Post-secondary Students

I am a post-secondary student

No matter what your area of study might be at university or college, the CPA designation could be an ideal career path for you. Any 120-credit hour degree can qualify you to enter into one of the most respected, in-demand and globally recognized designations: the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

A CPA designation will open doors for you. As a CPA, you will enter a career that is well paid and always in demand. You’ll be able to play a key role in business decisions in any industry from public practice, education and non-profits to entertainment, tech and sports.

Student first job interview
Student recruitment

Looking to get a job and begin your career? Get ahead of the game and access critical information about recruitment now.

 

 

 

Student recruitment
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Campus Ambassadors
Campus Ambassadors are student volunteers at your post-secondary institution who help promote the CPA career path on campus. They are a valuable point of contact for students who have questions about the accounting profession.
Campus Ambassadors
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Student events

Student events are a great way to find out more information about a career as a CPA. Meet and greet with CPAs and CPA Alberta staff who can help you with any questions you may have.

 

Student events

Graduating soon?

Are you a soon-to-be graduate looking to kick-start your career? Consider the CPA Enrolment Process. As a CPA, you'll have access to endless career opportunities, high earning potential, and a globally recognized designation.

The CPA Enrolment Process is designed to ensure you have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today's business world. Join the thousands of successful CPAs who have turned their career aspirations into reality.

Enrol in the CPA program today and take the first step towards your dream career. CPA Enrolment Process

Graduation

Post-secondary scholarships

The CPA Education Foundation wants you to succeed. Let us support you as you take your next steps towards your future career. Whether your goals revolve around leadership, volunteerism, or academic excellence, we have the scholarships to help develop your talents and take you to new heights.
Post-secondary scholarships
High school scholarships

Contact us

We're here to help answer any questions you may have about becoming a CPA. You can:

Email us on recruitment@cpaalberta.ca.

Book a 15 minute online session with one of our Student Recruitment Officers.

Student magazine

Are you curious about what it takes to become a CPA? Do you want to learn about the exciting and dynamic world of accounting and finance? Look no further than Capitalize. 

Whether you are interested in a career in finance or just want to learn more about what CPAs do, Capitalize has something for you.

Our magazine is full of articles featuring CPAs sharing their insights, and perspectives that you won't find anywhere else.

Capitalize magazine
The image is a magazine cover for "Capitalize," the Winter 2024 edition, themed "The Road to Success." The title "capitalize" is in lowercase letters with a gradient from turquoise to purple at the top. Below, a smiling woman with black-rimmed glasses, red braided hair, and a black lace top is featured. Neon lines and the phrase "WITH THE CPA DESIGNATION" underscore the theme, and her name, "KEMI AWONIYI IGE CPA, CGA," is displayed at the bottom. The background has a futuristic, digital feel with a blend of dark and neon elements.

FAQs

You need the courses listed in the Transfer Credit Guide.

If you are missing a course or do not have a sufficient grade, you can take it at your post-secondary institution, at another institution that offers the course, or through the CPA Western School of Business preparatory courses.

Once you have all the courses and have completed your degree, you can start the CPA Professional Education Program.

The CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) is the education required to become a CPA. The program takes two years to complete and is designed to be completed part-time while you are working full-time towards your practical experience requirement.

Learn more about CPA PEP.

Yes. The Master of Accounting (MAcc) at the University of Alberta or the Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) at the University of Saskatchewan are two options available in Western Canada.

These two programs will fulfill the same requirements as the CPA PEP modules. At the conclusion of these master’s programs, candidates will write the Common Final Exam (CFE).

To become a CPA, you will need 30 months of practical experience. While CPA Alberta does not provide placements for prospective CPAs, resources are available to help.
Meet Your Employer is a career fair-style event to connect prospective CPAs with their future employer. CPA Alberta holds this event annually, bringing together thousands of students and key employer partners in Alberta.

The Career Centre has free resources available to help job-seekers with their networking and interview skills.

Many post-secondary institutions have career resources available to their students. Ask around your campus to see what services you can access.

You will need access to PERT, the Practical Experience Reporting Tool. You will gain access to PERT when you register as a CPA PEP Candidate.

Learn more about Practical Experience.

Please contact us at recruitment@cpaalberta.ca and we will be happy to answer your questions by email or set up a virtual appointment.
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The image appears to be a banner with a stylized design including a stopwatch with a question mark on its face. The text reads "ASK a CPA" with the phrase "Rapid Fire Q&A on Your Path to CPA" beneath it. The color scheme includes various shades of blue with white and green accents. The design suggests that this may be for a session where questions are quickly answered, possibly aimed at individuals interested in becoming Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).
CPA Alberta Information Session