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ALC

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® DESIGNATION

Advocis is a proud founding member of the FP Canada™, which was established in November 1995 with the core mission of "promoting and enforcing professional standards in financial planning through the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® DESIGNATION, and raising Canadians' awareness of the importance of financial planning." Advocis continues to support and uphold this commitment to promoting competency and ethical standards among financial advisors and planners.

CFP designation holders, highly regarded for their ability to provide clients with comprehensive financial planning services, put clients' interests first and ensure clients' financial needs and objectives are fulfilled through the financial planning process. For more information, please visit the FP Canada website.

Please Note:

  • The last date for enrollment in an FP241-244 course was August 31, 2019 and courses must be completed by December 31, 2019.
  • November 2019 is the last opportunity to write FP Canada exams before the new Body of Knowledge curriculum comes into effect. Information on the exams can be found on the FP Canada website.
  • FP Canada will discontinue the Capstone course at the end of 2019. The Capstone course will be replaced with a Professional Education Program offered by FP Canada through the FP Canada Institute.

Changes are being made to the Advocis CFP® Certification Program

  • Aligning with FP Canada's Body of Knowledge curriculum, the Advocis Core Curriculum Program for QAFP and CFP Certification will be offered as 12 distinct modules and will be available in January 2020.
  • Beginning in 2020, Advocis will offer the Advocis Advanced Topics Program for CFP Certification consisting of one course and one final exam.

Please visit our FAQs to find out more.

For more information on the CFP program and other changes visit the FP Canada website

Core Curriculum

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Who Should Enrol?

  • Individuals looking to earn the internationally recognized CFP designation
  • Financial services professionals or specialists looking to help consumers plan for their financial future through comprehensive financial planning.

Requirements

Individuals who successfully complete Advocis' four core curriculum courses and the Capstone course meet the educational requirements on the path to the CFP designation.


Core Curriculum Courses

FP241 — Financial Planning Foundations

This course introduces the fundamentals of personal financial planning. Candidates will be expected to acquire an understanding of the concepts and applications associated with time value of money financial calculations and the analysis of personal financial statements. In addition, the course includes an analysis of government sponsored programs such as Registered Education Savings Plans and Tax Free Savings Accounts. This course concludes with a discussion of the fundamentals of economics and investing as they relate to key areas of financial planning.

  • Learning Objectives
  • Overview
  • Features
  • CE Credits
  • Delivery
  • Price

  • Understand the concepts and applications associated with time value of money financial calculations and develop the ability to accurately analyze personal financial statements
  • Assimilate the financial planning process and understand its role in the financial services sector

Format: Self-study: online learning and testing

Pre-requisites: None

Additional Material: None

Completion Requirements:

  • Passing mark is 60%
  • Completion of five online module quizzes (30% of overall mark)
  • Completion of one case study (10% of overall mark)
  • Final online exam (60% of overall mark)


  • 24/7 access to the Advocis Learning Centre
  • Download the eBook version of the course content
  • Robust Practice Tool
  • 120-day window for completion
  • First exam attempt
  • Keep track of your development with the Class Progress tool
  • Searchable glossary
  • ReadSpeaker text-to-speech tool


Alberta Insurance Council: 30 Life, 30 A&S

Chambre de la Sécurité Financière: 5 Compliance, 10 General Subjects, 10 Insurance of Persons, 5 Group Savings Plan Brokerage

Candidates seeking CE or PDU credits for professional designations or organizations (including The Institute™) should contact the governing body for confirmation of CE/PDU qualification.


  • Self-study: We recommend candidates create and follow a study schedule, and take advantage of the exercises, problems and case studies offered throughout the course. After each module quiz, candidates receive feedback on incorrect answers to advance their learning in preparation for the final exam.

  • Instructor-led: Advocis has partnered with a number of post secondary institutions to offer our courses in a classroom setting. Please click here for additional information on how to register for this program through one of our education partners.


Members: $150.00

Non-members: $570.00 plus shipping & taxes

Administrative Policies:

  • Course duration is 120 days
  • A 2 month extension can be purchased for a fee
  • Allow for 1-2 business days to access the course following the registration and payment process

FP242 — Taxation and Investment Planning

This course begins with an introduction to basic income tax laws, followed by a more advanced study of tax planning in the context of both personal and business situations. Candidates will gain an in-depth knowledge of various business structures, and evaluate those structures from a legal, tax, and financial planning perspective. Additionally, the course includes a thorough discussion of investment products including investments in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, and segregated funds as well as the application of those products in various investment strategies.

