QAFP™ Certification
QUALIFIED ASSOCIATE FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification is a great way to start your career in financial planning. QAFP professionals have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, experience, and ethics to understand their clients’ everyday financial planning needs and to provide holistic financial advice for Canadians that fits their diverse lives and supports their goals. This certification can also be a stepping stone to CFP certification. This is where confidence begins
QAFP designation presents a certification option for financial planners wishing to serve a broad market, or for those wishing to gain recognition of their qualifications and professionalism along the path to CFP® certification. QAFP professionals enable a broad population of Canadians to access the professional financial planning advice they need.
To obtain the QAFP designation, candidates must complete a rigorous education program, pass a national exam and demonstrate one year of qualifying work experience. To maintain certification, QAFP professionals must keep their knowledge and skills current by completing 12 hours of continuing education each year. They must also adhere to FP Canada Standards Council™ Standards of Professional Responsibility, including a Code of Ethics which mandates that QAFP professionals place their clients’ interests first. The Standards Council vigilantly enforces these standards.
QAFP™ CERTIFICATION POLICIES
FAQ: QAFP CERTIFICATION
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Path to QAFP™ CertificationRelevant Professional Qualifications Path to QAFP Certification
Education
Education is a key component of the path to QAFP certification, ensuring that QAFP professionals develop the knowledge and skills required for excellence in financial planning.
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Examination
The QAFP examination is a four-hour, computer-based exam consisting of case-based and stand-alone, mutliple-choice questions. The exam focuses on the FP Canada Standards Council Competency Profile and integrates across financial planning topic areas.
Learn more about the QAFP examinationFAQ: QAFP EXAMINATION
Work Experience Requirements
To apply for QAFP certification, candidates must complete one year 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 requirementsExamples of qualifying work experience
FAQ: WORK EXPERIENCE
Post-Secondary Education Requirement
Effective April 1, 2022, candidates applying for QAFP certification must hold, at minimum, a two-year college diploma. For more information on this requirement visit our Post-Secondary Education Requirements FAQs.
Maintaining QAFP Certification
QAFP certification is valid for one year. To maintain certification, QAFP professionals must renew their certification by July 31 each year. There are several requirements that QAFP professionals must attest to in order to renew their certification.
QAFP™ CERTIFICATION POLICIESLearn more about maintaining QAFP certification
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Continuing Education Requirements
QAFP professionals have an obligation to ensure that their knowledge and competence remains current and must complete 12 hours of Continuing Education (CE) annually, including 1 hour of CE in the category of Professional Responsibility.
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FAQ: CONTINUING EDUCATION
Your Career in Financial Planning
Helping people plan for their future financially is not just a way to make a living. It’s a way to make a difference. QAFP professionals have the opportunity to give clients financial peace of mind.
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