Module Exams and Locations

Examinations are a key component of the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP), designed to assess both technical and enabling competencies as defined by the CPA Canada Competency Map. CPA Canada sets national examination dates and marks all examinations across the country.

Throughout CPA PEP, candidates complete a series of assessments that build toward the Common Final Examination (CFE).

Core and Elective Modules

Each core and elective module culminates in an examination that must be passed to complete the module. You must complete Core 1 before starting Core 2 (unless completing them concurrently) and two elective modules before starting Capstone 1. Core and elective module examinations comprise objective format questions and short cases.  

Capstone 1 (Integrative Module)

Capstone 1 includes presentations and team-based assignments, and culminates in an integrated business case that candidates present to a professional panel as part of a team. You will be tested on the Capstone 1 case on Day 1 of the CFE. 

Capstone 2 (Examination Preparation Module)

There is no examination to pass for Capstone 2 since it is immediately before the national CFE. 

Common Final Examination (CFE)

This three-day examination requires demonstrating the depth and breadth of your competency development in accordance with the  CPA Canada Competency Map.  

You can register for an exam when registering for a module. For more information, please read the Examinations FAQ.

Exam Schedule and Locations

Expand All ❘ Collapse All

When registering for a CPA PEP module or exam rewrite, select a location within Western Canada to write the exam:

 Primary examination locations (with on-site IT support)Secondary examination locations (with remote IT support)
  • BC: Abbotsford, Burnaby, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Prince George, Surrey, Vancouver, Victoria
  • Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Red Deer
  • Saskatchewan: Regina, Saskatoon 
  • Manitoba: Brandon, Winnipeg
  • BC: Castlegar, Cranbrook, Fort St. John, Revelstoke, Terrace 
  • Alberta: Fort McMurray, Lloydminster, Peace River 
  • Manitoba: The Pas, Thompson 
  • Nunavut: Iqaluit  
  • Saskatchewan: Swift Current 
  • Yukon: Whitehorse 
  • Northwest Territories: Yellowknife

Exam locations may include convention centres, hotel conference centres, banquet halls, or post-secondary institutions. Specific locations and details are posted on the CPAWSB website and in D2L two weeks before the exam date. 

If you are already assigned a location and would like to request a change—subject to availability—you can request a change by emailing [email protected] at least three weeks before the workshop or exam.

  • Available if you live more than 150 km from a primary or secondary location
  • Request through My CPA Portal at least 10 weeks before the exam
  • Fee may apply
  • This is not available for the CFE

Arrival Times and Surpass

  • Burnaby, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg: arrive early to sign in by 7:30 a.m.
  • All other locations: arrive early to sign in by 8:00 a.m.
  • Surpass instructions begin at 8:30 a.m.

Materials to review and sign:

  • Non-disclosure agreement: You are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement at the exam; this is the first page of the exam booklet. 
  • Training Contract reminder: You are required to read and accept the obligations and conditions of the Training Contract during the module registration process via My CPA portal. The training contract outlines expectations about not sharing exam details. 
Exam Regulations

Exam Regulations

CPA Canada has strict policies regarding acceptable items to bring into the exam centre. You are responsible for reviewing and following the CPA PEP exam regulations before each exam, as the regulations are updated regularly. Each candidate will be provided with a laptop, calculator, exam booklet, and earplugs and will have access to power to plug in laptops. If you need to bring additional items, for example, medications, you must request an exam accommodation.  

Read CPA PEP Exam Regulations