Frequently Asked Questions

All module materials are provided electronically, therefore you are expected to have a computer and internet connection to access these files. At least 1 GB of RAM, 100 MB of free hard-drive space, and a free USB port are required to support software and applications used during the module. 

You will receive access to the online learning platform (D2L) and Knotia at least one day before the module start date. More information regarding the learning platform and materials will be sent to registrants after the registration period closes. 

D2L (Desire2Learn or Brightspace) is the Learning Management System (LMS) used by CPAWSB to deliver the CPA modules. D2L can be accessed online in any modern browser. 

New D2L users, you will receive an automatic email from donotreply@cpacanada.ca with your new D2L login and access instructions. If you do not receive this email, please be sure to check your junk folder. 

For existing D2L users, you may login anytime using your existing username and password. If you do not remember your password, you may click “Forgot your Password?” on the login page and password reset instructions will be sent to your designated email account on file. 

If you require technical assistance with D2L, please visit the Helpdesk portal.

The Learning eBooks for your course can be accessed via your Knotia account. You will receive access to these materials once you have been admitted to the program.  

New users will be required to set up an account on their own. Visit the Knotia website and “Create a Profile” using your CPA Canada Number (Found on any CPA Canada invoice). 

Contact the CPA Canada Customer Service Department at 1-800-268-3793 or member.services@cpacanada.ca for login issues and any questions you have regarding your Knotia account. 

The suggested study schedule for each module can be found within the “Survival Guide” document. This document contains the weekly suggested readings from the Knotia Learning eBooks. You will receive access to this document along with your module materials at the module start date. However, you also have early access to this document in the D2L “Introduction to PEP” Module. 

Module registrants will receive a welcome email prior to the module start date with information on Academic preparation and details on an Orientation webinar. 

There is an optional workshop associated with the PDPA PEP Taxation module. There is no workshop associated with the PDPA module and CPARE module; however, My CPA portal was not designed to handle course registrations without workshops. Until the system is updated, you will need to select a workshop location to satisfy the system and complete your registration. 

Invoice history is available on the My CPA Portal by clicking ‘My Profile’ on the left-hand menu (found under My CPA); from there, click on ‘CPA Account and you should be able to find a listing of all payments made to the School. Please ensure that you are accessing the portal from a desktop or laptop computer, as the invoice page may not be available via a mobile device. It may take up to one business day for payments to be posted to your account. 

No. If you have access to PERT, please refrain from making any changes related to PDPA. If you have questions about how best to log PDPA-related practical experience, please contact your provincial CPA body for guidance. 

You can request a change of exam location after you register for the exam by emailing cpamodule@cpawsb.ca. They will do their best to accommodate any requested changes; however, after the registration period closes all location changes are subject to location capacity. 

You can request to write your exam in an exam centre outside of the CPAWSB region by emailing cpamodule@cpawsb.ca at least four weeks before the exam. Granting the request is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the other region. 

Deferrals can be completed through My CPA Portal for any reason and there will be a fee associated with this option. Deferrals can be made up to three business days after the examination. Please note that if you defer an exam, you are required to write at the next immediate offering or your deferred exam will count as an unsuccessful attempt. There is no option to defer a deferred exam. 

Please contact pdpa@cpawsb.ca for specific examination deferral instructions, fees, and required documentation. The deferral fee may be waived in cases of documented extenuating circumstances. 

Please contact your provincial CPA membership body for more information on CPD requirements. 

Successful completion of the PDPA Module and examination does not automatically qualify you to conduct a public accounting practice or qualify you for licensure. 

Once you are a member, you must apply for a public practice licence and/or appropriate registration with your local provincial CPA body. It is important to consult with your provincial CPA body for more information about different types of licencing and registration requirements. 

The applicant must complete both the Tax and Assurance Elective modules and pass the module exams. Then pass the CFE with depth in Financial Reporting and the Audit role. 

OR 

Pass the CFE (any role/any depth) and then pass the PDPA examination. 

OR 

If seeking compilation license in the provinces that offer tiered licensing registration, candidates are required to pass the PDPA Taxation examination in addition to passing the CFE. For more information, please contact the provincial CPA body located in the province in which you reside, or plan to reside. 

If you have determined you need to register for the PDPA or PDPA Taxation examination, please contact PDPA module administration at pdpa@cpawsb.ca.