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The CPA certification program is designed to ensure that all CPAs have a strong foundation of ethics, knowledge and skill. Each CPA designation is earned through completing the graduate-level CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) and relevant practical experience. CPAs navigate through complexity to drive success across all industries and in organizations of any size. 

The nationally developed and provincially delivered CPA certification program consists of:

  • Academic prerequisites with specific area coverage.
  • The CPA Professional Education Program, which includes the Common Final Examination (CFE).
  • Thirty months of recognized relevant practical experience.

CPA Certification Program

The CPA certification program must be completed within specified timelines as outlined in the Member’s Handbook, Regulation 9-1, section 47. Please note that the CPA certification program does not award a degree.

What are the Academic Prerequisites?

To qualify for entrance into the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) through the CPA Path, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Conferral of a university degree from a recognized academic institution.
  • 120 degree-credit hours (or equivalent) of education from a recognized academic institution.
  • The successful completion of the entry prerequisite degree-credit courses recognized by CPA Ontario in each CPA competency area. Successful completion is defined as meeting the minimum grade requirement, the grade point average, and the currency of education requirement, as outlined below.

Exceptions may apply for students in the Mature Student category.

competency courses core non-core
Financial Reporting Introductory Financial Accounting
Intermediate Financial Reporting 1
Intermediate Financial Reporting 2
Advanced Financial Reporting
Strategy and Governance Performance Management
Management Accounting Introductory Management Accounting
Intermediate Management Accounting
Audit and Assurance Audit and Assurance
Finance Corporate Finance
Taxation Taxation

Other General Business Topics

Information Technology

Business Law
Economics
Statistics

What if I am Missing the Required Prerequisite Courses for the CPA Path?

Students who have not met the admission requirements for CPA PEP must complete additional courses through CPA preparatory courses or at a post-secondary institution to top up their credit hours and/or prerequisite education.

CPA PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

The CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) is the graduate level program that makes up the educational portion of the CPA certification program. The program is designed to enhance future CPAs' ability to apply professional knowledge, values, ethics and attitudes in a professional context. 

The CPA PEP consists of a series of core, elective and capstone modules built upon the CPA Competency Map, culminating in the Common Final Examination (CFE). Unless specifically exempted, students must complete the modules in order (i.e., Core 1, Core 2, Elective 1, Elective 2, Capstone 1, Capstone 2 and then the CFE).

CPA PEP Modules

CPA PEP Modules

The Common Final Examination (CFE) is the three-day final exam that caps the education portion of the CPA certification program. The CFE evaluates students on the competencies defined by the Competency Map, which outlines the knowledge, skills and proficiency levels you must have as a Canadian CPA.



Competencies
Students must demonstrate depth in either Financial Reporting or Management Accounting as well as depth in one of the other technical competency areas. Students also have to demonstrate breadth in all six technical competencies.

The CPA PEP program takes two years to complete on a part-time basis while earning practical experience through relevant employment.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CPA PEP AND THE CFE?

CPA PEP | CFE

CPA ONTARIO PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS (CPA ONTARIO PER)

In addition to completion of the CPA PEP and the CFE, the CPA certification program requires students to complete a minimum of 30 months of relevant practical experience. The knowledge and competencies gained through practical experience complement those developed through education. Practical experience may be gained while completing the CPA PEP. Students should continuously update and report their practical experience in the Practical Experience Reporting Tool (PERT) once they are registered with CPA Ontario. A minimum 12 months of relevant work experience must be developed during or after the CPA PEP is completed.


Employment

There are two ways to meet the practical experience requirements:


Pre-Approved Program Route (PPR)

CPA Ontario partners with employers to create PPRs that offer specific employment and training programs for students in the CPA program. In PPR, students are provided with mentors by their employer. 

Find a list of Pre-Approved Programs in External Audit, within the corporate and public sectors, as well as non-external audit areas within firms here.


Experience Verification Route (EVR)

Students may also complete their practical experience through an employer of their choice, provided the experience meets the requirements of the CPA Ontario PER. In EVR, students find their CPA mentor independently and document details of the work performed. 

BECOME A CPA: REGISTER FOR A COMPLIMENTARY INFORMATION SESSION

You will learn how the CPA designation provides you with:

  • Job security and career advancement
  • High earning potential
  • Job opportunities 
  • Improved skills and knowledge

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS?

CPA MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Students must work with a CPA mentor during their period of practical experience. The mentor must be an experienced CPA who will guide and coach the student on competency development. Practical experience can be completed concurrently or after your other program requirements.

ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP

Students who complete the educational and practical experience requirements of the CPA certification may apply for membership with CPA Ontario.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A LICENSED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT?

You can prepare to apply for a Public Accounting Licence through the CPA certification program by completing specific courses and practical experience requirements. Discover the path to becoming a public accountant.