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  1. Home
  2. Become a CPA
  3. About the Program

CPA Program Overview

The CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) consists of part-time academics (six modules), one Common Final Exam (CFE) and 30 months of practical experience (paid).

2.5

YEARS

Work full-time and study part-time

$14k

CPA program cost for both domestic and international students

15-20

HOURS

Weekly study time

73.6%

CFE pass rate on first attempt, 2021

The CPA program is designed to enable CPA candidates to work full-time and study part-time, simultaneously. While the duration to complete the CPA program is about 30 months (2.5 years), CPA candidates have a maximum of six years to complete the education (CPA PEP) and seven years to complete the entire program (education, examination, and experience).

Education
Examination
Experience

Education

Education

The CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) is a graduate-level program to obtain the CPA designation. Students focus on enhancing their ability to apply professional knowledge, values, ethics, and attitudes in a professional context.

More about Professional Education Program
Examination

Examination

The Common Final Examination (CFE) is a three-day examination in which CPA candidates demonstrate the depth and breadth of their competency development in accordance with the CPA Canada Competency Map.

More about Common Final Examination
Experience

Experience

The practical experience requirement (PER) is 30 months full-time, paid employment in accounting and finance with the relevant technical and enabling competencies.

More about Practical Experience Requirements


The CPA program was developed nationally and is delivered by provincial or regional bodies across Canada.

In BC, the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) delivers the academic components of CPA PEP, while CPABC administers the practical experience requirements.

CPA Certification Program - Administration Bodies

Ready to Apply?

Ready to Apply?

See information on program admission requirements.

Program Admission Requirements

Information Sessions and Events

How to Find a CPA Mentor
Career Events
How to Find a CPA Mentor
Icon DateDate
Jan 2, 2023
- Jan 31, 2023
CPABC Network Series ‘Meet and Mingle’
Networking/Panel
CPABC Network Series ‘Meet and Mingle’
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Jan 31, 2023
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Online CPABC Accounting Night in Canada
Information Sessions
Online CPABC Accounting Night in Canada
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Feb 1, 2023
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
CPABC Q&A Webinar
Information Sessions
CPABC Q&A Webinar
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Feb 2, 2023
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Discover CPA
Networking/Panel
Discover CPA
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Feb 8, 2023
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Online CPA Information Session
Information Sessions
Online CPA Information Session
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Feb 9, 2023
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
CPABC How to Series ‘negotiate salary and package’
Networking/Panel
CPABC How to Series ‘negotiate salary and package’
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Feb 15, 2023
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Online CPA Information Session
Information Sessions
Online CPA Information Session
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Feb 16, 2023
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Conversation with a CPA
Networking/Panel
Conversation with a CPA
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Feb 22, 2023
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Online CPA Information Session
Information Sessions
Online CPA Information Session
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Feb 23, 2023
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
CPABC Network Series ‘Conversation with CPAs Celebration’
Networking/Panel
CPABC Network Series ‘Conversation with CPAs Celebration’
Icon DateDate
Feb 28, 2023
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
About the Program
About the Program
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How to Beome a CPA
How to Beome a CPA
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