The Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) certification program

Learn more about the components that make up the CPA certification program.

Close-up of a woman’s hand holding a mechanical pencil and writing on a sheet of paper.

The CPA certification program consists of education, a period of meeting relevant experience requirements, and the Common Final Examination.

Young adults seated at a table are all writing on sheets of papers

The CPA certification program: Overview

The CPA certification program charts the pathway to becoming a Canadian CPA. It incorporates the best of existing legacy programs and reflects what business, public practice and government require from professional accountants.

View looking up at skyscrapers against a blue sky.

Competency Map 2.0

Want to see the future of the CPA profession? Read our Leading the Way Competency Map 2.0 now.

Handsome young African man in shirt using computer and smiling while working in the office

CPA practical experience requirements

To earn the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, Canada’s pre-eminent accounting and business credential, students and candidates must complete relevant practical experience in addition to formal education and the Common Final Examination.

A meeting at a glass table where one man in a shirt and tie points to a graph on a tablet computer while another in the background, also wearing a shirt and tie, clasps his hands. Another person in the foreground holds a pen and a clipboard.

CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP)

Learn about the structure and areas of focus of the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) as you journey to become a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

Close up of a businesswoman’s hands manipulating a touchscreen while she sits at a table.

CPA preparatory courses

Learn how CPA preparatory courses can help you on your path to becoming a CPA or an ACAF holder.

Business people seated at a meeting table take notes on their clipboards.

CPA evaluation

Learn how the CPA certification program assesses the knowledge and skills of those seeking the CPA designation with this overview of the evaluation components.

Highlights

Sustainability Reporting and Assurance Webinars

This event has multiple dates and locations. See event details for more information.

Tune into this two-part webinar to learn about the rapidly evolving sustainability landscape. Hear about recent developments in sustainability reporting and assurance standards and regulatory requirements, and the implications and opportunities for CPAs.

2023 Public Sector Conference

October 17, 2023

If you work for a public sector body in accounting, finance or leadership, this is the event for you. Learn how to successfully navigate the unique challenges facing every level of government.

Commodity tax symposium 2023

October 23, 2023

Learn about critical policy issues, legislation updates and other technical trends at Canada’s largest and longest-running indirect tax event. For 2023, we are offering options for in-person and virtual attendance.