At The Heart of Financial Literacy, and Counselling, you’ll find the AFCC.
The Canadian Association for Financial Empowerment (CAFE) holds the standard for financial Literacy and Counselling through certification. Become an Accredited Financial Counsellor Canada (AFCC) and help empower Canadians with a human-first approach.
Start your certification journey today.
The AFCC has truly empowered me to approach clients holistically, moving beyond mere numbers to understand the deeper issues impacting their financial well-being. It’s shown me that financial counselling is about more than just budgets; it’s about addressing the traumas and psychological barriers that often stand in the way of achieving true financial freedom.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the entire team at CAFE. The remarkable shift I’ve witnessed, even just within Saskatchewan, is a testament to your dedication to elevating the AFCCs across Canada. The Canadian Association for Financial Empowerment has not only helped me become a stronger, more effective professional but has also guided me in embracing the ethical guidelines that unite us as AFCCs. This commitment has fostered a movement of change that brings together diverse professionals, each with their unique specialties, and I know that when I lean on my community, we’re all aligned by our shared Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, and the unwavering passion of the dedicated team at CAFE. What you have accomplished and have yet to launch will be game changers for all.
Thank you, CAFE, for the dramatic transformation you’ve initiated and for your determination to understand the needs of independent financial counsellors across Canada and your leadership in advocacy for our specialized work. Since CAFE and I first connected,, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the most inspiring AFCC colleagues – professionals I didn’t even know existed. Thanks to CAFE and the incredible work you’re doing, I’m more excited than ever to see what the future holds for our community as we each take pride as Accredited Financial Counsellor Canada (AFCC) designees.
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In-depth Financial Knowledge and Expertise is required to become an Accredited Financial Counsellor Canada (AFCC). AFCC professionals excel in all aspects of Canadian personal finance, credit, and credit scoring, while upholding a human-first approach rooted in ethical client care. They offer tailored financial guidance, ensuring every client receives support that meets their unique circumstances.
Culturally competent counselling is at the heart of the AFCC approach, embracing the rich diversity of Canadian values, communities, and people. AFCC professionals recognize and respect diverse backgrounds and financial behaviours, creating safe, judgment-free spaces. This culturally competent approach ensures clients feel valued, resulting in more effective and meaningful support.
Ethical and Professional Standards are fundamental for AFCC professionals, who are committed to maintaining the highest level of integrity in their practice. By delivering honest, transparent, and client-centered counselling, they build trust and encourage open communication, empowering clients to make informed financial decisions with confidence.
Actionable Financial Strategies are a key strength of AFCC-certified counsellors, who excel in developing clear, measurable approaches. By collaborating closely with clients, they help establish achievable goals and structured action steps, enabling individuals to make steady progress toward financial stability and empowerment.
Focus on Long-term Financial Well-being is central to the AFCC certification, emphasizing the importance of building sustainable habits and resilience. AFCC counsellors go beyond addressing immediate challenges, guiding clients in budgeting, managing debt, and fostering positive financial habits, leading to lasting financial security.
Improved Client-Counsellor Relationship is a hallmark of the AFCC program, as certified professionals are trained in effective communication and active listening. This supportive and understanding approach ensures that clients feel heard, valued, and empowered, resulting in enhanced satisfaction and more productive financial counselling sessions.
“Holding the Accredited Financial Counsellor Canada (AFCC) designation has been transformative for my career in financial counselling. The specialized training and education provided a comprehensive foundation in everything from budgeting to advanced financial planning strategies. This knowledge allows me to offer personalized, unbiased supports that genuinely improves my clients' financial well-being.
The AFCC certification through CAFE stands out for its commitment to ongoing education and ethical standards. Staying current with financial trends and best practices is essential, and this continuous learning process keeps me ahead in the ever-evolving financial landscape. Adhering to a strict code of ethics ensures that my advice is always in the best interest of my clients, fostering relationships built on trust and respect.
