I am an internationally trained professional
Looking to start your accounting career in Alberta as an internationally trained accountant? Good news – becoming a CPA in Alberta may be simpler than you think.
CPA Alberta has established agreements with professional accounting bodies around the globe, allowing you to streamline the process of becoming a CPA in Alberta.
*Please note, the below Reciprocal Membership Agreements and the Mutual Recognition Agreements may change at any time.
Reciprocal Membership Agreements (RMAs)
Approval for admission to membership solely qualifies the applicant for certification as a CPA in Alberta; it does not provide the rights to practice professional or public accounting. All CPA members are required to meet Alberta’s Professional Accounting Firm Registration Criteria (PAFRC). More information on the professional and public accounting requirements can be found here.
If you are a Canadian CPA seeking an international designation, please visit: Information for Canadian CPAs seeking international designations.
Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs)
The following international accounting bodies currently have a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with CPA Alberta. If you are a member in good standing with one of these bodies, you may be eligible to earn your Canadian CPA designation.
For more information, please visit: Mutual Recognition Agreements.
International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)
Internationally-trained accountants who are active members in good standing with accounting institutions that are International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) member bodies without an MOU with CPA Canada are admitted directly to the professional education program at Core 1. You are not required to complete any prerequisite courses to be admitted.
To be assessed for CPA PEP, IFAC designates are to request a transcript assessment through My CPA portal. Please see the Transcript Assessment page for more details.
Please visit the CPA Western School of Business website for further details on IFAC members.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
An agreement that specifies the criteria by which members of one body are eligible for membership in the other body. For more information on admission through an MoU, please visit the CPA Western School of Business website.