The CFP certification program is designed to ensure that CFP professionals can meet the evolving needs and expectations of their clients and remain relevant to the financial services industry. For more information about obtaining CFP certification, please refer to the Policies and Guidelines for Obtaining and Maintaining CFP® Certification and FPSC Level 1® Certification in Financial Planning, effective until December 31, 2019.
Explore the steps below to understand your path to certification.
FP Canada™ is making changes to its certification programs and requirements. Effective January 1, 2020, candidates pursuing CFP certification will no longer be required to first attain FPSC Level 1 Certification in Financial
Planning. New professional education requirements will be introduced for candidates pursuing CFP certification. Changes to the path to CFP certification will begin to roll out following a transition period.
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The path to CFP certification begins when you enrol in an FP Canada-Approved Core Curriculum Program. Once you successfully complete your program, you may register for the FPSC Level 1 examination and apply for FPSC Level 1 Certification in Financial Planning at the same time. Having met FP Canada's certification requirements, you will achieve FPSC Level 1 certification upon passing the FPSC Level 1 exam. You must maintain FPSC Level 1 certification while you complete your FP Canada-Approved Capstone Course. Upon completion, you will be eligible to write the CFP examination. Once you have passed the CFP exam and completed three years of qualifying work experience, you may apply for CFP certification.
Enrol in an FP Canada-Approved Core Curriculum Program.
Learn More About the Core Curriculum Program
Alternate Paths to Certification
If you hold relevant financial or other professional qualifications, you may be eligible to pursue a faster, alternate path to certification.
Learn More
Helpful Resource
Policies & Guidelines for Obtaining & Maintaining CFP Certification and FPSC Level 1 Certification in Financial Planning
Write the FPSC Level 1 Examination in Financial Planning, the first exam on the path to CFP certification. You must apply for FPSC Level 1 Certification in Financial Planning when you register for the exam.
Learn More About the Exam
Alternate Paths to Certification
If you hold relevant financial or other professional qualifications, you may be eligible to pursue a faster, alternate path to certification.
Learn More
Helpful Resources
FPSC Level 1 Exam Study Toolkit
FAQ: FPSC Level 1 Examination
Maintain FPSC Level 1 Certification in Financial Planning by adhering to the Standards of Professional Responsibility and completing Continuing Education requirements.
Learn More About FPSC Level 1 Certification
Helpful Resources
FP Canada Standards Council Standards of Professional Responsibility
FAQ: FPSC Level 1 Certification
Continuing Education Requirements
Complete an FP Canada-Approved Capstone Course, which emphasizes fundamental financial planning practices, application and integration of the financial planning areas and the professional skills that are essential to the financial
planning profession. The Capstone Course may also be completed prior to writing the FPSC Level 1 examination.
Learn More About the Capstone Course
Alternate Paths to Certification
If you hold relevant financial or other professional qualifications, you may be eligible to pursue a faster, alternate path to certification.
Learn More
Helpful Resources
FP Canada-Approved Capstone Course Case Studies
FAQ: FP Canada-Approved Capstone Course – In Effect Until December 31, 2019
Write the CFP Examination, the final exam on the path to CFP certification.
Learn More About the CFP Exam
Helpful Resources
CFP Exam Study Toolkit
FAQ: CFP Examination
Once you’ve completed three years of qualifying work experience, you’re ready to apply for CFP certification.
Learn More About Work Experience Requirements
Helpful Resources
Policies & Guidelines for Obtaining & Maintaining CFP® Certification and FPSC Level 1® Certification in Financial Planning
FP Canada Standards Council Standards of Professional Responsibility