  • Learning Objectives
  • Overview
  • Features
  • CE Credits
  • Delivery
  • Price

  • Acquire an in-depth knowledge of personal and business taxation within the context of financial planning
  • Gain a thorough understanding of investment products, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange traded funds and segregated funds

Format: Self-study: online learning and testing

Pre-requisites: None

Additional Material: None

Completion Requirements:

  • Passing mark is 60%
  • Completion of five online module quizzes (30% of overall mark)
  • Completion of one case study (10% of overall mark)
  • Final online exam (60% of overall mark)


  • 24/7 access to the Advocis Learning Centre
  • Download the eBook version of the course content
  • Robust Practice Tool
  • 120-day window for completion
  • First exam attempt
  • Keep track of your development with the Class Progress tool
  • Searchable glossary
  • ReadSpeaker text-to-speech tool


Alberta Insurance Council: 30 Life

Chambre de la Sècuritè Financiére: 10 General Subjects, 10 Insurance of Persons

Candidates seeking CE or PDU credits for professional designations or organizations (including The Institute™) should contact the governing body for confirmation of CE/PDU qualification.


  • Self-study: We recommend candidates create and follow a study schedule, and take advantage of the exercises, problems and case studies offered throughout the course. After each module quiz, candidates receive feedback on incorrect answers to advance their learning in preparation for the final exam.

  • Instructor-led: Advocis has partnered with a number of post secondary institutions to offer our courses in a classroom setting. Please click here for additional information on how to register for this program through one of our education partners.


Members: $200.00 plus shipping & taxes

Non-members: $570.00 plus shipping & taxes

Administrative Policies:

  • Course duration is 120 days
  • A 2 month extension can be purchased for a fee
  • Allow for 1-2 business days to access the course following the registration and payment process

FP243 — Retirement Income Planning

This course is designed to provide candidates with a detailed understanding of the principles and applications related to retirement income planning. Candidates will develop an in-depth knowledge of government benefit programs such as the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security, as well as employer-sponsored registered plans such as defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. Finally, the course provides a comprehensive analysis of Registered Retirement Savings Plans and Registered Retirement Income Funds within the context of retirement planning and establishing retirement goals and objectives.

  • Learning Objectives
  • Overview
  • Features
  • CE Credits
  • Delivery
  • Price

  • Acquire a detailed understanding of the principles and applications related to retirement income planning
  • Develop an in-depth knowledge of government benefit programs such as the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security, as well as employer-sponsored registered plans such as defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans

Format: Self-study: online learning and testing

Pre-requisites: None

Additional Material: None

Completion Requirements:

  • Passing mark is 60%
  • Completion of five online module quizzes (30% of overall mark)
  • Completion of one case study (10% of overall mark)
  • Final online exam (60% of overall mark)


  • 24/7 access to the Advocis Learning Centre
  • Download the eBook version of the course content
  • Robust Practice Tool
  • 120-day window for completion
  • First exam attempt
  • Keep track of your development with the Class Progress tool
  • Searchable glossary
  • ReadSpeaker text-to-speech tool


Alberta Insurance Council: 30 Life

Chambre de la Sècuritè Financiére: 10 Insurance of Persons, 10 Group Insurance of Persons, 10 Group Savings Plan Brokerage.

Candidates seeking CE or PDU credits for professional designations or organizations (including The Institute™) should contact the governing body for confirmation of CE/PDU qualification.


  • Self-study: We recommend candidates create and follow a study schedule, and take advantage of the exercises, problems and case studies offered throughout the course. After each module quiz, candidates receive feedback on incorrect answers to advance their learning in preparation for the final exam.

  • Instructor-led: Advocis has partnered with a number of post secondary institutions to offer our courses in a classroom setting. Please click here for additional information on how to register for this program through one of our education partners.


Members: $250.00 plus shipping & taxes

Non-members: $570.00 plus shipping & taxes

Administrative Policies:

  • Course duration is 120 days
  • A 2 month extension can be purchased for a fee
  • Allow for 1-2 business days to access the course following the registration and payment process

FP244 – Insurance and Estate Planning

This course begins with legal fundamentals and the basics of family law, including the implications of relationship breakdown, support obligations, and title to property. Risk management fundamentals are discussed in the context of life, living benefits, and property and casualty insurance. Candidates will gain a working knowledge of the advantages, disadvantages, and income tax implications of various insurance products. The course concludes with an estate planning discussion including the use of trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and concepts and principles related to the taxation of a deceased taxpayer.

  • Learning Objectives
  • Overview
  • Features
  • CE Credits
  • Delivery
  • Price

  • Assimilate the legal fundamentals and the basics of family law, including the implications of relationship breakdown, support obligations, and title to property
  • Gain a working knowledge of the advantages, disadvantages, and income tax implications of various insurance products
  • Develop a thorough understanding of the use of trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and concepts and principles related to the taxation of a deceased taxpayer

Format: Self-study: online learning and testing

Pre-requisites: None

Additional Material: None

Completion Requirements:

  • Passing mark is 60%
  • Completion of four online module quizzes (30% of overall mark)
  • Completion of one case study (10% of overall mark)
  • Final online exam (60% of overall mark)


  • 24/7 access to the Advocis Learning Centre
  • Download the eBook version of the course content
  • Robust Practice Tool
  • 120-day window for completion
  • First exam attempt
  • Keep track of your development with the Class Progress tool
  • Searchable glossary
  • ReadSpeaker text-to-speech tool


Alberta Insurance Council: 30 Life, 30A&S

Chambre de la Sècuritè Financiére: 10 General Subject, 10 Insurance of Persons, 5 Group Insurance of Persons.

