FAQs
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What does a Certified Franchise Advisor (CFA) actually do?
You help people explore franchise ownership by guiding them to brands that fit their goals, budget, and lifestyle. Think of it like being a matchmaker—but for business ownership. When a placement happens, you earn a commission.
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Do I need a sales or franchise background?
Nope. We train you from the ground up. AFPA is proud to bring you the most comprehensive training program in the franchise industry as well as unmatched ongoing support, training, and prospects.
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Do I have to recruit people to earn money?
Nope. You earn by helping people invest in real, established franchise brands. You are not selling anything, you are guiding clients through an investment which can provide a great ROI. No recruiting is required—but you can earn bonuses by referring others, if you want.
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How much can I really make?
The average franchise placement pays around $30,000. As a CFA, you’ll earn 30% to 50% of that fee, depending on your membership tier.
Even at the Basic Tier, one successful deal can cover your entire first year many times over. ($474 total for year one of Basic Tier vs. ~$9,000 commission at the 30% split.)
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Why go through a network like AFPA instead of just doing it myself?
Because going solo rarely works. Franchisors often only work through broker networks. With AFPA, you gain immediate credibility, access to brand relationships, professional support, contract handling, and—most importantly—you actually get paid when a deal closes. Our infrastructure makes sure your clients are taken seriously and your commissions are secured.
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How long does it take to make a placement?
On average, it takes 3–6 months from lead to placement. That’s why we set expectations realistically, provide ongoing support, and give you a path to scale—so every deal compounds your progress.
It’s also why we keep our fees low—so you’re not burdened by high costs while you’re building your pipeline. We want you focused on momentum, not monthly stress.
This is a numbers game: the more conversations you’re having with qualified prospects, the faster things happen. You can shorten that 3–6 month window significantly by staying consistent with outreach, following up diligently, and tapping into your network—or by using our low-cost exclusive leads to stay in motion.
We’ve removed the financial pressure so you can focus on what actually works: meaningful conversations with the right people.
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Where do I get clients?
Personal and professional networks provide the most organic conversations. As for leads, you can generate your own, but we also provide a consistent stream of leads to our Basic and Pro Tier CFAs via our data partner. These leads are high-intent leads - people actively searching for franchise opportunities. Further leads can be purchased at just $25 each—half the price of what others charge.
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How much does it cost to become a CFA with AFPA?
Depending on the tier you choose will determind your investment, our basic tier is $199 one time onboarding fee plus $25 per month for your prospects list.