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CPA PEP Modules

The CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) is the nationally-developed education required for CPA certification. CPA candidates are also required to pass the national Common Final Exam (CFE) and complete a period of practical experience to qualify for certification. In Western Canada, the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) delivers CPA PEP and the provincial bodies administer the experience requirements.

When you enroll in CPA PEP you are called candidate and are required to complete six modules before you are eligible to write the three-day CFE.  

Two core modules  to develop competencies in management and financial accounting and build upon the remaining four core technical competency areas. The module focus is breadth.  

Two elective modules  to develop deeper skills in areas of career interest. Each candidate chooses two of: Assurance, Performance Management, Tax, and Finance. Anyone pursuing a license in public accounting must choose Assurance and Tax. The module focus is depth. 

Capstone 1 (integrative module), which integrates the core technical and enabling competencies. The module focus is application and integration.  

Capstone 2 (examination preparation module), which prepares candidates for the CFE, the national exam on which candidates demonstrate depth and breadth of competency development in accordance with the CPA Competency Map. 

The Common Final Examination (CFE) is a three-day examination requiring candidates to demonstrate depth and breadth of competency development in accordance with the CPA Competency Map.

Learn more about CPA PEP  examinations.  

CPA PEP focuses on developing the competencies expected of professional accountants:

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES in advanced financial reporting, strategy and governance, and management accounting, as well as in audit and assurance, finance, and taxation. 

ENABLING COMPETENCIES including professionalism, ethical behavior, written and oral communication, leadership, problem solving, and decision making. 

The specific competency expectations of the new CPA are defined in the CPA Competency Map , which describes the knowledge, skills and proficiency levels expected of candidates and members. 

Learn more from CPA Canada. 

Learning Formats

CPA PEP module content is delivered online, though each module includes at least one workshop and concludes with an exam. Candidates who miss the workshop are not permitted to write the exam. 

Each core and elective module consists of:

  • Approximately eight weeks of online learning, with weekly assignments submitted to a facilitator.
  • The assignment schedule is posted on the module website (Desire2Learn) after candidates receive access to the module.
  • Candidates can expect to spend 15-to-20 hours per week working on the module tasks, and most candidates complete the modules while working full time.
  • Any time taken off work to complete tasks would be decided between the candidate and their employer. 

All modules have a mandatory, two-day, weekend workshop running 9:00 am to 4:00 pm both days, and there is a two-day orientation workshop immediately before the start of Core 1. 

 In the core and elective modules, candidates write an exam at the conclusion of the online learning and workshops. Capstone 1 concludes with a group presentation, and candidates write the CFE after completing Capstone 2.  

Review Materials Module (RMM)

  • Review Materials Modules are available to candidates who are not required to complete the full module, including candidates who have: 

    • been granted a module exemption 
    • been granted a challenge exam 
    • previously attempted a module and who would like to acquire the most recent module materials. 
      • Eligible candidates must email cpamodule@cpawsb.ca to request RMM registration permission. 
  • Content is updated each session and candidates will receive access to the most recent RMM as at the date of their registration request. 
  • Candidates in RMMs receive access to the module materials only. The modules are self-study/self-directed. That means: 
    • No facilitator or discussion board is available. 
    • Candidates do not complete or submit any activities or assignments. 
    • There are no workshops or exams. 
  • There is no RMM for Capstone 1. However, selected Capstone 1 module materials are publicly available on the CPA Canada website  within a month after the conclusion of each offering. 

Resources

 CPA Canada provides extensive resources to all learners.