Passing the QAFP® exam or CFP® exam is essential to gain certification as a QAFP professional or CFP professional.

The competency-based exams offered by FP Canada™ assess your ability to apply financial planning knowledge to real-life situations and demonstrate competence in the practice of financial planning.  The exams cover financial management, insurance and risk management, investment planning, retirement planning, tax planning, and estate planning and law for financial planning.

Each exam is based on its respective FP Canada Standards Council™ competency profile:

The exams are managed by the FP Canada Standards Council, and set by the council's Exam Panels.

All candidates for an exam must attest that they understand and will follow all policies and procedures related to writing the exam, including those regarding ethics and conduct during and after the exam.

Upcoming exams

The next QAFP exams will be held on October 7, 2025 and January/February 2026.
The next CFP exam sittings are on October 8 and 9, 2025, and then May 2026.

 

Exam registration requirements

Make sure you're eligible to register. 

 

Exam content and format

Learn how the QAFP exam and CFP exam accurately assess candidates' financial planning competence.

 

Prepare for the exam

Use the range of study resources and tools FP Canada offers to help candidates prepare for the exam.

 

Exam ethics and conduct

Review your obligations to behave in an ethical manner throughout the exam process.

Exam dates

FP Canada exams are held three times a year, in February, May/June and October.

 

Register for the exam

Determine if you plan to write the exam at an in-person test centre or via online proctoring.

 

Write the exam

Review details about admission tickets, valid identification, approved calculators, and exam day procedures.

 

Exam results

Understand how the exams are designed to identify candidates who meet the certification standards, using a rigorous scoring process to ensure accuracy and fairness.

 

FP Canada Standards Council Competency Profiles

Exams assess the competencies for QAFP certification or CFP certification outlined in the relevant competency profile.

View FP Canada Standards Council Competency Profiles
 

Exam guides

Each exam guide explains the administrative policies that ensure all exam candidates are treated fairly. If you plan to write an FP Canada exam, you must read the appropriate guide prior to registration.

Guide to the QAFP exam   Guide to the CFP exam

 

Online proctoring

FP Canada provides a secure alternative to traditional in-person test centres that gives candidates flexible exam start times and a convenient at-home writing location.

Online proctoring information