Candidates seeking CE or PDU credits for professional designations or organizations (including The Institute™) should contact the governing body for confirmation of CE/PDU qualification.


  • Self-study: We recommend candidates create and follow a study schedule, and take advantage of the exercises, problems and case studies offered throughout the course. After each module quiz, candidates receive feedback on incorrect answers to advance their learning in preparation for the final exam.

  • Instructor-led: Advocis has partnered with a number of post secondary institutions to offer our courses in a classroom setting. Please click here for additional information on how to register for this program through one of our education partners.


Members: $250.00 plus shipping & taxes

Non-members: $570.00 plus shipping & taxes

Administrative Policies:

  • Course duration is 120 days
  • A two month extension can be purchased for a fee
  • Allow for 1-2 business days to access the course following the registration and payment process


Capstone Course

FP245 – Advocis FP Canada-Approved Capstone Course

This course focuses on preparing a modular and comprehensive financial plan on an FP Canada-approved case study that follows the six-step financial planning process and addresses the competencies laid out in the CFP Professional Competency Profile. Candidates are expected to apply the knowledge gained through the Advocis CFP Certification Program to develop a comprehensive financial plan that addresses the objectives of a hypothetical client.

Note: The Modular Plan and Comprehensive Plans are based on an FP Canada Case. Candidates must purchase this case separately through the FP Canada website.

  • Learning Objectives
  • Overview
  • Features
  • CE Credits
  • Delivery
  • Price

  • To appreciate the Financial Planning Standards Council's role in bringing professional standards to practitioners
  • To apply the provisions of the Income Tax Act to the financial planning exercise
  • To understand and apply risk management principles and practices in developing a client's financial plan
  • To evaluate asset management strategies for a client
  • To analyze retirement programs and products as part of the financial planning process
  • To evaluate estate planning alternatives based on the integrated knowledge gathered from the client during the financial planning process
  • To consider financial management strategies in addressing financial planning problems and opportunities


Format: Self-study: Printed study guide, online testing, assignments & discussion forums

Pre-requisites: FP241 to 244

Additional Material:

Completion Requirements:

  • Passing mark is 60%
  • Completion of Ethics discussion (10% of overall mark)
  • Completion of one modular plan (20% of overall mark)
  • Completion of four module quizzes (20% of overall mark)
  • Completion of one comprehensive plan (50% of overall mark)

Summer 2019 (registration opens June 1, 2019 and closes July 17, 2019)

Assignment % of Overall Course Mark Deadline
Completion of modular plan 20% August 7, 2019
Completion of comprehensive plan 50% September 30, 2019
Participation in online ethics discussion forum 10% First posting: August 12, 2019, Second and third posting: September 3, 2019
Completion of four online module quizzes 20% October 15, 2019

Completion of each component is mandatory in order to pass the course.


  • 24/7 access to the Advocis Learning Centre
  • Keep track of your development with the Class Progress tool
  • ReadSpeaker text-to-speech tool


Alberta Insurance Council: 30 Life

Chambre de la Sécurité Financière: 5 Compliance, 10 Insurance of Persons, 10 Group Insurance of Persons, 5 Group savings plan brokerage

Candidates seeking CE or PDU credits for professional designations or organizations (including The Institute™) should contact the governing body for confirmation of CE/PDU qualification.


  • Self-study: We recommend candidates create and follow a study schedule, and take advantage of the self-test questions and case studies offered throughout the course. Candidates have access to feedback reports for both the financial plan assignments and module quizzes to advance their overall learning.

  • Instructor-led: Advocis has partnered with a number of post-secondary institutions to offer our courses in a classroom setting. Please click here for additional information on how to register for this program through one of our education partners.


Members: $390.00 plus shipping & taxes (FP Canada case study not included)

Non-members: $800.00 plus shipping & taxes (FP Canada case study not included)

Administrative Policies:

  • Course is offered on a semester basis
  • A re-write or re-enrollment can be purchased for a fee
  • Allow for 1-2 business days to access the course following the registration and payment process

Note: The Modular Plan and Comprehensive Plans are based on an FP Canada Case. Candidates must purchase this case separately through the FP Canada website.

For more information on the path to CFP certification, please visit the FP Canada website.

Note: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and CFP are certification trademarks owned outside the U.S. by Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB). Financial Planning Standards Council is the marks licensing authority for the CFP marks in Canada, through agreement with FPSB. To be authorized by FP Canada to use the CFP marks, individuals must complete additional examination, experience and ethics requirements.