Temporary Program Leave

While on Temporary Program Leave, you cannot:

• Participate in CPA PEP modules or examinations (including deferred exams and the CFE)
• Report practical experience earned during the leave period

Time spent on approved leave does not count toward the deadlines for completing education or practical experience requirements.

Note: Temporary Program Leave extends CPA PEP completion deadlines. However, only experience earned within the rolling seven-year experience-recognition period will be considered for membership. Previously recognized international experience for international designates is not extended by program leave.

Candidate Status and Dues

While on Temporary Program Leave, you remain an active learner with CPAWSB and continue to be registered with your provincial or territorial CPA body.

To maintain your status in good standing, you must continue to:

• Complete annual re-enrollment
• Pay annual dues
• Meet any applicable program requirements

Important: Temporary Program Leave pauses your studies, but it does not pause your enrollment status with CPAWSB or your provincial or territorial CPA body.

• If the duration of your leave is known (for example, parental leave), apply before the leave begins.
• If the duration is uncertain, you may apply after the leave ends or once the maximum 24-month period has been reached.
• Candidates who need assistance determining leave dates should contact [email protected].

Temporary Program Leave:

• May begin on any date
• Must be at least six months in length
• May be extended in one-month increments
• Is limited to a combined maximum of 24 months, including any previously approved non-active years

To apply:

1. Complete the Temporary Program Leave Application Form.
2. Submit the form and supporting documentation to [email protected].

Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing.

Study Permit Holders: Contact IRCC before taking a Temporary Program Leave to understand any potential impact on your study permit.

If approved, candidates will receive:

• A signed copy of the application form
• Updated CPA PEP completion deadlines

Approved leave may qualify for reduced candidate dues.

• Leave of 18 months or less: Up to 50% reduction/refund for one academic year
• Leave of 19 months or more: Up to 50% reduction/refund for two academic years

The maximum dues reduction available over the life of the program is 50% on two academic years. At minimum, you will be required to pay 50% for any time period in which you have taken leave.

Documentation must include:

• The candidate's name
• Contact information for the physician or nurse practitioner
• Confirmation that the candidate is unable to perform academic duties
• Applicable start and end dates

Documentation confirming your role as primary caregiver.

One of the following:

• Proof of pregnancy
• Birth certificate
• Adoption documentation
• Physician's letter or report
• Employer letter confirming parental leave

Parental leave can start as early as a month before the expected due date. For time off earlier than that, please also submit supporting medical documentation.

While on leave, students:

• Continue to have access to past course materials (subject to course retirement timelines)
• Cannot request academic prerequisite assessments from post-secondary institutions

To apply:

1. Complete the Temporary Program Leave Application Form.
2. Submit the form and supporting documentation to [email protected].

If approved, students will receive a signed copy of the approved application form.