The most widely recognized financial planning designation in Canada and worldwide, the Certified Financial Planner® designation 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.
CFP certification is considered the standard for the financial planning profession worldwide. 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 and earn three years of qualifying work experience. To maintain certification, CFP professionals must keep their knowledge and skills current by completing Continuing Education courses every year. They must also adhere to FP Canada Standards Council’s Standards of Professional Responsibility, including a Code of Ethics which mandates that CFP professionals must always place their clients’ interests first. FP Canada vigilantly enforces these standards among its certificants.
There are approximately 16,500 CFP professionals across Canada, part of an international network of more than 175,000 CFP professionals in 26 territories around the world.
Read our FAQ: CFP Certification
FP Canada is making changes to its certification programs. Effective January 1, 2020, FPSC Level 1® certification will be replaced by QAFP™ certification and all current FPSC Level 1 certificants will automatically become
QAFP professionals. Additionally, changes to the paths to CFP® certification will be implemented following a transition period.
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The path to CFP certification is designed to ensure that CFP professionals can meet their clients’ needs and the evolving requirements of the financial services industry. If you hold relevant financial or other professional qualifications, you may be eligible to pursue a faster, alternate path to certification.
Education is a key component of the path to CFP certification, ensuring that CFP professionals develop the knowledge and skills required for excellence in financial planning.
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The CFP examination is a six-hour, computer-based exam consisting of a combination of multiple-choice and constructed-response questions. The exam focuses on specific elements of the CFP Professional Competency
Profile and integrates several financial planning areas.
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To apply for CFP certification, candidates must complete three years of qualifying work experience. Working directly with clients provides the opportunity to hone your skills and demonstrate that you’re
able to serve clients in a real-world setting.
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Helping people plan for their future financially isn't just a way to make a living. It’s a way to make a difference. CFP professionals have the opportunity to give clients financial peace of mind.
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CFP certification is valid for one year. To maintain certification, CFP professionals must renew their certification by March 31 each year. There are several requirements that CFP professionals must attest
to in order to renew certification.
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CFP professionals have an obligation to ensure that their knowledge and competence remains current and must complete 25 hours of Continuing Education (CE) annually.
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