The Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation has been widely recognized for 90 years as a superior mark of excellence in the financial services industry. CLU designation holders are regarded as elite professional financial advisors who raise the bar in developing effective solutions for individuals, business owners, and professionals in the areas of risk management, wealth creation and preservation, estate planning, and wealth transfer.
To earn the CLU designation, you must have successfully completed the Financial Planning Fundamentals Program (Core Curriculum) as well as the three CLU Designation Courses (CLU 255 to 257). Once you have successfully completed all required courses, you must then complete a CLU Designation Holder’s Agreement form and submit it to The Institute.
The final CLU designation course (CLU 257) is a semester based course.
You may only register for CLU 257 once you have successfully completed both of the previous CLU courses (CLU 255 and 256) in addition to the Financial Planning Fundamentals Program (Core Curriculum).
The Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHS) designation was established in 2011 by The Institute for Advanced Financial Education (The Institute™) to raise the bar on professional standards and practice methods of financial advisors in the health insurance sector, and to provide designation holders with expertise in this specialized field. The CHS strategically positions financial advisors to meet the growing market demand for informed living benefits advice.
CHS candidates must successfully complete both CHS Designation Courses (CHS 303 and 504) and the Financial Planning Fundamentals for Health Insurance Professionals Program (CHS 505). Once you have successfully completed all three courses, you must complete a CHS Designation Holder’s Agreement form and submit it to The Institute in order to hold yourself out as a CHS designation holder.
The first step in becoming licensed to offer insurance solutions to your clients is to successfully complete an approved Life Licensing Qualification Program (LLQP). Recognized as one of the top programs leading to a first-time pass rate, the Advocis LLQP is the best choice to develop the product understanding to get your career underway. The Advocis LLQP program is organized according to the specific learning areas the provincial regulator will test you on.
The Advocis LLQP consists of four modules (one of which is an ethics module). Each module has a corresponding modular certification exam. Each exam must be completed with a minimum mark of 60%. Once ALL of the certification exams have been successfully completed, you will be eligible to take the corresponding four provincial exams to obtain your license.
Enrollment Period
LLQP Full & LLQP A&S: You will have one year to successfully complete the Advocis LLQP & LLQP A&S from the date of your enrolment. If you do not successfully complete it during this time, you will be required to re-enrol, pay full registration fee, and complete all modules again.
Ethics and Professional Practice: You will have 120 days to successfully complete this module from the date of your enrolment. If you do not successfully complete it during this time, you will be required to re-enrol and pay full registration fee.
The PFA: More Than a Designation — It’s Your Business-Building Advantage
Whether you’re starting out or sharpening your edge, the PFA equips you with the skills, structure, and support to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. It’s the ideal next step after licensing, and a powerful foundation if you’re on the path toward advanced designations like the CLU®.
The career of a financial advisor is demanding. The PFA designation isn’t just a recognized credential; it’s a practical tool designed to help you grow your business from day one.
The Professional Financial Advisor (PFA™) is an approved designation for use of the title ‘Financial Advisor’ in Ontario.
Questions? Contact our Member Services team at info@advocis.ca for more information on all Advocis designation programs.
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