How do I get my CFE Credits?

Participants in the CFE Program need 3,500 credits to receive the CFE designation. Credits for the CFE Program are broken out into two main categories: Education and Participation.

CFE Program credits can be earned in different ways:

Education Credits (Max 2,500)

Up to 500 Education credits are allocated based on your franchising work experience, granted upon application, and can be updated as you make progress.

Education credits can be earned through a diverse range of sources:

  • Courses accessible via the CFA’s website and e-Learning offerings
  • CFE-accredited online webinars like the Evening Education Series and Franchise Your Business
  • Attending half-day CFE-accredited workshops such as FDD: Franchise Development Day or Fran-Guard Live
  • Active participation in CFA live events, such as the CFA National Convention, Law Day, Marketing & Operations Day, Franchising Meets the Money, and more
  • Specialized franchising programs offered by accredited educational providers
  • CFE-accredited courses provided by the International Franchise Association, Franchise Council of Australia, Philippines Franchise Association, and other CFE partners
  • Any CFE-accredited activity taken up to one year prior to the date of enrollment

Participation Credits (Max 500)

Participation credits are earned through active involvement in the franchising community, which includes CFA membership, committee memberships, and committee meetings. These credits can also be obtained by attending CFA live events, both in-person and via virtual webinars.

Candidates are required to maintain a record of any accredited activity they have taken part in for Education and Participation credits.

Mandatory Certification Requirements (600)

In order to successfully progress through the CFE Program, all candidates are obliged to fulfill the following essential education requirements:

  • Completion of the Online Final Exam: All CFE candidates are required to successfully complete the online Final Exam. This exam is administered by the International Franchise Association (IFA) to ensure international CFE standards are met. Candidates who are pursuing the CFE through the CFA have access to a Canadian version of the Final Exam tailored to their specific requirements.
  • Participation in Fran-Guard™: Fran-Guard™ is a specialized program designed to emphasize the legal and business aspects integral to franchise sales, management, and compliance. It serves as a comprehensive foundation in Canadian franchise law.

Both the Online Final Exam and Fran-Guard™ contribute significantly to a candidate’s education progress in the CFE Program. They each account for 300 CFE Education credits, out of the required total of 3,000 CFE Education credits as stipulated under the legacy system.

These components are mandatory prerequisites for successfully completing the CFE Program. Candidates can fulfill the remainder of their necessary education credits by participating in a combination of onsite and online programs.

To Register for CFA’s Fran-Guard Course, please email Mary MacDonald or Amy Greene.

 

What events are eligible for CFE Credits?

The CFA’s Credit Reference Guide is intended as a reference only and is subject to change without notice. This guide can assist candidates to find courses to successfully achieve their 3,500 CFE credit requirement within three (3) years of enrollment. Once completed, candidates must maintain their designation by recertifying every three (3) years.

  • Mandatory
    • Fran-Guard (online or live): 300 Education credits
    • Final exam: 300 Education credits
  • Experience credits (Max 500)
    • 100 credits for every year of working experience within the franchise industry
  • Participation credits (Max 500)
    • CFA membership: 100 credits (Earn a maximum of 300 credits within three years. The remaining credits must be earned by attendance at live/online events or committee volunteering)
    • CFA Committee: 100 credits
    • CFA Committee Meetings: 50 credits for each meeting attended
    • CFA National Convention: 100 credits
    • Learn & Grow webinars: 50 credits each webinar
    • Franchise Your Business (virtual or live): 50 credits
    • CFA Franchise Law Day: 50 credits
    • CFA Marketing & Operations Day: 100 credits
  • Education Credits (Max 2,500 – 3,000 depending on past Experience)
    • Franchise Your Business (virtual or live): 250 credits
    • CFA National Convention: 300 credits
    • CFE Workshops at National Convention: 200-300 credits each
    • Franchise Tutorials: 300 credits
    • CFA Marketing & Operations Day: 200 credits
    • CFA Franchise Law Day: 200 credits
    • Franchising Meets the Money (virtual or live): 200 credits
    • FDD: Franchise Development Day: 375 credits
    • Evening Education Series: 200-300 credits each
    • SmartGrowth: 300 credits
  • Credits earned outside of the CFA
    • CFE-accredited courses taken through the International Franchise Association
    • CFE-accredited courses taken through the Franchise Council of Australia
    • CFE-accredited courses taken through the Philippines Franchise Association
    • CFE-accredited courses taken through the IFA Academy

CFE credits will be granted to a CFE candidate for any CFE approved courses or seminars taken up to one year prior to the date of enrollment in the CFE program. 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.

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 at the next National 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 one to two years.