PEP Candidates need to be careful about how they represent their status so as not to confuse the general public about professional accounting qualifications. The term “CPA Candidate” is not well understood outside the accounting profession and could be misleading, so should not be used.
After name
The act prohibits use of any CPA-related titles after your name. You may present all and any completed qualifications, but overseas accounting credentials should not be listed as they are not officially recognized in Alberta.
The following are acceptable:
- Jenny Smith MBA, BCom (Accounting)
- John Smith BSc (Accounting and Finance)
- Jenny Smith MPAcc
Profile/Summary
Candidacy for the CPA designation is certainly a desirable quality for employers, and you will want to present this clearly as near as possible to the top of your resume or LinkedIn profile. As stated, it is also important to not misrepresent your qualifications. In a paragraph or bullet, you can describe education and designation status as follows:
- Currently enrolled in the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) with designation expected in 20XX.
- Completed educational requirements of the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP), with designation expected on completion of Practical Experience Requirements (PER) in Month, 20XX.
Education
How you describe your CPA education will depend on whether or not you have completed the Professional Education Program. Describe education and CPA standing as follows: