Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)
Reciprocal Membership Agreement (RMA)
CPABC supports the International Credential Recognition Act to reduce unnecessary barriers for internationally designated accountants seeking membership in BC. For each of the accounting bodies listed below, an updated review of the equivalency of the bodies and programs has been conducted, and CPABC will continue to accept applications submitted pursuant to these agreements until further notice.
Note that under Bylaw 501(8)(b), applicants must have been engaged in the practice of accounting in the jurisdiction in which the international accounting body is located for a two-year period, or shorter if approved by the Membership Committee, immediately before the applicant was granted membership in that professional body.
If your accounting body is listed below, use the links to learn more about the the application process. If you would like more information please contact cpabcapplications@bccpa.ca or visit CPABC’s Apply for Membership page to apply.
| Name of Accounting Body | Agreement Type with CPA | Designation Awarded By CPABC |
|---|---|---|
| American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) | MRA | CPA |
| Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand (CA ANZ) | RMA | CPA |
| Chartererd Accountants Ireland (CA Ireland) | RMA | CPA |
| Comité Mexicano para la Práctica Internacional de la Contaduría (COMPIC) | MRA | CPA |
| Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) | RMA | CPA |
| Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) | RMA | CPA |
| Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) | RMA | CPA |
| Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ) | RMA | CPA |
| Instituto Mexicano de Contadores Públicos (IMCP) | MRA | CPA |
| South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) | RMA | CPA |
Post Admission Continuing Professional Development Requirements
In order to maintain membership with CPABC through this agreement, you must successfully complete the CPA Reciprocity Professional Development (CPARPD) course within two years of your official membership admission date. This course consists of approximately 20 hours of online study in Canadian tax, law and ethics in a modular form.
Qualifying members of international accounting bodies who wish to practice in public accounting within Canada must also complete additional education and experience requirements as set out by each provincial and territorial body. Please visit the CPA Western School of Business for more information about the CPA Reciprocity Examination (CPARE). Note that members who have completed the CPARE within two years of obtaining membership are not required to complete the CPARPD course noted above.