Entry into the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) typically requires a university degree and academic prerequisites; however, the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) accepts applications for entry into the program from people who do not have university degrees, providing they meet additional criteria.
- The Mature Entrant Pathway is designed for people who do not have a university degree but do have substantial work experience that meets the CPA competency standards. Please note, qualifying through this pathway provides eligible applicants with an exemption from the CPA degree requirement only; applicants are still required to complete the 14 CPA prerequisite courses. These courses can be completed through CPA preparatory courses offered by the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) or exemptions may be granted for course equivalents completed at post-secondary institutions.
Mature Entrant Pathway
Pathway Eligibility
To be eligible for the Mature Entrant Pathway, applicants must have obtained at least eight years of relevant experience in any of the CPA technical competency areas listed below, with any two competency sub-areas developed to a minimum of Level 1 proficiency as identified in the
CPA Practical Experience Requirements (CPA PER) standards document:
- Financial Reporting
- Audit and Assurance
- Taxation
- Strategy and Governance
- Management Accounting
- Finance
Required Documents
Mature Entrant Pathway applicants are required to submit the following for review:
- Comprehensive resume presenting all current and past work experience, community service and volunteer activities
- Official transcripts from any university or college courses taken
- Two letters of reference:
- One from a colleague who is a CPA or a member of an international accounting body that has a reciprocity agreement with CPA Canada
- One from a personal character reference (not a family member or relative)
- Experience Verification Form: outlining accounting practical experience. Much of the form is completed by an employer, usually with a CPA designation or someone who is familiar with CPA competencies.
Application Process