Relevant Professional Qualifications Path to QAFP® Certification
Individuals who hold one of the following qualifications in good standing; CPA, CFA, FCIA, or LL.B./J.D., may pursue the Relevant Professional Qualifications Path to QAFP Certification. For more information, refer to the QAFP Certification Policies.
Candidates with other designations or licenses may qualify for education exemptions from components of FP Canada Institute™ Technical Education – Fundamentals or Core Curriculum requirements.
Learn more about Education Exemptions
Explore the steps below or click the diagram on the right to learn more about your path to certification.
If you are on the former Relevant Professional Qualifications Path to QAFP Certification, click here.
4 Steps to QAFP Certification
Apply for an Alternate Path to Certification as a Holder of a Relevant Professional Qualification (CPA, CFA, FCIA, or LL.B./J.D.)
You must hold one of the following relevant professional qualifications, in good standing with your professional body; CPA, CFA, FCIA, or LL.B./J.D., and submit an application for an Alternate Path to QAFP Certification. 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.
QAFP Professional Education Program
Enrol in and complete the QAFP Professional Education Program.
Candidates interested in bridging to CFP certification have the option to complete the CFP Professional Education Program instead of the QAFP Professional Education Program.
Learn more about the QAFP Professional Education Program
Learn more about the CFP Professional Education Program
Write the QAFP Exam
Register for and write the four-hour, computer-based exam consisting of both stand-alone and case-based multiple-choice questions. The QAFP exam focuses on specific elements of the FP Canada Standards Council™ Competency
Profile and integrates several financial planning areas.
Learn more about the QAFP exam
Apply for QAFP Certification
Once you have completed one year of qualifying work experience, you are ready to apply for QAFP certification.
Note: Applicants for QAFP certification must hold a minimum two-year diploma from an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution, or an international equivalent or have five years of qualifying work experience.
Learn more about work experience requirements
Learn more about post-secondary education requirements