Table of Contents
- What is CPA?
- Top Universities for CPA in Canada
- Eligibility Criteria for CPA Course in Canada
- Course Curriculum for CPA in Canada
- Frequently asked questions
Canada is one of the popular destinations for international students. Canada is also one of the safest countries in the world. CPA aka Chartered Professional Accountant combines CIGA, CMA, and CGA. They are:
- CIGA (Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants)
- CMA Canada (Society of Management Accountants of Canada) &
- CGA Canada (Certified General Accountants of Canada)
What is CPA?
CPA is one of the high-demand courses in Canada. According to experts, CPAs will be irreplaceable in the future due to their financial expertise, management skills, and business insight. After completing the course, a CPA candidate can expect an average salary of $90,042 per year. Some of the popular words associated with CPA are:
- CPA Preparatory Courses (CPA PREP)
- CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP)
- CPA Common Final Examination (CPA CFE)
Top Universities for CPA in Canada
Canada offers international students a CPA course in various top colleges and universities. The details for the same are as follows:
| University of Waterloo | Brock University | Carleton University |
| Queen’s University | University of Toronto | McMaster University |
| University of Calgary | University of Windsor | University of Saskatchewan |
Eligibility Criteria for CPA Course in Canada
The eligibility criteria for the CPA course in Canada are as follows:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| UG Degree | Candidates must have a valid Baccalaureate or a Bachelor’s Degree in the accounting subject. As an international student, you must join the CPA PEP first. Candidates with no UG degree can apply if they have 8 years of relevant work experience |
| CPA PEP | CPA PEP is the first step to becoming a CPA. Candidates must complete their CPA PEP from a CPA-accredited institute. |
| Work Experience | 30 months of relevant work experience as a professional accountant is required for the CPA course. |
| Work Permit | Study and Work Permits are required if you are not a Canadian citizen. |
| Language Requirements | Candidates must have a Canadian English Language Benchmark (CLB) of 8 out of 12 for the CPA course. |
Course Curriculum for CPA in Canada
CPA PREP – Preparatory Courses
The first step to start preparing for CPA is CPA PREP. CPA PREP is designed for candidates who lack the requirements for CPA PEP. There are 14 preparatory courses for CPA PREP, and each course ends with an examination. The courses are as follows:
Non-core Courses:
- Introductory Financial Accounting
- Introductory Management Accounting
- Economics
- Statistics
- Business Law
Core Courses:
- Advanced Financial Reporting
- Audit and Assurance
- Corporate Finance
- Intermediate Financial Reporting 1
- Intermediate Financial Reporting 2
- Intermediate Management Accounting
- Information Technology
- Performance Management
- Taxation
CPA PEP – Professional Education Program
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a specific subject area covered are eligible for the CPA PEP program. CPA PEP can be completed in 2 years, part-time, through distance learning or in-class sessions. CPA PEP consists of six modules, each module ends with an examination. The modules are as follows:
- Two Common Core Modules (compulsory for all CPA candidates)
- Two Electives to Focus on Two Areas of Career Interest
- One Capstone Integrative Module
- One Capstone Exam Preparation Module
CPA CFE – Common Final Examination
CPA CFE is the final step for becoming a CPA. The final examination goes on for three days. The examination requires candidates to demonstrate everything they have learned under the CPA.
To be eligible for CPA CFE, candidates must have completed CPA PREP or CPA PEP. Post the examination, candidates are awarded the CPA title.
Frequently asked questions
I do not have work experience, can I apply for a CPA course in Canada?
No, work experience is mandatory for applying to a CPA course in Canada. A minimum of 30 months of work experience is required for the CPA course. Candidates without a UG degree would also require 8 years of relevant work experience.
What is the fee for a CPA course in Canada?
The average fee for a CPA course in Canada is INR 7-8 Lakhs.
What are the benefits of getting a CPA from Canada?
Getting a CPA from Canada has tons of pros. CPAs have a range of career opportunities, higher packages, and credibility to work anywhere in the world. You can also open your own accounting firm.
What job roles would I get after completing my CPA course in Canada?
Senior Consultant, Tax Consulting, Internal Revenue Agent, Research Analyst, Public Accountant, and Senior Public Accountant are some of the job roles you would get post-completion of the CPA course in Canada.
Is CPA accepted outside of Canada?
Yes, CPA is accepted and recognised internationally. Thousands of CPAs are now working throughout the world.
