Education Requirements
FP Canada’s education requirements are specifically tailored to each certification. Explore the programs below to learn more about your education requirements on the path to QAFP™ certification and CFP® certification.
View a complete list of professional education and course equivalency fees.
FP Canada-Approved Core Curriculum and Advanced Curriculum Programs
Candidates pursuing QAFP certification will be required to complete Core Curriculum education, preparing them to work with clients with typical financial planning needs, whereas candidates pursuing CFP certification will be required to complete both Core Curriculum and Advanced Curriculum education, preparing them to work with clients who have financial planning needs at all levels of complexity.
FP Canada-Approved Core Curriculum education completed prior to December 31, 2019 will satisfy both the new Core Curriculum and Advanced Curriculum requirements effective January 1, 2020.
Completion of an FP Canada-Approved Core Curriculum program is a requirement on the path to QAFP certification and CFP certification. The Core Curriculum aligns to the FP Canada Competency Profile and the knowledge requirements of a QAFP professional detailed in the Financial Planning Body of Knowledge. FP Canada-Approved Core Curriculum Programs are offered by several institutions throughout Canada, both in person and online.
Students should confirm with their education provider the full set of courses that satisfy the requirements for Core Curriculum.
View a list of FP Canada-Approved Core Curriculum Programs.
Completion of an FP Canada-Approved Advanced Curriculum Program is a requirement on the path to CFP certification. The Advanced Curriculum aligns to the FP Canada Competency Profile and the knowledge requirements of a CFP professional detailed in the Financial Planning Body of Knowledge. FP Canada-Approved Advanced Curriculum Programs are offered by several institutions throughout Canada, both in person and online.
Students should confirm with their education provider the courses offered comprise the Advanced Curriculum program.
View a list of FP Canada-Approved Advanced Curriculum Programs.
Certain education providers offer programs comprising courses which satisfy both the requirements for Core Curriculum and Advanced Curriculum. These FP Canada-Approved Core Curriculum and Advanced Curriculum Programs are offered by several institutions throughout Canada, both in person and online.
Students should confirm with their education provider the full set of courses that satisfy the requirements for Core Curriculum and Advanced Curriculum.
View a list of FP Canada-Approved Core and Advanced Curriculum Programs.
Candidates who hold certain designations and licenses in good standing may apply for education exemptions from components of FP Canada’s Core Curriculum and Advanced Curriculum requirements.
FP Canada Institute™ Professional Education Programs
In addition to the technical competence that is key to success, financial planners must develop essential professional skills and gain a strong grasp of their ethical obligations.
Through the FP Canada Institute Introduction to Professional Ethics course, students on the path to QAFP™ certification and CFP® certification will develop a deep understanding of their ethical obligations.
Through the FP Canada Institute Professional Education Programs, students will apply their technical knowledge in practice, learn how to communicate important messages effectively and understand the key psychological and behavioural factors that motivate clients.
For more information on the FP Canada Institute courses and programs, refer to the FP Canada Institute Student Handbook
A two-hour long self-study course, Introduction to Professional Ethics (IPE) equips students with the requisite foundational knowledge of the ethical obligations owed by all professionals, and the specific application of these obligations to financial planning practice. IPE teaches students the distinction between integrity-based professional obligations and compliance-based obligations, with emphasis on the financial services landscape. The course introduces the specific professional obligations of QAFP professionals and CFP professionals, why they matter and what they mean in practical terms.
Learn more about the Introduction to Professional Ethics course
NEW: The FP Canada Institute Introduction to Professional Ethics course is now eligible for the following 2 MFDA continuing education (CE) credits:
- Business Conduct, Ethics – 2 CE credits
The CFP Professional Education Program teaches students how to apply learning achieved through their Core and Advanced Curriculum programs to the practice of financial planning.
While the technical content learned in Core and Advanced Curriculum courses is essential, it is critical for financial planners to focus on the holistic nature of people’s lives, develop behavioural and relationship skills to effectively connect with clients, and above all, to always act in the client’s best interest maintaining the highest standards of professional responsibility.
The CFP Professional Education Program uses real-world case scenarios to develop a deep understanding of, and competence in Holistic Financial Planning, Human Behaviour and Honesty and Ethics (3H) to help financial planners see their clients’ entire financial picture, no matter how complex.
Students will be awarded the Advanced Certificate in 3H Financial Planning™ upon successful completion of the program, with easy-to-share digital credentials.
Learn more about the CFP Professional Education Program
NEW: The FP Canada Institute CFP Professional Education Program is now eligible for the following 28 MFDA continuing education (CE) credits:
- Business Conduct, Ethics – 8 CE credits
- Professional Development – 20 CE credits
The QAFP Professional Education Program teaches students how to apply learning achieved through their Core Curriculum programs to the practice of financial planning.
While the technical content learned in Core Curriculum courses is essential as a basis for providing financial planning advice to clients, it is critical for financial planners to focus on the holistic nature of people’s lives, develop behavioural and relationship skills to effectively connect with clients, and above all, to always act in the client’s best interest maintaining the highest standards of professional responsibility.
The QAFP Professional Education Program uses real-world case scenarios to develop an understanding of, and competence in, Holistic Financial Planning, Human Behaviour, and Honesty and Ethics (3H) to help meet the everyday financial planning needs of all Canadians.
Students will be awarded the Certificate in 3H Financial Planning upon successful completion of the program, with easy-to-share digital credentials.
Learn more about the QAFP Professional Education Program
NEW: The FP Canada Institute QAFP Professional Education Program is now eligible for the following 28 MFDA continuing education (CE) credits:
- Business Conduct, Ethics – 8 CE credits
- Professional Development – 20 CE credits
Offered by the FP Canada Institute, the QAFP Certification to CFP Certification Bridge Program is designed for QAFP professionals who are interested in pursuing CFP certification and have completed the QAFP Professional Education Program. This program focuses on the application of both the Core and Advanced Curriculum and both fundamental and advanced principles of human behaviour in client engagements that are both more and less complex.
The QAFP Certification to CFP Certification Bridge Program uses real-world case scenarios for students to develop a deep understanding of, and competence in the integrated, holistic nature of financial planning practice.
Learn more about the QAFP Certification to CFP Certification Bridge Program
Eligibility Requirements for FP Canada Institute Education
FP Canada Institute™ Education | Eligibility Requirements |
Introduction to Professional Ethics (IPE) |
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CFP Professional Education Program |
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QAFP Professional Education Program |
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QAFP Certification to CFP Certification Bridge Program (Bridge Program) |
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Education Currency Requirements for Exam Eligibility
Candidates pursuing QAFP certification must write the QAFP examination within four years of completing Core Curriculum or IPE, whichever is completed first.
The CFP examination must be completed within four years of completing the CFP Professional Education Program.
Candidates must register for the CFP Professional Education Program within four years of completing Advanced Curriculum or IPE, whichever is completed first. QAFP professionals in good standing are exempt from this four-year time limit.
Post-Secondary Education Requirements
Candidates applying for QAFP certification must hold, at minimum, a two-year college diploma and candidates applying for CFP certification must hold, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree or demonstrate 10 years of qualifying financial planning work experience. Work experience and designation related exceptions are available and more information can be found in our Post-Secondary Education Requirements FAQs, the QAFP Certification Policies and the CFP Certification Policies.