The Direct Path to CFP Certification is designed to ensure that CFP professionals can meet their clients’ needs, through rigorous requirements of education, examination and experience. For more information, please refer to the CFP Certification Policies – effective January 1, 2020.
Explore the steps below or click the diagram on the right to understand your path to certification.
The Direct Path to CFP Certification begins when you enrol in an FP Canada-Approved Core Curriculum Program or Introduction to Professional Ethics. Once you successfully complete both of these programs, you may enrol in an FP Canada-Approved Advanced Curriculum Program. You may then proceed to the CFP Professional Education Program. Upon completion, you will be eligible to write the CFP examination. Once you have passed the CFP examination and completed three years of qualifying work experience, you may apply for CFP certification.
Enrol in an FP Canada-Approved Core Curriculum Program. You may choose to complete this program before, at the same time or after completing the Introduction to Professional Ethics.
Learn More About Core Curriculum Program
Helpful Resources
CFP Certification Policies – Effective January 1, 2020
Financial Planning Body of Knowledge
Enrol in the Introduction to Professional Ethics program. You may choose to complete this program before, at the same time or after the Core Curriculum Program.
Learn More About Introduction to Professional Ethics
Helpful Resources
CFP Certification Policies – Effective January 1, 2020
Enrol in an FP Canada-Approved Advanced Curriculum Program.
Learn More About Advanced Curriculum Program
Helpful Resources
CFP Certification Policies – Effective January 1, 2020
Financial Planning Body of Knowledge
Find FP Canada-Approved Advanced Curriculum Program Providers
Enrol in the CFP Professional Education Program.
Learn More About CFP Professional Education Program
Helpful Resources
CFP Certification Policies – Effective January 1, 2020
Write the CFP Examination. The first CFP examination based on the new requirements for CFP certification (effective January 1, 2020) will be held in June 2020. It will follow a similar format to prior CFP exams.
Learn More About the Exam
Helpful Resources
CFP Exam Study Toolkit
FAQ: CFP Exam
Once you’ve completed three years of qualifying work experience, you’re ready to apply for CFP certification.
Please Note: Effective January 2022, a post-secondary degree will be a requirement for CFP certification.
Learn More About Post-Secondary Education Requirements
Learn More About Work Experience Requirements
Helpful Resources
CFP Certification Policies – Effective January 1, 2020
FP Canada Standards Council Standards of Professional Responsibility
