The Direct Path to CFP Certification offers a streamlined path to obtaining CFP certification for those who choose not to pursue QAFP certification first. For more information, please refer to the CFP Certification Policies.
Explore the steps below or click the diagram on the right to learn more about your path to certification.
The Direct Path to CFP Certification begins when you enrol in an FP Canada-Approved Core Curriculum Program and FP Canada-Approved Advanced Curriculum Program, or a program that meets the curriculum requirements for Core and Advanced Curriculum. Concurrently or subsequently, you may enrol in the Introduction to Professional Ethics (IPE) course.
Following successful completion of the IPE course and FP Canada-Approved Core and Advanced Curriculum programs, you may enrol in the CFP Professional Education Program.
Upon completion, you will be eligible to write the CFP examination.
You may apply for CFP certification once you pass the CFP examination and complete three years of qualifying work experience.
Enrol in an FP Canada-Approved Core Curriculum Program or FP Canada-Approved Core + Advanced Curriculum Program. You may choose to complete this program before, at the same time, or after completing the FP Canada Institute™
IPE course.
Learn more about the Core Curriculum Program
Helpful Resources
CFP Certification Policies
Financial Planning Body of Knowledge
Find FP Canada-Approved Core Curriculum or Advanced Curriculum Program Providers
Enrol in an FP Canada-Approved Advanced Curriculum Program. You may choose to complete this program before, at the same time, or after completing the IPE course.
Learn more about the Advanced Curriculum Program
Helpful Resources
CFP Certification Policies
Financial Planning Body of Knowledge
FP Canada Standards Council™ Competency Profile
Find FP Canada-Approved Advanced Curriculum Program Providers
Enrol in the IPE course. You may choose to complete this course before, at the same time, or after completing FP Canada-Approved Core Curriculum and Advanced Curriculum Programs.
Learn more about the IPE course
Helpful Resources
CFP Certification Policies
Enrol in the CFP Professional Education Program.
Learn more about the CFP Professional Education Program
Helpful Resources
CFP Certification Policies
Write the CFP examination. The first CFP examination based on the new requirements for CFP certification (effective January 1, 2020) will be held in November 2020. It will follow a similar format to prior CFP examinations.
Learn more about the CFP examination
Helpful Resources
CFP Exam Study Toolkit
FAQ: CFP Examination
Once you have completed three years of qualifying work experience, you are ready to apply for CFP certification.
Note: Effective April 2022, a post-secondary degree will be a requirement for CFP certification.
Learn more about work experience requirements
Learn more about post-secondary education requirements
Helpful Resources
CFP Certification Policies
Standards of Professional Responsibility
