Certifications

The competency standards for AFOA Canada accreditation programs are based on knowledge and skills and development of competencies for CAFM, CAPA, CIL and CIHRP programs. The competencies were identified by research conducted by professionals who work in the Indigenous finance, management, leadership and human resources fields.

AFOA Canada professional standards are overseen by the Indigenous Professional Standards Accreditation Committee. These standards will be reviewed and updated continuously every 4- 5 fiscal years.

The Standards of Ethical Conduct apply to students and certified members and are governed by two basic concepts:

1. 1. 1. The student/member must be competent. This means:

• • • • • they must know the competencies for their area of practice, and
        • they must be able to successfully apply the competencies.

1. 1. 2. The student/member must have integrity. This means:

• • • • • they must have a keen sense of responsibility to their client or employer and to their profession and the public, and
        • they must retain that sense of independence that will enable them to exercise their professional judgement without restriction or bias.

These standards serve to enhance confidence in the integrity and service of the Certified Members. The standard covers responsibilities to individuals, organization, community and society, the profession, and conflict of interest.

The Standards of Ethical Conduct provides procedures for: lodging of a complaint; reviewing the complaint; investigation procedures; AFOA Canada Special Ethics Committee; sanctions and appeal. The Standard provides for Procedures for the hearing including the administration of oath, presentations by the investigator, complainant and respondent, and submissions.

As evidence of commitment to the principle of lifelong learning, all Certified Members are required to meet Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requirements.

All Certified Members are required to engage in a total of 20 hours of:

• • • Continuing professional education annually
    • Leadership and/or volunteer work; for example, sitting on committees/boards, mentoring, marking and volunteer activities, volunteer tax clinics, financial literacy coach, etc.
    • Education; course and workshop development, course instructor, marking, guest speaker and writing articles.

In order to maintain your designation, you must be a Member in Good Standing.  If you allow your membership in AFOA to lapse, you cannot use your certified (CAFM, CAPA, CIL, or CIHRP) designation. The Certificate is the property of the Association and only remains in your possession if you remain a Certified Member of AFOA in good standing. If the member is not a “Certified Member in good standing” they will be required to return their certificates.

The purpose of the Education Program Policy is to outline the policies and procedures related to the administration and management of AFOA Canada’s Certified Indigenous Professional Programs.

This policy applies to all AFOA Canada’s Indigenous Professional Programs which are the foundation of a Professional Indigenous Public Service in Canada. Each certification is based on competencies identified by professionals in the fields of finance, management and leadership.