Upon completion of the probationary period, the employer will need to approve the recommendation submitted to the supervisor and continue to ensure that the applicable obligations are met during the administrative period.
The AMF expects employersThe employer is the firm, independent partnership or independent representative registered with the AMF in the sector for which the trainee will be undertaking the probationary period. to thoroughly review the recommendation, retain the trainee file and maintain supervision until such time as the probationary certificate ceases to be valid.
After the probationary period:
- the supervisor will need to submit their recommendation to the AMF within 10 days from expiry of the authorized maximum time period;
- you will need to approve the supervisor’s recommendation in AMF E-Services within that same 10-day period;
- the recommendation will need to be submitted and approved even if the trainee does not remain with your organization;
- if a recommendation is positive and you do not approve it, you will need to provide the reasons for non-approval;
- the trainee will continue to be supervised during the administrative period; and
- you will need to retain the trainee file for a period of five years.
Supervisor’s recommendation
At the end of the probationary period, the supervisor will have 10 days to submit their recommendation to the AMF. The recommendation may cover either:
- an entire sector; or
- a sector class.
The recommendation may be submitted once the minimum duration of the probationary period has been reached. It will need to be submitted even if the trainee does not remain with your organization.
Approval of the supervisor’s recommendation
After the supervisor has submitted the recommendation, you will need to approve it in AMF E-Services.
Before you approve it, make sure that, among other things:
- the required number of hours was completed;
- the trainee file is complete;
- the trainee’s competencies have been evaluated;
- the information submitted is accurate; and
- the recommendation aligns with the observations documented during the probationary period.
The recommendation should be based on the development of the trainee’s competencies, not on the achievement of sales targets.
The AMF may override a recommendation of successful completion of the probationary period on substantiated grounds.
End of the insightWhat to do if you do not approve the recommendation?
If one or more situations prevent you from approving the supervisor’s recommendation, you will have to submit a negative recommendation along with the reasons for it.
The negative recommendation may be sent at any time during the probationary period.
The reasons provided should be tied to the requirements of the probationary period. For example:
- The expected competencies were not developed.
- Professional obligations were not met.
- The required level of independence was not demonstrated.
- Client protection may be compromised.
Not meeting an employer’s sales targets is not sufficient reason to refuse to recommend successful completion of the probationary period.
The AMF may override a recommendation of successful completion of the probationary period on substantiated grounds.
Administrative period
The administrative period is a transition period that begins:
- on the date the supervisor submits their recommendation; or
- when the maximum duration of the probationary period is reached.
During the administrative period, the trainee’s probationary certificate may still be valid. The trainee will remain under the same supervisor(s). If the probationary period was successfully completed, the trainee will be able to submit an Application for a representative's certificate.
If the AMF receives the application while the probationary certificate is still valid, the certificate will remain in effect until the AMF makes a decision regarding the issuance of the certificate.
Until such time as the probationary certificate ceases to be valid:
- the trainee will be required to continue to act under supervision,
- the supervisor(s) will continue to be responsible for the trainee’s professional acts, and
- the employer will need to continue to ensure compliance with the applicable obligations.
If there is a change in supervision
If a change is required during the administrative period, you will need to submit a Request to add or remove a supervisor (pdf - 883 KB)
This link will open in a new windowUpdated on September 16, 2026Application for adding or removing a supervisor before making the change. The new supervisor will need to be authorized by the AMF before they can begin to supervise the trainee.
Retention of the trainee file
You will need to retain the trainee file for five years from the date of:
- successful completion of the probationary period; or
- discontinuance of the probationary period. The file will need to be complete and accessible.
The AMF may request to see it, including, but not limited to, during an inspection.
Post-probationary period checklist
Following the probationary period, make sure that:
- the supervisor submitted their recommendation within 10 days;
- the recommendation was reviewed;
- you approved the recommendation in E-Services;
- reasons were provided if there is any disagreement;
- the trainee file is complete;
- the file is retained for five years;
- supervision is maintained until the probationary certificate ceases to be valid, including during the administrative period; and
- any change in supervision is submitted to the AMF prior to the change.
FAQs
Who will need to approve the supervisor’s recommendation?
The employer will need to approve the recommendation in AMF E-Services.
Will the recommendation have to be submitted even if the trainee leaves the organization?
Yes. It will have to be submitted and approved even if the trainee does not pursue a career with the employer.
Can sales targets be used as grounds for a negative recommendation?
No. Not meeting sales targets is not a valid reason for making a negative recommendation.
Will the trainee need to continue to be supervised after the probationary period?
Yes, until such time as the probationary certificate ceases to be valid.
How long will the trainee file need to be retained?
The employer will have to retain the file for five years from the date the probationary period is successfully completed or discontinued.