The last two modules of the CPA Professional Education Program are Capstone 1 and Capstone 2. There are no modular tables presented because these modules focus on the further development of the CPA enabling competencies previously introduced in simulated business cases, including ethical and professional behaviour — the ability to operate with honesty, integrity, credibility, self confidence, self-control, organization, and independence.
Capstone Module 1 (Cap 1) — Integrative Module
This module focuses on further developing, through teamwork, the enabling competencies and the integration of the six technical competency areas. In this module, candidates apply the technical competencies acquired in the preceding modules. All previously acquired competencies form the pool from which candidates draw from in this module. The content, structure, and delivery of the module are designed to develop the strategic leadership capabilities of the CPA candidate and ensure an integrative perspective is brought to decision-making. This module enhances the development of the individual as a strategic thinker. Cap 1 combines individual and group work, supported by written assignments, and oral presentations. The use of teamwork enables candidates who chose different electives to experience working together to achieve a complete analysis. The written and oral components further develop the technical and enabling competencies gained in the preceding modules.
The focus of the module is on the development of the following enabling competencies.
Professional and Ethical Behaviour
The ability to act ethically, with honesty, integrity, credibility, self-confidence, and independence, while coping with ambiguity, conflicts of interest, and the need to protect the public interest.
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
The ability to draw on solid analytical and problem-solving skills and the capacity for innovative and integrative thought, as well as the ability to both connect and dissect “parts” and “wholes,” identify and manage priorities, and adopt a broad view.
Communication (Both Written and Oral)
The ability to communicate complex matters effectively by listening, understanding, speaking and writing with clarity, and using the art of persuasion and negotiation.
Self-Management
The ability to manage one’s own performance, soliciting feedback from others, and acting upon it to improve one’s behaviour, as well as recognizing one’s limits and seeking advice where needed.
Teamwork and Leadership
The ability to build, work in, and lead a team; to set goals; and to organize, collaborate, and manage processes. The ability to respond to feedback from others, display empathy and flexibility, and manage conflicts.
Capstone Module 2 (Cap 2) — Examination Preparation Module
The five modules of the CPA Professional Education Program leading up to this final module build critical enabling competencies as candidates move through the modules. Cap 2 is the last module the candidate participates in prior to writing the final examination. It is an examination preparation module.
Using complex and highly integrative cases that simulate real-life business issues, the Cap 2 module equips candidates with the ability to apply the technical and enabling competencies they have acquired throughout the CPA Professional Education Program.
Candidates will practise developing responses to business simulations and learn to communicate their thinking in a well-structured response within the allotted time. The simulations used in the module will draw upon all the enabling competencies and technical competencies outlined in the Competency map.
Unlike in Cap 1, in which candidates work as part of a team, candidates in Cap 2 work individually to hone their behavioural, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills by applying them to complex situations. The situations simulate real-life projects and assignments that newly certified CPAs may encounter in their careers.
The development of the following enabling competencies will be honed in Cap 2:
- The ability to define the issues.
- The ability to identify the important issues, even if underlying, and explain why they are important.
- The ability to analyze the situation presented and perform quantitative and qualitative analyses, and to apply the technical competencies acquired to probe the issues.
- The ability to evaluate alternatives (pros/cons, implications of different options, assess validity of options, etc.).
- The ability to integrate and synthesize the information presented and analysis performed to see the big picture and consider the impact of one analysis or conclusion on another, in a complex scenario.
- The ability to draw appropriate conclusions, propose solutions, and provide professional business advice, making logical and practical choices that flow from the analysis.
- The ability to demonstrate professional judgement when considering the relevant decision factors.
- The ability to exercise ethical judgement.