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.
There are approximately 17,000 CFP professionals across Canada, part of an international network of more than 175,000 CFP professionals in 26 territories around the world.
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 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. 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.
CFP® CERTIFICATION POLICIES
FAQ: CFP CERTIFICATION
Watch our Paths to FP Canada Certification webinar
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.
Learn more about education requirements
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 FP Canada Standards Council Competency Profile and integrates across financial planning areas.
Learn more about the CFP examination
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.
Learn more about work experience requirements
Effective April 1, 2022, candidates applying for CFP certification must hold, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree. The requirement comes into effect on April 1, 2022, subject to transition provisions which extend this deadline, for certain individuals who meet set requirements, to December 31, 2024. For more information on this requirement visit our Post-Secondary Education Requirements FAQs.
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 their certification.
CFP® CERTIFICATION POLICIES
CFP professionals have an obligation to ensure that their knowledge and competence remains current and must complete 25 hours of Continuing Education (CE) annually, including 2 hours of CE in the category of Professional Responsibility.
Learn more about continuing education requirements
Helping people plan for their future by providing professional holistic financial planning 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 peace of mind.
Learn more about your career in financial planning
Path to CFP® Certification