Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) Designation Program
The Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation has been widely recognized for 100x` years as a superior mark of excellence in the financial services industry. CLU designation holders 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.
The CLU designation is conferred in Canada exclusively by The Institute for Advanced Financial Education (“The Institute™”). The CLU is an approved designation for use of the title Financial Planner in Ontario.
Education
To earn the CLU designation, you must successfully complete the Advocis Financial Planning Fundamentals Program (CLU Pre-requisite course) as well as the three CLU Designation Courses (255, 256, 257).
The final CLU designation course (CLU 257) is semester-based and may only be taken once the Financial Planning Fundamentals Program and CLU 255 and 256 have been successfully completed.
For more information on the CLU education program click the button below:
Next Steps
After completing the education program, individuals will receive a graduation email inviting them to apply for the CLU designation. As part of the application process, two forms must be completed:
Applications are typically processed within 7 business days. Incomplete applications may delay processing. Completed forms may be submitted to info@iafe.ca.
Upon approval of the application, the certificate will be issued, and the candidate will receive a welcome letter. A separate email will be sent to access the digital Credly badge. Only once these steps are completed is the individual authorized to use the CLU designation. The CLU designation cannot be used before official approval.
Credly Badge
The Credly digital badge allows CLU designation holders to easily showcase their achievement online with a trusted, verifiable digital credential. The badge is a complimentary benefit for designation holders who are active and in good standing.
If an individual loses their CLU designation or membership status, access to the badge will be removed.
Ongoing Obligations - Need to Know
Annual Renewal (November – December)
Each year Institute designation holders are required to pay their membership renewal fee and complete their annual attestations. Membership renewal is completed through the Member Portal on or before December 31.
CE Requirements (January 1 – December 31)
Each year, as a CLU designation holder, you must complete your annual CE requirements. The Annual CE Attestation is due no later than December 31.
Use of CLU Designation
The CLU designation may only be used when an individual is active and in good standing. Use of the designation during suspension or termination is not permitted.
Reinstatement - Need to Know
When Reinstatement is Required
If a CLU designation holder does not complete their annual renewal (membership fee and annual attestations) by the December 31 deadline or fails to comply with any ongoing obligation, the individual will no longer hold the CLU designation. In such cases, the designation may be suspended or terminated.
To reinstate a CLU designation, the individual must:
- pay the membership fee and any outstanding fees, if applicable
- complete and submit the Reinstatement Form
- provide documentation confirming completion of the CE requirements. An individual may be required to provide support for each year they have not held their designation.
There may also be additional reinstatement requirements, such as the completion of a course or examination, depending on the length of time the individual has been away from active designation status.
For more information, please contact The Institute at info@iafe.ca.