Before supervising a probationary period, you will need to verify that you meet the conditions specified by the AMF.

This page explains the criteria to be met, steps to be taken prior to applying for a probationary period and things to be checked before the trainee begins.

Meet the eligibility criteria to act as a supervisor

To qualify as a supervisor, you need to be a representative and meet the AMF’s eligibility criteria, namely:

  • be authorized to pursue activities as a representative at the time of the probationary period;
  • have held a representative’s certificate for at least 24 of the 36 months preceding the probationary period and have acted as a representative in the same sector or sector class as your future traineeYou may apply for a sector or sector class in which you have been inactive for less than twelve months. In such a case, your qualification as a supervisor will be conditional on reinstatement of your right to practise.;
  • in the five years preceding the candidate’s application, have not been the subject of a disciplinary sanction imposed by a disciplinary committee established under the Act respecting the distribution of financial products and services This link will open in a new window , or the Court of Québec sitting in appeal of a decision issued by such a committee;
  • in the five years preceding the candidate’s application, never have been struck off the roll by a disciplinary council of a professional order;
  • not be subject to any conditions or restrictions affecting your ability to act as a supervisor; and
  • not have received a second notice in writing from the AMF during the past year for a failure to meet your obligations as a supervisor.

You must also disclose any family ties you have with the trainee to the AMF when applying for authorization of a probationary period or adding a supervisor, if applicable.

On this page:

The AMF expects the supervisor to have the time, qualities and skills needed to properly supervise a trainee.

If you no longer meet the eligibility criteria

If you no longer meet any of the above criteria, you must immediately refrain from acting as a supervisor.

The AMF will review your representative’s file each time:

  • a new application for a probationary period naming you as a supervisor is submitted by the employer, or
  • an application is submitted to add you as a supervisor.

How to check whether you can act as a supervisor

To find out if you meet the criteria to act as a supervisor, you can request a review of your file by the AMF by submitting an Analysis of future supervisor’s file (pdf - 769 KB)This link will open in a new windowUpdated on September 14, 2026Analyse de dossier pour un futur superviseur form.

Your file as a representative will be reviewed by the AMF, which will then provide the results to you in writing.

Submitting an application for authorization of a probationary period

The application for authorization of a probationary period will need to be submitted to the AMF by the employer.

The employer will have to indicate the names of the trainee’s supervisor(s) on the form. It may name as many as four supervisors covering the entire probationary period and all relevant sector classes.

All the supervisors, both those named on the form and those who are subsequently added, will be considered responsible for the trainee and will therefore need to satisfy the criteria and obligations relating to supervision.

How many trainees are you allowed to supervise?

A representative acting as a supervisor may supervise as many as five trainees at a time.

If you are primarily engaged in supervision

A representative who engages primarily in supervision may supervise as many as 10 trainees at a time if the employer designated the representative as supervisor beforehand.

Even in this case, the representative will be required to satisfy the same eligibility criteria and obligations as a regular supervisor. They must also have the time, qualities and skills needed to properly supervise all trainees.

Check the trainee’s probationary certificate

The probationary certificate is a formal document issued by the AMF. It confirms that the trainee is authorized to act as a trainee during the specified period. The information on the probationary certificate includes, without being limited to:

  • the trainee’s identity;
  • the authorized sector or sector class;
  • the name of the supervisor(s); and
  • the certificate validity period.

You will not be able tot begin supervising the probationary period until the trainee has received their probationary certificate.

Throughout the probationary certificate validity period, the trainee’s name will appear in the Register of firms and individuals authorized to practise.

important

Before the trainee performs reserved professional acts, you will need to ensure that their name is listed in the register. A trainee may not begin the probationary period before the start date indicated on the probationary certificate issued by the AMF.

During the probationary period, the trainee must be covered by:

Insight

Pre-probationary period checklist

Before the probationary period begins, make sure that:

  • you meet the criteria to act as a supervisor;
  • the employer has appointed you to be a supervisor;
  • the trainee has received their probationary certificate;
  • the trainee’s name is listed in the AMF register;
  • you are practising in the relevant sector or sector class;
  • you have the necessary time and resources to supervise the trainee; and
  • you have met with the trainee to discuss your respective expectations and responsibilities.
     
End of the insight

To find you what your obligations are as supervisor, see: During the probationary period

FAQs

Am I allowed to act as a supervisor if a restriction is attached to my certificate? 

No, not if such a restriction affects your ability to act as a supervisor.

Will the AMF review my file each time an application is submitted?

Yes. The AMF will review your file each time a new application for a probationary period or to add a supervisor is submitted.

Am I allowed to supervise a family member?

Yes. However, you will need to disclose your family ties with the trainee to the AMF whenever you apply for authorization of a probationary period or to add a supervisor.