Moreover, the client centered approach emphasized by the AFCC® designation instills the importance of tailoring supports to individual needs and circumstances. This personalized touch has empowered my clients, boosting their financial confidence and reducing money stress. If you're passionate about making a positive impact through financial counselling, the AFCC certification is a powerful step to elevate your career and enrich the lives of those you serve.”
— Sherry Kowk, AFCC, Independent, Money Mindset and Financial Empowerment
Holding the AFCC designation, you show that you hold the standard in financial empowerment counselling certification in Canada.
Every AFCC is guided by and must operate within the standard to be considered as in Good Standing. Our Canadian program is designed and continually updated to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to not only make a real difference in people's financial lives but to navigate client relations with the nuance required to triage and identify the root causes that present as financial duress.
Becoming an Accredited Financial Counsellor Canada (AFCC) designee is crucial for financial professionals seeking to enhance their credibility and expertise. The AFCC designation signifies a high standard of excellence in financial counselling, ensuring that practitioners are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide effective financial guidance. This certification not only boosts a professional's confidence and career prospects but also instills greater trust among clients, peers, and the broader community. It represents a commitment to ongoing education and professional development, which is vital in a constantly evolving financial landscape.
The AFCC designation opens doors to a network of esteemed professionals and continuous learning opportunities. As an AFCC designee and obtaining membership with our Canadian Association, you gain access to exclusive resources, training programs, and networking events that help you stay current with industry trends and best practices.
This certification empowers you to make a significant impact on your clients' financial well-being, helping them navigate complex financial situations with confidence. By achieving the AFCC designation, you not only advance your own career but also contribute to elevating the standards of financial counselling across Canada.
Learn more about this industry’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
“The AFCC designation signifies a commitment to excellence in personalized, client-focused financial counselling. With a strong emphasis on ethical practices and the requirement for ongoing CEUs, AFCC practitioners are equipped to remain current, relevant, and effective in meeting the diverse needs of their clients.
I am deeply excited for what's to come and thank the leadership team at CAFE for renewing their commitment in advocating for the financial wellbeing of all Canadians and raising the standard for financial practitioners in protecting financially vulnerable Canadians.”
— Rebekah Smylie, AFCC
Join CAFE in our mission to give confidence to those who are called to help others through financial literacy and counselling.
Obtain your AFCC and help create a financially empowered future for all Canadians.
“The AFCC designation is an attestation of a professional's promise to their clients. Canadian’s trust AFCCs for financial literacy and ongoing support because an AFCC has met rigorous standards in education, experience, a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
AFCCs have committed to ongoing professional development through continuous professional development as required to hold the AFCC.”
Beyond being a mandatory requirement, ongoing professional development is essential for any professional dedicated to supporting evolving Canadians. Our AFCC Certified Learning Lab offers vital pre-approved Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that enhance both the hard and soft skills taught in the AFCC study curriculum. CAFE is committed to delivering education that reflects the diverse needs of Canadians from coast to coast. This includes a focus on cultural diversity, Indigenous peoples, minorities, equity in access, and disabilities, while also highlighting experts within these communities who hold the AFCC and help us uphold the Standard in Canada. Explore our variety of in-progress and upcoming CE events:
Live Virtual Events
OnDemand Library (Free Sponsored Events and Subscription Options)
Financial Literacy Leaders Summit, November 3-5, 2024, Toronto
Empowerment CAFÉ: An AFCC Community of Empowerment
AFCC Candidate Huddles and AFCC Empowerment Hours; Dedicated to elevating your capacity as an AFCC
Ongoing Professional Development is an integral element to the highest level of client care. Join our pre-approved Continuing Education Sessions online via our national Learning Labs and increase your capacity and expertise.
If you are an AFCC and would like to host a Learning Lab to share with your colleagues about how you are helping to empower your community, please contact our Certification Team today to help you get started!
AFCC Designees are required to maintain their designation through the acquisition of 30 Continuing Education Units in every two (2) year reporting cycle. Two (2) of the 30 credits must be dedicated to Ethics while the remaining credits must be pertaining to General Practice, Personal Finance and Counselling.
You can view more on our AFCC Certification here.
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