Education · 1 of 4
The path
A degree, product licences, then a planning credential earned while you work.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Math, business, accounting, and anything with presenting. You will explain money to nervous people for a living.
- 2
Bachelor's degree
4 years
Business, commerce, economics or finance. FP Canada (the national certification body) requires a bachelor's degree for its top credential, or 10 years of planning work instead.
- 3
Get licensed to sell
A few months
A mutual funds course and the LLQP (Life Licence Qualification Program) for insurance. Quebec does not use the LLQP: there the insurance exams are set by the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers, Quebec's financial regulator). Usually done in your first months on the job.
- 4
QAFP (Qualified Associate Financial Planner)
1 to 2 years
FP Canada's entry credential: coursework, an exam and about a year of experience.
- 5
CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
About 3 years
The full credential: more coursework, a national exam and about 3 years of qualifying work experience.