You qualify for Category IV academic equivalency if you have a
recognized title, 2 years of experience (within the last 5 years) in Canada in at least one of the 7 personal financial planning
areas and 2 certificates in administration, economics, law or
actuarial science (each comprised of a minimum of 450 course-hours
at the university level).
Here is the list of recognized titles:
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
- Securities fellow
- Canadian Investment Manager (CIM)
- Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Conseiller en investissements financiers (financial investment
consultant or CIF in France)
- Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA)
- Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA)
If you meet these requirements, to become a financial planner,
you have to pass the IQPF equivalency exam. This exam is given at a
date agreed by the IQPF and the applicant. It is made up of
multiple-choice questions divided up between the financial planning
areas. To pass the exam, you must achieve a grade of at least 70%
in each area. The price of the exam is $1,150 plus tax (prices may
change without notice).
If you do not achieve a passing grade in every tested area, you
will have to complete the IQPF Executive Program or a university course for each area you failed before
you can go any further.
Once you have completed this step, you will have to take the
IQPF Professional Training Course and pass the IQPF exam
(4 hours).
Finally, to be able to use the financial planner title, you will
have to obtain a representative’s certificate from the Autorité des
marchés financiers.
Download the academic equivalency application
form.