The goal of the CFE Program is to educate individuals and organizations to the highest standards. This program is a leading resource to help franchise executives, managers and small business owners accelerate individual and organizational growth.
Certification speaks to a higher standard of professionalism and raises the bar for franchise training as a whole.
What is the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program?
Participants in the CFE Program will complete a diverse range of course offerings in franchise management, leadership, and small business in order to gain insights into franchise strategy and operations. This program will help individuals at emerging organizations learn how to run a small business while helping more established leaders understand how to successfully cultivate a growing enterprise.
Through the CFE Program, CFA members will gain additional knowledge and tools needed to reach their greatest potential. Students who successfully complete the program will receive the CFE certification, conferring strong credibility in their franchising expertise.
The CFE designation exemplifies a commitment and passion for franchising and the franchising community.
THE PATH TO BECOMING CFE CERTIFIED IS EASY!
1. Submit an application
Application forms can be found by CLICKING HERE. You can submit your completed application form to pflores@cfa.ca.
2. Receive notification of your acceptance
Applications will normally be acknowledged within three business days. Some applications may require additional information and candidates will be contacted. Upon confirmation, candidates will receive information which will enable them to access their CFE record online.
3. Begin acquiring credits
You will choose among the many credit opportunities to satisfy the program requirements. You will gain credits by participating in approved courses and attending other learning events.
4. Program completion
You must be a candidate in good standing to complete the CFE program and graduate. You must complete all requirements within three years of the date you enroll; otherwise you will be required to submit a re-enrollment application and fee in order to continue and have credits apply.
Congratulations, you are a CFE!
A minimum of 3,500 credits is required to qualify for the Certified Franchise Executive™ (CFE) designation. Granting of the CFE designation to qualified candidates is determined by the ICFE Board of Governors.
HOW DO I GET MY CFE CERTIFICATION?
Participants in the CFE Program need 3,500 credits to receive the CFE designation. Credits for the CFE Program are broken out into three main categories: Education, Participation and Experience. CFE Program credits can be earned in different ways.
Requirement for each credit category are broken out as follows:
2, 500 Education Credits
Education credits are assigned through the completion of live and online education. Live education includes in-person events like the CFA National Convention and special CFE accredited seminars; online education includes online courses such as Profit Soup, Profit Mastery and Franklin Covey.
500 Participation Credits
Participation credits are assigned through participation at live events. Participation credits can also be received through attending CFA webinars both live and on-demand.
Candidates should list those events approved for Participation credits which they have attended within one year of date of enrollment.
500 Experience Credits
Experience credits are assigned based on an applicant’s work experience in franchising.
These are granted at the time of application and may be updated as the candidate continues in the program.
MANDATORY EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
All CFE candidates must complete the online Final Exam and the FRAN-GUARD™ program. While the Final Exam is not assigned a credit count, FRAN-GUARD will be recognized for 300 CFE Education credits toward the required 2500 CFE Education credits. Both are mandatory components to complete the CFE Program. Candidates may earn the remaining required education credits by attending onsite and online programs.
APPLYING FOR CFE CREDITS
CFE credits will be granted to a CFE candidate for ICFE approved courses or seminars up to one year prior to the time that the CFE candidate enrolled in the CFE program. CFE applicants who request CFE credits for courses or seminars that were taken prior to the time the course was approved by the ICFE Board will not be approved. CFE credits will only be granted for courses or seminars taken if they were approved at the time the individual took the course or seminar. A CFE candidate may request CFE credit for courses or seminars by ICFE-approved Course Providers that are offered as part of a company training program by the Course Provider. In such cases, if the request is approved, the CFE candidate must pay an additional $200 fee for each course that is approved for CFE credits. Final approval and granting of the CFE designation is made by the Canadian Franchise Association following a review of each candidate’s application and course work. Candidates must complete all requirements by December 31 of the year preceding the year in which they expect to receive their CFE designation. Once a candidate completes all requirements he/she will be notified that they may commence using the CFE designation and will be included as a graduate of the following year’s convention, e.g. complete credits in 2021 – will be part of class of 2022. Official CFE pins and certificates will be presented at the CFA Annual Convention
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET CERTIFICATION?
