FAQs

FAQs

Looking for quick answers? You’re in the right place.

Below you’ll find helpful information about membership, education programs, designations, events, and more. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, our member services team is always here to help!

Professional Development

For CALU-related inquiries, please contact:

Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting
600 – 170 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON K1P 5V5
Phone: 613-505-9632 ext. 0
Email: calu@calu.com
Website: www.calu.com

There is currently no formal time limit to complete all four PFA courses and the PFA Comprehensive Exam. However:

  • Each course comes with a 6-month enrollment period.
  • If taken consecutively, the program can be completed in as little as two years.
  • You may apply for a 6-month extension per course if needed.
  • The PFA Comprehensive Exam is offered twice a year in May and November.

Designation

Minimum CE

Institute Accredited

General PD CE

Ethics CE

CLU

30 CE

15 CE

15 CE

2 CE (of 30)

PFA

20 CE

10 CE

10 CE

1 CE (of 20)

CHS

10 CE

Not Required*

10 CE

1 CE (of 10)

CH.F.C.

10 CE

Not Required*

10 CE

None Required

*While Institute Accredited CE is not required for CHS and CH.F.C., it is strongly encouraged for ease of tracking.

  • CE should be entered before December 31 annually.
  • CE credits earned can be applied to multiple designations.
  • CE audits may be conducted for members with incomplete submissions.

More info: CE FAQ – The Institute

Members experiencing financial or medical hardship may request:

  • A temporary suspension of membership (up to 2 years) without affecting member status.
  • Reinstatement options into the same or a different category (e.g. Retired).
  • Access to events and PD at non-member pricing during suspension.
  • A waiver of Advocis CE requirements during the suspension.

Important for Designation Holders:

  • Members must still pay full annual designation fees (PFA, CLU, CHS) to remain in good standing.
  • The Institute may grant a 1-year exemption from CE due to parental/medical leave.
  • Send CE accommodation requests to info@iafe.ca.

No. Advocis designations (e.g., CLU, PFA, CHS) are not recognized internationally without further training and exams. Each jurisdiction requires compliance with local regulations, tax laws, and product knowledge.

No. Retiree members do not need to complete CE credits to maintain their designations. Updates regarding the FRSA fee for retirees are forthcoming.

Membership & Account

Advocis’ GST number is 107625378RT0001. This can be used when submitting your tax receipts.

Technical Support

Members domiciled in the following countries have unrestricted access:
  • Barbados
  • Bahamas
  • Cayman Islands
  • New Zealand
  • United States of America
Members residing in other jurisdictions must arrange for manual payment and attestation.

Billing & Payments

Advocis’ GST number is 107625378RT0001. This can be used when submitting your tax receipts.

Members experiencing financial or medical hardship may request:

  • A temporary suspension of membership (up to 2 years) without affecting member status.
  • Reinstatement options into the same or a different category (e.g. Retired).
  • Access to events and PD at non-member pricing during suspension.
  • A waiver of Advocis CE requirements during the suspension.

Important for Designation Holders:

  • Members must still pay full annual designation fees (PFA, CLU, CHS) to remain in good standing.
  • The Institute may grant a 1-year exemption from CE due to parental/medical leave.
  • Send CE accommodation requests to info@iafe.ca.

There is a known issue with the visibility of adjusted invoices in the billing system for 2024. These are currently filtered out and will not be resolved until after January 31st, post-renewal.

Ticket Reference: IT10006585

Events & Registration

Contact & Support

Advocis’ GST number is 107625378RT0001. This can be used when submitting your tax receipts.

For CALU-related inquiries, please contact:

Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting
600 – 170 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON K1P 5V5
Phone: 613-505-9632 ext. 0
Email: calu@calu.com
Website: www.calu.com

Members domiciled in the following countries have unrestricted access:
  • Barbados
  • Bahamas
  • Cayman Islands
  • New Zealand
  • United States of America
Members residing in other jurisdictions must arrange for manual payment and attestation.