To meet the admission requirement, you must have 120 credit hours of post-secondary education.
- A 4-year bachelor's degree typically meets the 120-credit-hour requirement.
- A 3-year bachelor's degree typically equals 90 credit hours and does not meet the 120-credit-hour requirement on its own.
- A master's degree alone typically equals 60 credit hours and does not meet the 120-credit-hour requirement on its own.
If you need additional credit hours, you can complete them through:
- CPA preparatory courses
- Additional post-secondary education
To meet the admission requirement, you must have 120 credit hours of post-secondary education.
- A 4-year bachelor's degree typically meets the 120-credit-hour requirement.
- A 3-year bachelor's degree typically equals 90 credit hours and does not meet the 120-credit-hour requirement on its own.
- A master's degree alone typically equals 60 credit hours and does not meet the 120-credit-hour requirement on its own.
If you need additional credit hours, you can complete them through:
- CPA preparatory courses
- Additional post-secondary education
Canadian degree holders:
- Canadian undergraduate (three- or four-year) or master's degree* in any area of study.
International degree holders:
- International degree and IFAC member applicants* must provide a third-party credential evaluation report to confirm Canadian degree equivalency.
- We only accept degrees from post-secondary institutions (PSIs) recognized in the International Handbook of Universities World Higher Education Database (WHED) Portal or a similar service.
No degree:
- Applicants without a degree and with at least eight years of accounting- and business-relevant, full time work experience may qualify to enter CPA PEP through the Mature Status route.
* A 3-year degree or a master's degree does not meet the 120-credit-hour requirement on its own. It only meets the degree component of the requirement.
Canadian degree holders:
- Canadian undergraduate (three- or four-year) or master's degree* in any area of study.
International degree holders:
- International degree and IFAC member applicants* must provide a third-party credential evaluation report to confirm Canadian degree equivalency.
- We only accept degrees from post-secondary institutions (PSIs) recognized in the International Handbook of Universities World Higher Education Database (WHED) Portal or a similar service.
No degree:
- Applicants without a degree and with at least eight years of accounting- and business-relevant, full time work experience may qualify to enter CPA PEP through the Mature Status route.
* A 3-year degree or a master's degree does not meet the 120-credit-hour requirement on its own. It only meets the degree component of the requirement.
You must complete 14 prerequisite courses, which can be completed through:
- A recognized post-secondary institution (PSI)
- CPA Preparatory Courses (CPAWSB)
- A combination of PSI courses and CPAWSB courses
All the courses must meet the following requirements before entering CPA PEP:
- Minimum Grade Requirements
Non-core prerequisite courses: Minimum grade of 50 percent in each course
Core prerequisite courses: Minimum grade of 60 percent in each course - Minimum GPA Requirement
In addition to the minimum grade requirements above, you must achieve an overall average of at least 65 percent across all nine core prerequisite courses. - Currency of Education Requirement
For the 14 prerequisite courses, at least one core course in each competency area must meet the 10-Year Currency of Education requirement.
Incomplete Prerequisite Courses
Applicants who do not meet the prerequisite course requirements may be eligible to complete the requirements through CPA preparatory courses.
You must complete 14 prerequisite courses, which can be completed through:
- A recognized post-secondary institution (PSI)
- CPA Preparatory Courses (CPAWSB)
- A combination of PSI courses and CPAWSB courses
All the courses must meet the following requirements before entering CPA PEP:
- Minimum Grade Requirements
Non-core prerequisite courses: Minimum grade of 50 percent in each course
Core prerequisite courses: Minimum grade of 60 percent in each course - Minimum GPA Requirement
In addition to the minimum grade requirements above, you must achieve an overall average of at least 65 percent across all nine core prerequisite courses. - Currency of Education Requirement
For the 14 prerequisite courses, at least one core course in each competency area must meet the 10-Year Currency of Education requirement.
Incomplete Prerequisite Courses
Applicants who do not meet the prerequisite course requirements may be eligible to complete the requirements through CPA preparatory courses.
You must answer "Yes" if any of the following apply to you:
- Previous mandatory withdrawal from CPA PEP for non-payment of dues or three unsuccessful attempts at a module or examination
- A finding of plagiarism during post-secondary studies, CPA Preparatory Courses, or CPA PEP
- A declaration of bankruptcy
- A criminal charge or conviction, including impaired driving or drug possession
- A pending allegation or charge under securities or tax legislation
- Being a defendant in a civil proceeding involving fraud, misrepresentation, theft, or dishonesty
- Involuntary removal from a professional body
If you answer "Yes" to any good character question:
- CPAWSB Admission Services will contact you to request additional information and supporting documentation.
- Once all required documentation has been received, your file will be reviewed by the provincial registrar.
- A decision will be made regarding your eligibility for admission.
Each application is assessed individually. Factors that may be considered include:
- The nature and seriousness of the conduct
- Its relevance to the CPA profession
- The circumstances surrounding the conduct
- Your age at the time
- How much time has passed
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- References or testimonials
- Your honesty during the admissions process
- Any omissions or misrepresentations
- Potential risk to the public
- Other relevant information
