Personal Financial Planner (PFP^®)

What Are The Requirements to Become a PFP^®

1. Education
   • The PFP^® requires applicants to complete an approved education path
2. Certification Examination
   • Successfully write the Applied Financial Planning Certification Examination offered exclusively through the Canadian Securities Institute.
3. Work Experience
   • PFP^® applicants must have at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
4. Code of Ethics
   • When applying for the PFP^® you must commit to the PFP^® Code of Ethics.
5. Trademarks
   • You are also required to agree to the terms of the PFP^® Certification Mark Licence Agreement, which grants you the right to use the PFP^® trademarks in your own marketing.
6. Application/Licence
   • The initial application fee is $275 and includes your licence fee for the year.and your commitment to the maintenance requirements such as continuing education. For more information, please visit the PFP requirements page.

NOTICE: 5-YEAR RULE

The PFP^® learning path must be completed no more than 5 years before enrolling to write the Applied Financial Planning (AFP) Certification Examination. If an individual has exceeded the 5-year timeline, the Financial Planning II course (or another approved course) must be taken to upgrade knowledge. (Note: If your enrolment in the AFP Certification Examination expires prior to your writing the examination(s), the 5 year rule is applied back to the original time of completion of your learning path.)

To enrol in a CSI course, or learn about registration in the college program click on the name of the CSI course or the name of the college program.

COURSE EXEMPTIONS

Individuals who have completed recognized financial planning courses from educational providers other than CSI can apply for course exemptions. Use the Exemption Request Form to apply for a course exemption.

Course providers that would like to have their programs assessed for approval as an educational route to the PFP^® should contact CSI after reviewing the accreditation information.

AFP CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION

The Applied Financial Planning (AFP) is the Certification Examination required in order to achieve the Personal Financial Planner (PFP^®) designation. It represents the final hurdle for candidates to complete the certification requirements for CSI's Personal Financial Planner (PFP^®) designation. For more information about certification requirements, including required work experience, click here.

Designation Application Timing Limit

Candidates must apply for the PFP^® designation within 5 years of successful completion of the AFP Certification Examination. Candidates who do not meet this time line must successfully complete the CSI Financial Planning II course (or equivalent) prior to re-enrolling in the AFP Certification Examination.

PFP^® FAQs

Looking for more information on the Personal Financial Planner (PFP^®) designation? Check out our most frequently asked questions.