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 QAFP Professional Education Program uses interactive exercises, real-life scenarios, and direct feedback from financial planners certified by FP Canada to ensure QAFP professionals are client ready.

 
 

Program overview

The QAFP Professional Education Program focuses on human behaviour skills development through scenario-based training. It features a one-on-one Live Discovery assessment where you can practice your client skills with experienced financial planners and benefit from real-time feedback. 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 QAFP professional
  • build behavioural and relationship knowledge and skills
  • demonstrate your new knowledge and skills through a hands-on live, interactive discovery process
  • receive coaching and feedback from experienced QAFP professionals and CFP professionals  
  • develop strong communication and engagement skills
  • understand the importance of always acting in the best interest of your clients and maintaining the highest standards of professional responsibility
 

Registration and timelines

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

You can register at any time and must start the program within one month of registration.

The QAFP Professional Education Program takes an estimated 25 hours to complete over three to five months.

You have five months from the start date to complete the program. A three-month extension can be purchased if more time is required.

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

 

Program format

The QAFP Professional Education Program has seven units, each with a financial planning, human behaviour, and professional responsibility section. It is delivered online through the FP Canada Institute Learning Platform.  

  • you will receive feedback on your assignments from experienced QAFP professionals and CFP professionals 
  • the program is self-paced, and you should plan your schedule to allow for feedback on assignments as well as time to schedule the live discovery interview

Review this recommended schedule to help you pace your progress.

 
UnitEvaluation itemSuggested time to complete (by end of)
Introduction Units 
Quiz  Week 2
1: Value proposition 
Quiz  Week 4
2: Terms of engagement Quiz  Week 4
3: Discovery Case study assignment Week 7
4: Analysis 
Case study assignment Week 10
5: Recommendations and financial plan Case study assignment Week 12
6: Implement recommendations QuizWeek 14 
7: Monitor and review QuizWeek 14
Human Behaviour Discussion Forum DiscussionWeek 15
Final Assessment Part 1: Live Discovery Interview Week 18
Final Assessment Part 2: Written Financial Plan Submission Week 21 
 

Continuing education

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

  • MFDA: Business Conduct, Ethics - 8 CE credits; Professional Development - 17 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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