CE credits; Professional Development - 20 CE credits
  • IIROC: Compliance - 10 CE credits; Professional Development - 20 CE credits
 
 

Technology requirements

To complete all elements of the program, the following technology is required:

  • a computer with a sound card and speakers or headphones
  • a high-speed internet connection
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel (macros enabled)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader

You can access online learning using a tablet or mobile device. However, you will need to use a computer to complete each of the program assignments and the final assessment.

Mac Users: To ensure the assignments and final assessment display and function correctly, set Acrobat Reader as the default application for opening PDF documents.

 

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.

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