The Professional Financial Advisor™ (PFA) Module Descriptions
Professional Financial Advisor™
(PFA™) Designation Program
PFA Course Descriptions
Become the Financial Advisor Clients Trust
$1,250*
*Plus tax for Advocis Members. Non-Members pay $2,250 + tax.
Online Access Restrictions
Please note that all Advocis courses are delivered online via the Advocis Learning Environment (ALE). For cybersecurity reasons, course content and associated assessments (e.g., quiz, exam, etc.) can only be accessed within Canada or the United States. Please be sure to plan your studies so that you are able to access course content, assignments, quizzes, and exams from an IP address located in Canada or the US.
PFA Course 1: Business Elements
In Business Elements, we examine the fundamentals of launching a financial advisory practice: developing a business plan, a marketing strategy and the regimen of prospecting for clients. This course encompasses the disciplines of Practice Development, Compliance & Regulatory Topics for Financial Advisors and Financial Planning.
Financial Planning Exam Format
- Online Exam
- Closed-Book Exam
- Application based multiple-choice questions
- Tests Financial Planning content
- Passing Mark: 60%
Course Exam Format
- Online Exam
- Closed-Book Exam
- Application based multiple-choice questions
- Tests Practice Development and Compliance & Regulatory content
- Passing Mark: 60%
CE Credits
- The Institute: 15 (includes 1 Ethics)
- Alberta Insurance Council: 15 Life
- Insurance Council of Manitoba: 15
- Insurance Councils of Saskatchewan: 15
- CIRO: 9 Practice Development; 1 Business Conduct
PFA Course 2: Enhancing Client Connections
In Enhancing Client Connections, we begin to examine the client – advisor relationship. You will learn the best practices for initiating client relationships as well as developing and strengthening them. This course pulls from the disciplines of Practice Development, Compliance & Regulatory Topics for Financial Advisors and Financial Planning.
Financial Planning Exam Format
- Online Exam
- Closed-Book Exam
- Application based multiple-choice questions
- Tests Financial Planning content
- Passing Mark: 60%
Course Exam Format
- Online Exam
- Closed-Book Exam
- Application based multiple-choice questions
- Passing Mark: 60%
CE Credits
- The Institute: 15 (includes 1 Ethics)
- Alberta Insurance Council: 15 Life; 15 A&S
- Insurance Council of Manitoba: 15
- Insurance Councils of Saskatchewan: 15
- MFDA: 15 PD CIRO: 9 Practice Development; 1 Business Conduct
Candidates seeking CE or PDU credits for professional designations or organizations should contact the governing body for confirmation of CE/PDU qualification.
PFA Course 3: Building Client Value
In Building Client Value, we examine four common financial planning goals. You will learn about the data you need to collect from your client to analyze their current situation, the financial planning tools required to complete the analysis, how to conduct the analysis and interpret your findings. Finally, you will learn about the strategies and best practices for communicating your findings to your client and the most appropriate means for delivering your advice. The course presents a real-life client scenario in which these skills are demonstrated.
Financial Planning Exam Format
- Online Exam
- Closed-Book Exam
- Application based multiple-choice questions
- Tests Financial Planning content
- Passing Mark: 60%
Course Exam Format
- Online Exam
- Closed-Book Exam
- Application based multiple-choice questions
- Tests Practice Development and Compliance & Regulatory content
- Passing Mark: 60%
CE Credits
- The Institute: 15
- Alberta Insurance Council: 15 Life
- Insurance Council of Manitoba: 15
- Insurance Councils of Saskatchewan: 15
- CIRO: 15 Practice Development
PFA Course 4: Fine Tuning Your Practice and The Value of Advice
In Fine Tuning Your Practice, we guide you through a review of your existing work habits and explore ones that could be more effective for you. We also revisit the personal and business goals you developed in Course 1: Business Elements. In this course, we provide you with methods to analyze the success of your business and measures to evaluate your marketing plan.
This course also focuses on how you can best protect your financial advisory practice. Topics discussed include the importance of liability (E&O) insurance, managing client expectations, and taking advantage of educational and mentorship opportunities.
In The Value of Advice, we explore and recognize the unique value you provide to your clients. We offer suggestions on how to orient your practice toward providing the highest value possible in your financial advisory practice. Most importantly, we offer best practices on how to communicate the value you provide to your clients and prospective clients. We also offer tips on how to evaluate your current communications practices and develop a communications strategy.
Course Exam Format
- Online Exam
- Closed-Book Exam
- Application based multiple-choice questions
- Tests Practice Development and Compliance & Regulatory content
- Passing Mark: 60%
CE Credits
- The Institute: 15 (includes 1 Ethics)
- Alberta Insurance Council: 10 Life; 10 A&S
- Insurance Council of Manitoba: 15
- Insurance Councils of Saskatchewan: 15
- CIRO: 6.5 Practice Development;1 Business Conduct
PFA Comprehensive Exam ScheduleAll exams will be held from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM (ET). |
||
| Exam Date | Registration Opens | Registration Closes |
|---|---|---|
| April 22, 2026 | February 25, 2026 | April 15, 2026 |
| October 28, 2026 | September 2, 2026 | October 21, 2026 |
How to Register for April 22, 2026, Exam
Online Access Restrictions
Become the Financial Advisor Clients Trust
$1,250*