Participants in the CFE Program have three years from the date of their enrollment to complete their designation. The time to complete the program will vary based on the individual’s schedule, however on average, most participants will complete the required 3,500 credits within two (2) years.
If you were pre-enrolled for the program, your three-year term officially started when the program launched in July 2021.
WHAT IF I AM ALREADY REGISTERED WITH THE IFA?
If you are already registered for the CFE Program through the IFA, you can continue working towards your designation and now receive credits for your participation in CFA events and educational opportunities as well.
FRAN-GUARD
The Canadian Franchise Association’s (CFA) Fran-Guard course is based on the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Fran-Guard program and is a mandatory component of the CFE Program.
The Fran-Guard course was created to safeguard your franchise by having your key employees fully trained on the franchise sales management and compliance process. It gives you the tools to manage your compliance program and avoid costly mistakes that can potentially wreck your franchise system.
CFA’s Fran-Guard program is for senior executives, franchise development professionals, lawyers and compliance managers. The program features both the legal and business aspects of compliance taught by legal experts. Compliance not only reduces risk but it can result in better company profits.
As part of the partnership with the International Franchise Association (IFA) to offer CFA members access to the Certified Franchise Executives (CFE) Program, the CFA is pleased to offer Education and Participation credits at our upcoming events.
FRAN-GUARD
The Canadian Franchise Association’s (CFA) Fran-Guard course is based on the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Fran-Guard program and is a mandatory component of the CFE Program.
The Fran-Guard course was created to safeguard your franchise by having your key employees fully trained on the franchise sales management and compliance process. It gives you the tools to manage your compliance program and avoid costly mistakes that can potentially wreck your franchise system.
CFA’s Fran-Guard program is for senior executives, franchise development professionals, lawyers and compliance managers. The program features both the legal and business aspects of compliance taught by legal experts. Compliance not only reduces risk but it can result in better company profits.
CFA WEBINARS
Participation Credits are available through CFA’s Learn & Grow webinar program. For a list of upcoming webinars, click here.
ADDITIONAL CFE RESOURCES (OFFERED THROUGH THE IFA)
Online CFE Training:
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IFA VIDEO ON DEMAND – BEACONLIVE |
How do I enroll for the CFE Program?
To enroll for the CFE Program, simply complete an enrollment form and submit to pflores@cfa.ca. Once received, you will receive confirmation within two (2) business days.
What are the benefits of the CFE Program?
Industry Recognition and Professional Standing: A symbol of leadership and accomplishment, the CFE designation is highly regarded and will raise your profile within the franchising community, by demonstrating your years of experience, commitment to growth, and a desire to continually meet challenges.
Peer Networking: The CFE Program combined with CFA events creates rich opportunities for you to network with industry professionals. Everyone wins when we share ideas and best practices.
Commitment to Franchising: The CFE designation will exemplify your commitment and passion for franchise management within the larger franchising community.
Personal Skills: The CFE program will educate you on the latest trends to stay competitive, build your personal brand and network, while honing the franchise management skills you need to succeed.
How long will it take to complete the CFE Program?
Participants in the CFE Program have three years from the date of their enrollment to complete their designation. The time to complete the program will vary based on the individual’s schedule, however on average, most participants will complete the required 3,500 credits within two (2) years.
If you were pre-enrolled for the program, your three-year term officially started when the program launched in July 2021.
How many credits do I need to receive the CFE designation?
Participants in the CFE Program need 3,500 credits to receive the CFE designation. Credit requirements are broken out as follows: 2,500 Education credits; 500 Participation credits; and 500 Experience credits.
How do I earn the different types of CFE credits?
Credits for the CFE Program are broken out into three main categories: Education, Participation and Experience. These credits can be earned in different ways.
Experience: These credits are assigned based on an applicant’s work experience in franchising.
Education: These credits are assigned through the completion of live and online education. Live education includes in-person events like the CFA National Convention and special CFE accredited seminars; online education includes online courses such as Profit Soup, Profit Mastery and Franklin Covey.
Participation: These credits are assigned through participation at live events. Participation credits can also be received through attending CFA webinars both live and on-demand.
What if I am already registered for the CFE Program through the International Franchise Association (IFA)?
If you are already registered for the CFE Program through the IFA, you can continue working towards your designation and now receive credits for your participation in CFA events and educational opportunities as well.
