At The Heart of Financial Literacy and Counselling, you’ll find the CFC™. Enhance your Career Today!
The Canadian Association for Financial Empowerment (CAFE) holds the standard for financial Literacy and Counselling through certification. Become an Certified Financial Counsellor (CFC™) and help empower Canadians with a human-first approach.
Start your certification journey today.
Certification Body
Our CFC™ certification is the benchmark of excellence, ensuring counsellors are equipped with the highest ethical and professional standards across the industry.
Pioneer and Innovation
As Canada's founding association for financial counselling, CAFE leads with benchmark research and thought leadership, using our legacy to elevate and empower the future of Canadian certification.
Accreditation Leader
CAFE serves as the authoritative voice in Canada for agency accreditation standards at an arms-length. It was instrumental in establishing the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, setting a national standard for excellence in accreditation.
Non-Profit Legacy
CAFE upholds the highest ethical standards, leading the industry with a strict code of conduct and standards of practice that inspires trust, integrity, and excellence in every certified CFC™.
Professional Development
CAFE leads the way in continuing education, providing diverse resources that advance the skills, knowledge, and impact of financial counsellors, including the Financial Literacy Leaders Summit and CFC™ Learning Labs.
Financial Empowerment
Financial empowerment is the promotion and provision of accessible, equitable, holistic services and programming that transform lives, elevate communities, and set the global benchmark for compassionate counselling.
The Canadian Association for Financial Empowerment (CAFE) is the exclusive certification body for financial literacy and counselling professionals in Canada. CAFE ensures financial professionals meet the rigorous ethical and educational requirements recognized nationwide.
Holding the CFC™ designation means more than just certification—it signifies trust, credibility, and expertise. It demonstrates your ability to provide effective, client-focused financial counselling, navigating both financial literacy education and real-world challenges to drive meaningful, lasting change.
Why Become Certified?
✔ Recognized Standard – CAFE’s Certification is the gold standard for financial counselling in Canada.
✔ Exclusive Licensing and Trademarked Designation – The only Canadian program with highest recognition.
✔ Career Growth – Strengthen your credentials and enhance your professional opportunities.
✔ Client Impact – Gain the tools to help Canadians overcome financial challenges and build stability.
✔ Ongoing Learning – Access exclusive training, resources, and networking opportunities.
Elevate Your Career in Financial Counselling
Certification is your gateway to professional excellence. Whether you work in credit counselling, banking, financial planning, social work, or education, this certification sets you apart.
Learn More About the Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice
CAFE’s support 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 CFCs 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 CFCs. 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 CAFE 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 CFC™ 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 Certified Financial Counsellors (CFC™) designees.
Join CAFE in our mission to give confidence to those who are called to help others through financial literacy and counselling.
Obtain your CFC™ and help create a financially empowered future for all Canadians.
“The CFC™ designation is an attestation of a professional's promise to their clients. Canadian’s trust CFC™s for financial literacy and ongoing support because an CFC™ has met rigorous standards in education, experience, a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Practitioners have committed to ongoing professional development through continuous professional development as required to hold the CFC™.”
“The CFC™ 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, CFC™ 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 all financial practitioners in protecting financially vulnerable Canadians.”
— Rebekah Smylie, CFC™
“Being designated through CAFE 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 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 CFC™ 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 CFC™ certification is a powerful step to elevate your career and enrich the lives of those you serve.”
Help Our Non-Profit Services
Sponsor Direct Impact
Funding for social services and non-profits in Canada has been shrinking, with many organizations closing while those that remain are struggling to stay open. Over a third now rely more on volunteers, and some are at risk of closing.
The CAFE Impact Fund helps train and support those who want to step up—giving them access to education, programs, certifications and conference access so they can better serve Canadians in need.
When we invest in those who help others, we build a stronger Canada for everyone. We can’t do it alone.
Empowering Canadians
Together We Bloom
Industries United = Communities Empowered