Exam Rules and Format
CPA Canada has strict examination regulations and restrictions on what can be brought into the exam centre. Students are responsible for reviewing the CPA Examination Regulations before every exam.
Students are encouraged to purchase and practice using a BA II Plus calculator throughout their studies.
✔ Texas Instruments BA II Plus (Allowed)
✖ Texas Instruments BA II Plus Professional (NOT allowed)
Non-core course examinations are:
- Written remotely using secure online exam software.
- Completed on your own computer.
Make sure your device meets the technical requirements for the online exam software. Detailed system requirements and setup instructions can be found in the Exam Information widget within your Brightspace (D2L) course.
Core course examinations are:
- Written in person at approved exam centres across Western Canada.
- Completed on laptops issued by CPAWSB.
- Personal laptops cannot be used.
- Written using secure lockdown exam software.
- Marked by CPA Canada national markers.
To become familiar with the exam software, review the information available on the CPA Canada website.
Exam Locations
When registering for an in-person CPA Preparatory Course exam, select an available exam location within Western Canada.
Approximately two weeks before your exam, you will receive an email with your exam location, address details, start time, and important exam-day information.
Exam centres may be located in convention centres, hotel conference centres, banquet halls, or post-secondary institutions.
Need to change your exam location?
Requests must be submitted at least six weeks before the exam date by emailing [email protected]. Location changes are subject to availability.
Primary locations provide on-site IT support.
- Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Red Deer
- British Columbia: Abbotsford, Burnaby, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Prince George, Surrey, Vancouver, Victoria
- Manitoba: Brandon, Winnipeg
- Saskatchewan: Regina, Saskatoon
Primary locations provide on-site IT support.
- Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Red Deer
- British Columbia: Abbotsford, Burnaby, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Prince George, Surrey, Vancouver, Victoria
- Manitoba: Brandon, Winnipeg
- Saskatchewan: Regina, Saskatoon
Secondary locations provide remote IT support.
- Alberta: Fort McMurray, Lloydminster, Peace River
- British Columbia: Castlegar, Cranbrook, Fort St. John, Revelstoke, Terrace
- Manitoba: The Pas, Thompson
- Northwest Territories: Yellowknife
- Nunavut: Iqaluit
- Saskatchewan: Swift Current
- Yukon: Whitehorse
Secondary locations provide remote IT support.
- Alberta: Fort McMurray, Lloydminster, Peace River
- British Columbia: Castlegar, Cranbrook, Fort St. John, Revelstoke, Terrace
- Manitoba: The Pas, Thompson
- Northwest Territories: Yellowknife
- Nunavut: Iqaluit
- Saskatchewan: Swift Current
- Yukon: Whitehorse
If you live more than 150 km from the nearest approved exam location, you may request an alternate exam location through My CPA Portal.
For more information, refer to the CPA Preparatory Courses Student Guide.
If you live more than 150 km from the nearest approved exam location, you may request an alternate exam location through My CPA Portal.
For more information, refer to the CPA Preparatory Courses Student Guide.
Exam Accommodations
CPAWSB provides reasonable one-time and ongoing exam accommodations for eligible students.
Examples include medical accommodations, accessibility accommodations, alternate exam locations and approved assistive supports.