Your CPA Journey Begins Here

Destination: CPA. Discover each step you need to take along the way to the CPA designation as a student in post-secondary education.

Note: If you are an internationally trained accountant, mature or legacy student the below journey does not apply to you. Please use the search bar to find information on your path to becoming a CPA.
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Prerequisite Education

The first step in the CPA certification program is prerequisite education that consists of a series of core and non-core courses.
Prerequisite learning requirements can be completed at a recognized post-secondary institution (PSI) or through CPA Ontario preparatory courses or through a mix of both.

Study at a Recognized Post-Secondary Institution

Take courses of your choice during your degree or at your convenience.

CPA Ontario Preparatory Courses

Complete your prerequisite learning through our preparatory courses.

Before you enroll, you’ll submit a transcript assessment and register as a student with CPA Ontario.

CPA Certification Program

The CPA Certification Program consists of experience, education and examinations. You will take on work experience throughout (and sometimes before) your certification program. You will gain a graduate-level education and demonstrate your knowledge and skills in examinations.

Practical Experience

Practical experience provides you the opportunity to apply and develop professional skills through hands-on work experiences. You’ll get guidance and mentorship from CPAs and gain the technical and soft skills you need in today’s workplace.

You will need to meet the following requirements to complete your practical experience journey.
Minimum duration of 30 months
You can carry out your paid work experience before, during and after your education
Progression across competencies
Demonstrate meeting the skills for your career
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Supervision and mentorship
You will have supervision and coaching
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Document and report experience
Self-assess and submit your progress in PERT
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Routes for Practical Experience

Your relevant experience can begin even before you complete your prerequisite learning, through jobs, internships and co-ops. It’s recommended though that the best time to do your practical experience is concurrently with the education program. As soon as you register as a CPA Ontario student, you can start reporting your experience.

There are two routes for practical experience to choose from: the Pre-Approved Program Route (PPR) and Experience Verification Route (EVR).

PPR

This is a formal student training program through pre-approved employers to meet all the requirements within 30 months. You would be hired directly into the program.

EVR

Through this route, you’ll have your job position pre-assessed by CPA Ontario before you can begin reporting. You have the flexibility to go at your own pace and manage more of your experience.

CPA PEP can be completed by taking modules through CPA Ontario or an accredited program at a post-secondary institution (PSI) or, if needed, a mix of both.

CPA Ontario CPA PEP

Complete your graduate-level study through our part-time modules. They’re offered 2-4 times a year using a blended learning model that combines online learning, self-study, virtual classroom learning and teamwork.

Study at a CPA Accredited Program

Complete a graduate degree program at a PSI, accredited to deliver all or part of CPA PEP. Carefully review each program’s requirements before applying to the PSI.

To enrol for CPA PEP modules with CPA Ontario, you'll need to submit a transcript assessment application and register as a student. You must meet all the following requirements to be eligible.

If you're enrolled in a CPA Accredited Program, you can register as a CPA Ontario student during or after you complete the graduate-level program.

CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP)

The CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) is the graduate-level component of the CPA certification program. You’ll need to successfully complete your prerequisite learning before starting this program. CPA PEP consists of a series of modules culminating in the three-day Common Final Examination (CFE).

CPA PEP Details

Modules
Understand the program, structure and delivery
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Schedules
View term schedules, dates and deadlines
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Enrolment & fees
Review fees and enrolment policies
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Workshops
Learn about required workshops
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Examinations
Check the examination information
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Common Final Examination (CFE)

The Common Final Examination (CFE) is your opportunity to show you know what it takes to be a CPA. It’s the culmination of all your education: over three days, you’ll need to demonstrate your competencies and knowledge. It takes place twice a year, in May and September. It can only be taken through CPA Ontario.

Admission to Membership

Successful CFE? Check. Completed practical experience? Check. CPA Ontario will now invite you to submit an Admission to Membership application. Provide the required documents and evidence of good character and submit the fee for file review.

Congratulations!

You are now a CPA.


Discover your CPA career

Read about the next steps after your designation, including career paths, the skills you need for the future and the latest CPA trends.