Paths to Certification

The paths to certification are designed to ensure that FP Canada™ certificants meet the high standards of competence and ethics required to meet the evolving needs of Canadians and ensure that they remain relevant to the practice of financial planning.
Learn more about QAFP® certification
Learn more about CFP® certification

If you are interested in pursuing QAFP certification and hold a relevant financial or other professional qualification (CPA, CFA, FCIA, LL.B./J.D.), you may be eligible to pursue an alternate path to certification.
Learn more about relevant professional qualifications path to QAFP certification

If you are interested in pursuing CFP certification, and hold a relevant financial or other professional qualification (Pl. Fin., CPA, CFA, FCIA, LL.B./J.D. or are a Foreign CFP Professional), you may be eligible to pursue an alternate path to certification.
Learn more about alternate paths to CFP certification

There are two routes available for QAFP professionals seeking CFP certification.
Learn more about the QAFP Certification Bridge Path to CFP Certification

In addition, candidates who hold certain other designations or licenses may apply for education exemptions from components of Technical Education – Fundamentals and Advanced Courses or Core Curriculum and Advanced Curriculum requirements.
Learn more about education exemptions

Select an FP Canada Certification to View Your Path to Certification


QAFP Logo
QAFP Certification

Qualified Associate Financial Planner certification is a great way to start your career in financial planning. QAFP professionals are ideally suited to help clients who want to grow their financial well-being. They have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, experience and ethics to understand client needs as change happens and strategies evolve. Their advice is holistic and touches many aspects of each client's life. QAFP professionals serve a diverse population by offering advice for today's speed of life. This certification can also be a bridge to CFP certification.

Paths to QAFP Certification

Direct Path to QAFP Certification
Relevant Professional Qualifications Path to QAFP Certification

CFP Logo
CFP Certification

Certified Financial Planner certification is the most widely recognized financial planning designation in Canada and throughout the world and is considered the 'gold standard' for the profession. 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™.

Paths to CFP Certification