Direct Path to CFP^® Certification

The most widely recognized financial planning designation in Canada and worldwide, the Certified Financial Planner^®  certification provides assurance to Canadians that the design of their financial future rests with a professional who will put their clients’ interests ahead of their own.

There are approximately 17,000 CFP professionals across Canada, part of an international network of more than 192,000 CFP professionals in 26 territories around the world.

CFP professionals have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, experience and ethics to examine their clients’ entire financial picture, at the highest level of complexity required of the profession, and work with their clients to build a financial plan so that they can Live Life Confidently™.

To obtain the CFP designation, candidates must complete a rigorous education program, pass a national exam, have a post secondary degree and demonstrate three years of qualifying work experience. To maintain certification, CFP professionals must keep their knowledge and skills current by completing 25 hours of continuing education each year, including at least two hours of professional responsibility focused continuing education. They must also adhere to the FP Canada Standards Council™ Standards of Professional Responsibility, including a Code of Ethics which mandates that CFP professionals place their clients’ interests first. The Standards Council vigilantly enforces these standards.

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, 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.