You qualify for Category IIIb academic equivalency if:
- you have a bachelor's degree or a graduate diploma from an
institution recognized by the IQPF in a field other than
administration, economics, law or actuarial science
- you have a certificate in personal financial planning that
includes at least 450 course-hours, with at least 45 course-hours
in each of the financial planning areas (estates, finance,
investment, insurance and risk management, legal aspects,
retirement and taxation)
- you have 2 years of experience (within the last 5 years) in
at least one of the 7 personal financial planning areas, in Canada
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 regular price of the exam is $1,220 plus tax (prices may change without notice). However, between May 1 and September 1, 2023, you can get a 50% discount on the exam.*
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.
*Terms and conditions for the promotion
The exam must be taken by September 1, 2023 to be eligible to the 50% discount.