To complete CPA PEP, candidates must complete six modules: two core, two elective, and two capstone.
Core Modules
CPA PEP begins with two mandatory core modules. In these modules, candidates build the enabling and technical competencies required of a professional accountant. The modules are integrative, drawing on law, economics, finance, strategy, statistics and IT, as well as the technical competency areas. Learn more from CPA Canada.
Electives
CPA PEP elective modules provide the opportunity to explore two fields of interest in greater depth. Candidates choose two modules from a list of four options: assurance, performance management, taxation, and finance, though anyone planning to practice public accounting must complete the assurance and taxation elective modules. Learn more from CPA Canada.
Capstone
CPA PEP capstone modules are culminating courses; in them candidates demonstrate what they have learned throughout CPA PEP. All CPA candidates must complete both capstone modules, which are taken after successfully completing the core and elective modules. Learn more from CPA Canada.
Module Structure
Each module includes approximately eight weeks of online learning, and candidates can expect to spend 15-to-20 hours weekly completing assignments (the assignment schedule will be available in Desire2Learn when candidates are granted access to the module content). Each module also includes a weekend in-person workshop and culminates in an exam, which is written in a CPAWSB exam writing centre. Any time off to complete module course work or to study is arranged between candidates and their employers.
Not For Credit (NFC) Modules
NFC modules are self-study/self-directed modules. Candidates are only eligible to register for NFC modules if they have been granted module exemptions, challenge exams, or previously attempted the CFE.
These modules provide this select group of candidates access to the current module materials for study purposes. The NFC modules do not provide a facilitator or discussion board. Candidates do not submit weekly tasks for feedback and are not eligible to attend the workshop. Candidates who take an NFC module do not have to write the exam but may choose to write. If a candidate chooses to write the exam, enrollment in the exam must be done separately following registration into the module. A maximum of two NFC exams may be taken per session, provided the exams are not scheduled on the same day.
NFC modules are available for Core 1, Core 2, Assurance, Taxation, Performance Management, Finance, and Capstone 2. There are no NFC modules for Capstone 1 or the CFE.