Alternate Paths to CFP® Certification Page

If you hold one of the following qualifications, you may be eligible to pursue an alternate path to CFP® certification.

QualificationPath to Certification
CPA
CFA
Fellow of the FCIA
LL.B./J.D.		You may apply to proceed directly to the CFP Professional Education Program.
Pl. Fin.You may apply to proceed directly to the CFP Examination.
Foreign CFP ProfessionalUpon successful completion of IPE, you may apply to proceed directly to the CFP examination.

 

To be eligible for CFP certification, applicants must hold a post-secondary degree from an accredited college or university. FP Canada will accept international degrees where there is supporting documentation establishing that the international degree is equivalent to a Canadian degree.

Candidates will be exempt from post-secondary education requirements if they passed the CFP examination prior to March 31, 2022, have more than 10 years of relevant work experience or have held QAFP certification for a minimum of five years and are a QAFP professional in good standing. For more information and additional transition provisions, please visit our post-secondary education requirements FAQ page.

 

How to Apply for an Alternate Path Option

The first step on your alternate path to CFP certification is to complete an Alternate Path to CFP Certification application.
To do so, login or create an account on the FP Canada Portal, click the ‘My Applications’ link at the top, and complete the online application.
Applications take 1-2 business days to process. You will receive email notifications regarding the status of your application.
A $275 non-refundable fee will apply to review the application and verify your eligibility. To view a complete list of FP Canada™ fees, refer to the FP Canada Fee Schedule.

 

Education Exemptions

If you are not eligible for an alternate path to certification, you may be eligible for an education exemption. Candidates who hold the following designations and licenses in good standing may apply for education exemptions from components of FP Canada’s Core Curriculum and Advanced Curriculum requirements:

  • Securities License (IIROC)
  • Mutual Funds License (MFDA)
  • Provincial Insurance License
  • RRC®
  • PFP®
  • CLU®
  • PFA™

For more information, visit our Education Exemptions page.