The CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) is the nationally-developed education required for CPA certification. CPA candidates are also required to complete a period of
practical experience to qualify for certification. In Western Canada, the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) delivers CPA PEP and the provincial bodies administer the experience requirements.
Candidates in CPA PEP are required to complete six modules before they are eligible to write the three-day Common Final Exam (CFE).
- Two core modules to develop competencies in management and financial accounting and build upon the remaining four core technical competency areas. The module focus is breadth.
- Two elective modules to develop deeper skills in areas of career interest. Each candidate chooses two of: Assurance, Performance Management, Tax, and Finance. Anyone pursuing a license in public accounting must choose Assurance and Tax. The module focus is depth.
- Capstone 1 (integrative module), which integrates the core technical and enabling competencies. The module focus is application and integration.
- Capstone 2 (examination preparation module), which prepares candidates for the CFE, the national exam on which candidates demonstrate depth and breadth of competency development in accordance with the CPA Competency Map.
Throughout the program, CPA candidates develop the competencies expected of professional accountants. At qualification, they will be required to demonstrate:
- TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES in advanced financial reporting, strategy and governance, and management accounting, as well as in audit and assurance, finance, and taxation.
- ENABLING COMPETENCIES, including professionalism, ethical behavior, written and oral communication, leadership, problem solving, and decision making.
The specific competency expectations of the new CPA are defined in the
CPA Competency Map, which describes the knowledge, skills and proficiency levels expected of candidates and members.
The CPA profession will also develop national accreditation standards for post-secondary institutions interested in offering components of the CPA Professional Education Program.
Learning Formats
CPA PEP module content is delivered online, though each module includes at least one in-person workshop and concludes with an in-person exam. Candidates who miss the workshop are not permitted to write the exam.
Each core and elective module consists of approximately eight weeks of online learning, with weekly assignments submitted to a facilitator. The assignment schedule is posted on the module website (Desire2Learn) after candidates receive access to the module. Candidates can expect to spend 15-to-20 hours per week working on the module tasks, and most candidates complete the modules while working full time. Any time taken off work to complete tasks would be decided between the candidate and their employer.
All modules have a mandatory, two-day, in-class workshop (running 8:30 am to 4:30 pm both days), and there is a two-day orientation workshop immediately before the start of Core 1. Workshops are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.
In the core and elective modules, candidates write a four-hour in-person exam following the online learning and workshops. Capstone 1 concludes with a group presentation, and candidates write the CFE after completing Capstone 2.
Resources
Candidates enrolled in CPA PEP have access to a variety of resources, including Learning eBooks.
Registration (Module, Exam, or CFE)