Banner
Mobile Banner

CPARE Preparatory Module

The CPARE Preparatory Module covers the technical knowledge required for Canadian practice, including tax, assurance, financial reporting, and business law. Applicants must enroll in the CPARE Preparatory Module to be eligible to write the CPARE. 

The module is self-study, consisting of reading resources, practice problems, and multiple-choice questions covering the CPA Competency Map at the elective level. There are no deadlines, submissions, or face-to-face components to the module, nor is there access to a facilitator or assignment feedback. Participants will have access to an unmonitored discussion board to communicate with other participants. 

Module registrants are provided with a suggested eight-week study schedule to assist with exam preparation. While the CPARE module covers most of the technical knowledge outlined in the CPA Competency Map for designation and assessed on the CPARE, participants may need to supplement their knowledge with additional resources. Registrants should expect to spend between 15-to-17 hours each week to complete the assigned learning resources. This time estimate excludes time spent reviewing prerequisite knowledge. 

Module Learning Resources
Examination Format
Eligibility to Participate

Module Learning Resources

The CPARE Preparatory Module consist of the following learning resources: 

Learning Resource Explanation
Knotia Includes the CPA Canada Learning eBooks, CPA Canada Handbook, Professional Engagement Guide, and Federal Income Tax Collection.
CPA Canada Learning eBooks, which include multiple-choice question (MCQ) quizzes Reading resources to assist in the development of technical competencies, with a focus on financial reporting, audit and assurance, and tax at the PEP elective level of knowledge. The Learning eBooks include practice problems and a link to MCQ quizzes. Quizzes may be attempted an unlimited number of times. Feedback on quiz questions will be provided immediately upon completion of each quiz.
Law textbook Reading resource to assist in the development of technical competency in law at the PEP entry level of knowledge.
CPARE Survival Guide  Suggested eight-week study schedule is offered in the CPARE Survival Guide, which outlines study tasks to be completed each week in order to work through all materials provided before the CPARE examination. Keep in mind that the module is self-paced; you will need to consider your personal and work commitments (and level of familiarity with the technical topics) in developing a schedule that works for you. 

Examination Format

The CPARE features 110 multiple-choice questions, testing knowledge in the following competency areas: 

  • Taxation
  • Business Law
  • GAAP
  • GAAS

More information on the specific breakdown can be found in the CPARE Examination Blueprint. 

The CPARE is an electronic examination, written using a lock-down software that prohibits all laptop function aside from: 

  • Reference: CPA Standards and Guidance Collection and the Federal Income Tax Collection are provided 
  • Keyed response: responses to multiple-choice questions are submitted electronically for marking purposes 

All writers of the CPARE are provided with a laptop with which to write the examination. 

The CPARE is a non-disclosed examination; all examination materials are collected at the writing centres and the examination questions and solutions are not published. 

All participants are bound by the CPA Canada Examination Rules and the policies outlined in the CPARE Program Guide. 

CPARE registration instructions

CPARE registration instructions

Click here