Last Updated on July 22, 2025 by Jacques Wong, B.Sc.
In Canada, there are an estimated 100,000 people who claim to offer financial advice. However, because there is no standard legislation in place, the credentials and qualifications of these people are unknown. And that is where professional organizations like FP Canada steps in.
They estimate there are about 21,000 professional financial planners. These are people who have a certain degree of knowledge and education having received either the QAFP or CFP certifications. These are all individuals you can trust with your financial wellness and they have gone met FP Canada’s standards.
About FP Canada
According to their website, FP Canada is a national professional body working in the public interest to lead financial wellness for all Canadians. They do this by certifying financial planners and advancing the profession within Canada.
What does FP Canada do?
FP Canada sets the direction for professional financial planners in Canada. They do this primarily through education leading to 2 certifications:
- QAFP – Qualified Associate Financial Planner
- CFP – Certified Financial Planner
FP Canada elevates the practice of financial planning by providing professional education (in partnership with independent course providers like PNC Learning), tools, and other resources to help financial planners meet the needs of Canadians.
FP Canada Courses
As mentioned previously, one of their main goals is to provide education and uphold a certain standard for the financial planning profession through their QAFP and CFP programs.
QAFP Courses and CFP Courses
To deliver training to financial planners, they also partner with 3rd party independent educational institutions to develop and deliver approved Core and Advance Curriculum.
Independent educational institutions can apply to them to become approved providers offering training for their QAFP and CFP certifications.
FP Canada CE Courses
Once you become QAFP certified, you’ll need to complete 12 hours of continuing education (CE) activities annually. For those with a CFP certification, you need 25 hours annually to renew your certification.
The organization also accredits 3rd party courses and course providers to see if they qualify for their continuing education and professional development requirements.
We believe that this open and inclusive approach to providing education sets them apart from other professional working bodies. By opening up education to other providers behind a rigorous vetting process ensures that professional financial planners get access to accurate but diverse and up-to-date information.