Electives

The CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) delivers the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) in Western Canada. The following information pertains strictly to the CPA Professional Education Program. 

Certification vs. Registration

The CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) prepares candidates to successfully complete the Common Final Examination (CFE). Certification is the process of obtaining the CPA designation by meeting the profession's education, examination, and practical experience requirements.

After becoming a CPA member through a provincial CPA body, members who wish to provide public practice services must obtain the appropriate public practice registration. Registration may be required as an individual practitioner, as part of a firm, or both.

It is important to note that public practice encompasses public accounting services as well as other regulated services. Eligibility requirements vary by jurisdiction, and candidates should contact their provincial CPA body for specific registration requirements.

Selecting CPA PEP Elective Modules

Following completion of Core 2, candidates typically choose two CPA PEP elective modules. This decision can have implications for:

  • CFE role selection
  • CFE preparation
  • Future public practice eligibility

Candidates considering a future career in public accounting should be aware that additional requirements beyond CPA PEP education and practical experience may apply. It is recommended that candidates review the requirements of their provincial CPA body before selecting their elective modules.

a woman holding her chin and looking away

Still debating which electives to take?

Check out our blog post where Dr. Samantha Taylor, PME, CPA, CA, discusses things to consider when choosing electives.

Read how to choose CPA PEP electives

Public Accounting (Registration)

The following graphic from the CPA Competency Map provides a high-level overview of education and experience requirements for CPA candidates wishing to pursue public accounting.

PathToCertification_1270x683


As noted in the diagram above, candidates who wish to pursue public accounting (Audit and Review stream) must meet the following education requirements: 

  • PEP Electives: Assurance and Taxation
  • CFE Role: Assurance
  • CFE Depth: Financial Reporting, Assurance

In addition, candidates must also consider the experience requirements from their governing province. A CPAWSB Academic Advisor is here to help discuss your specific circumstances, advise you on what education requirements will need to be met and connect with your province to discuss your experience requirements.

Please refer to the FAQs regarding public accounting requirements using the following link: Public Accounting (Registration/Licensure) - FAQs