Time Limits for Completing CPA PEP

Important: CPA PEP Is Winding Down

The final Core 1 registration period for the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) opens on October 13 and closes on November 23. Candidates who meet the admission requirements and are interested in pursuing CPA PEP should apply during this registration period.

While the duration to complete CPA PEP and the CFE is typically about 2 to 2½ years, CPA candidates have up to six years to complete all the CPA PEP modules and attempt the CFE at least once, measured from the start date of the first module taken. The maximum duration for completing the entire CPA certification program (CPA PEP, the CFE, and Experience) must not exceed seven years, measured from your PEP Admission Application approval date. 

The CPA PEP program is ending in December 2028. Please see the Information for CPA PEP Candidates for information on transitioning to the new program, if your current time limit allows.

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If you start CPA PEP to start accruing experience and don’t start the PEP modules within one year of your admission application approval date, you will not have the full 6 years to complete CPA PEP and the CFE. Any applicant who registers in the program to start accruing experience but does not plan to begin taking PEP modules right away needs to consider this.

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If you are already enrolled in CPA PEP, see the Current Learners section for details about the CPA Certification Program time limitations and evaluating your time limit risk level.

More Resources

CPA PEP information and resources are also available on the CPA Canada website:

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CPA PEP: Information
Harmonized Education Policies (HEP VOL. 1)
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CPA PEP: Resources

Time Limits to Complete the CPA Professional Program

The program is planned to be completed within approximately 2 to 2½ years; however, CPA candidates have up to seven years to complete all the CPA modules and pass the Professional Final Exam (PFE) Part 3, measured from the start date of the first module taken. You are required to register for a module as soon as you enter the program. The maximum duration for completing the entire CPA professional program (the modules, PFEs, and Experience) must not exceed seven years.

Experience will need to be completed before you can register for the Professional Final Exam. Please learn more in the Harmonized Education Policies (HEP VOL. 1)