FAQs

The CPA certification program stands on its own merits when compared to other leading professional programs around the world given that it offers training that is broader and deeper than existing Canadian programs. The new CPA certification program meet or exceeds all standards set by the leading global accounting bodies and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), ensuring the Canadian CPA is recognized and respected throughout the global accounting profession.

To further accelerate awareness of the value of the CPA, the profession is talking to businesses, regulators, governments and others about the program.

The key elements of the Canadian CPA certification program are based on the requirements of businesses and organizations in the public and not-for-profit sectors. As such, the CPA certification program is receiving accolades in research studies with business leaders, academics and employers across all sectors of the Canadian economy.

The program’s quality and unique breadth mean it will stand on its own merits when compared to other leading professional programs around the world. In addition, the profession is committed to actively promoting the value of the CPA to ensure the CPA brand is widely respected and recognized as the pre-eminent Canadian business and accounting designation in Canada and internationally.

The CPA certification program will provide you with a breadth of highly valued business and accounting skills plus hands-on experience that will ensure you are in high demand by businesses and organizations of all sizes and across all sectors. It will give you a competitive edge in the marketplace and create the foundation for a prosperous and exciting career in Canada or abroad.

In Alberta, all current provincially negotiated MRAs remain and members covered under those agreements maintain access as per the agreement. Any new MRAs will be negotiated by CPA Alberta. Click here to learn more.

To be admitted to the CPA PEP, you must have completed an undergraduate degree and specific subject area coverage. The specific subject area coverage is defined in the CPA Competency Map. CPA provincial bodies are working directly with the post-secondary institutions in their provinces to develop specific course requirements.

Timing of your studies should be based on your personal circumstances. Transition details are being developed now and further details will be available in the near future. We encourage you to check this site regularly for updates.

No. Those with undergraduate degrees who do not have the specific subject area coverage will be able to meet this prerequisite through the CPA prepatory courses.

Please have your transcripts evaluated by IQAS, ICES or WES (or by any member of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada) service prior to sending them for review. Once the credential assessment service has completed the evaluation, please have them send a copy of the completed evaluation.

If you send in a copy of your transcripts, the copies will need to be notarized in order to be considered. If you send in your original transcript and wish to have it returned to you, please include a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope when you mail them in. It is strongly suggested that you use a postal service where you can track the package.

The new CPA certification program draws on the former CA, CMA and CGA programs and requires the following:

• an undergraduate degree and specific subject area coverage in business and accountancy for admission to the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP)
• a CPA PEP developed nationally and delivered regionally
• individual evaluations and team-based evaluations throughout the program
• a common, comprehensive multi-day final evaluation; and,
• a period of rigorous qualifying practical experience that builds and applies relevant CPA competencies and is subject to quality control by the profession.

No, only official transcripts will be evaluated.

Yes. The CPA designation meets or exceeds all International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) standards for education, assessment and practical experience. It also meets or exceeds the requirements of the leading global accounting bodies, ensuring the new profession can maintain existing and establish new Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs). Click here to learn more.

Yes. The CPA program will have a multi-day common evaluation. In addition, each module will culminate in an evaluation. CPA candidates must pass each module before proceeding to the next.

Official transcripts are transcripts that are sent directly from the post-secondary institution. Transcripts that have been sent to you personally but have remained sealed and unopened in the original envelope will be accepted.

Yes, there will be an evaluation after every module. Candidates must pass the evaluation to proceed to the next module.

Yes. Click here to learn more.

• If you hold credentials from outside of Canada, you must submit your transcripts along with a basic evaluation by IQAS, ICES or WES (or by any member of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada).
• Whenever available, documents should be submitted in English by the institution. If the document is not issued in English, please submit both the original and the English translation by a certified translator.
• Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the post-secondary institution or arrive sealed (unopened) in the original envelope. Transcripts will not be accepted if they are opened, scanned, faxed, or sent in any electronic format.
• If any names on your transcripts are different than your profile name, you must also submit legal proof of name change (copy of your marriage certificate, legal name change document, etc.).

Send in all transcripts with any relevant course work and your degree confirmation.

All members of legacy organizations who are in good standing have received the CPA designation. No further training or certification will be required. As members of either organization, you will maintain the same rights and obligations as before.

To learn more about designation use, click here.

Module Zero is designed for anyone entering CPA PEP who has completed (or has nearly completed) an undergraduate degree and legacy prerequisites, but is missing some of the subject area coverage defined in the CPA Competency Map.

To decide which parts of Module Zero you are required to complete, please compare the list of Module Zero topics to the list of prerequisite courses you have completed. If you need to fill in gaps with content that is not available through Module Zero, please contact CPAWSB at 1.866.420.2350 or cpaapplication@cpawsb.ca to discuss your options.

