Time Limits
To complete the CPA certification program, candidates must complete education, examination, and experience requirements within the prescribed timelines:
Candidates have six years to complete the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP), beginning on:
- The first day of their first CPA PEP module; or
- The date of their first examination if challenging a module.
Candidates have seven years to complete the Practical Experience Requirements (PER), beginning on the date they are admitted to CPA PEP.
The maximum time allowed to complete the CPA Certification Program, including education, examination, and practical experience requirements, is seven years. Please note that your education deadline cannot exceed your experience deadline.
Education and Examination Time Limit Risk
Use the Education and Examination Risk Infographic to assess your risk of exceeding the CPA PEP time limit.
Note: The infographic evaluates education and examination timelines only. Practical experience requirements must be assessed separately.
*Please note this infographic only represents your risk for education level and will not take into consideration your experience timelines. Please refer to experience details below.
You are on track to complete the educational requirements within the time limit.
If you are in the yellow or orange zone, you may be at risk of exceeding the CPA Certification Program time limit. Consider reviewing your remaining education requirements and adjusting your schedule to stay on track. Candidates may wish to explore fast-tracking options if they are in the orange zone and are encouraged to contact [email protected] for assistance with program planning.
If you are in the red zone, you are at a high risk of exceeding the CPA Certification Program time limit. Contact [email protected] as soon as possible to discuss your options. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to consider:
- Fast-tracking your remaining modules, or
- Applying for an extension if you have made substantial progress in both education and experience requirements.
Examples of PER Time-Limit Risk
You have:
- 24 months of recognized duration
- 4 Level 1 proficiencies
- 1 Level 2 proficiency
- 1 year remaining before your PER deadline
Work with your supervisor to identify opportunities to achieve your remaining competencies within the next 12 months or before your deadline.
You have:
- 30 months of recognized duration
- Only 3 Level 1 proficiencies
Even with time remaining, you should work with your supervisor to expand your responsibilities or seek new opportunities that will support competency development.
You have:
- Not submitted any practical experience reports
- 3 years remaining before your deadline
Although PER requires a minimum of 30 months of recognized experience, many candidates need more than 30 months to achieve the required competency levels. If you have not yet reported your experience, submit it up to the current date and have it reviewed to identify any gaps in reporting or competency development.