CPA PEP consists of six modules which are delivered using a blended learning model consisting of online learning, self-study and classroom learning.

In addition to formal education and the common final examination, the new CPA certification program requires CPA students/candidates to complete a term of relevant practical experience. The knowledge and competencies gained through practical experience complement those developed through education. Learn more.

The modules are delivered using a blended learning model, combining online learning, self-study, classroom learning and teamwork to enable CPA candidates to develop the competencies expected of Canada’s pre-eminent Chartered Professional Accountant.

If you are ready to apply for the CPA PEP please visit the application process page on the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) website.

The nationally developed, regionally delivered program is designed to be delivered on a part-time basis over two years, while you gain your practical experience. Accredited full-time graduate programs are expected to take one year.

Depending on which legacy program’s prerequisite courses you have completed, you may not need to complete any of Module Zero; however, you will need to select "no topics required" during the Module Zero topic selection process. The Module Zero material covers four competency areas: Financial Accounting, Taxation, Management Accounting, and Strategy and Governance.

Additionally, some post-secondary institutions may offer boot camp programs or extra sessions of courses delivering CPA prerequisites. If you choose to fill knowledge gaps through these programs, you are responsible for any associated costs.

No. The admission requirements are an undergraduate degree and specific subject area coverage. There will, however, be an evaluation after each CPA PEP module. CPA candidates must be successful on each exam to proceed to the next module.

Attention: Transcript Assessment
CPA Western School of Business, Student & Support Services
301, 1253 - 91 Street SW
Edmonton, Alberta T6X 1E9

As a member in good standing, you will have the right to transfer between provinces as a member of the national CPA affiliation. Click here to learn more.

Yes. Under the CPA Alberta board directives, CPA Alberta board meetings are open to CPA Alberta members. The Chartered Professional Accountants Act does contain provisions for the chair to close a meeting under specific circumstances. For information on scheduling and locations of board meetings, please contact Susan Rockwood at srockwood@cpaalberta.ca.

CPA Alberta is affiliated with the national CPA Canada organization and other provincial CPA organizations as each are mandated by provincial legislation.

Because the entry requirements for CPA PEP cover additional competencies to those required for the legacy programs, Module Zero has been designed to help CPA program entrants who have met (or are close to meeting) prerequisite course requirements for one of the legacy programs fill knowledge gaps before starting Core 1. The material is free, flexible, online, and self-assessed, but you will need to enroll to access it, and must complete the topics you identify before Core 1 starts.

Yes. Legislation to create the CPA Act was proclaimed on July 1, 2015.

The length of each module will be determined by the course developers, to ensure CPA candidates have the opportunity to develop the required competencies. The nationally developed, regionally delivered CPA PEP is designed to be delivered on a part-time basis over two years, while you gain your practical experience.

Evaluations may take up to six weeks to complete from the time the official transcripts have been received.

Module Zero is free; however, you need to enroll to access the content.

When your official transcript has been received, you will be notified by email confirming receipt of the transcript and the expected time frame in which you should receive you evaluation report. Please note that transcript evaluations are sent via email.

Ultimately, all evaluations, including the CPA Common Final Evaluation, will be offered at least twice each year. For more information on applying to PEP please visit the CPA Western School of Business website.

The CPA is much more than a business degree – it is a professional credential, similar to that of a doctor, engineer or lawyer. The CPA certification program combines education in business and in financial and management accounting with qualifying practical experience, giving CPAs a competitive advantage in the job market. In addition, CPAs must abide by a code of conduct, have a requirement for lifelong professional development, and are subject to uniform standards of entry or exit from the profession, all of which are valuable assets for employers and hallmarks of professional designations.

You will not have to redo the CPA CFE. You can meet the education and experience requirements to practise public accounting after you certify as a CPA. The CPA profession will develop continuing education opportunities for CPAs to meet public accounting requirements.

No, there are no assignments or exams in Module Zero, although you will need to complete the topics you identify at least three weeks before Core 1 starts. When you complete a topic, you will answer review questions to assess your comprehension of the material. You will be able to revisit any of the material at any time throughout CPA PEP.

If the course names and grades do not appear on the transcript you are submitting, then it is necessary to also submit separate official transcript(s) from your transfer school(s). These official transcripts are required as there is a minimum grade requirement for individual courses taken.

The topics covered in each part of Module Zero to supplement CPAWSB prerequisites are listed here. We encourage you to compare these lists against course material you have completed. You may want to consult with your post-secondary institution for additional guidance.

You will have to request this from the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS), or bring your evaluation to us after you have received it from them.