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In each Core and Elective module within the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP), candidates must adhere to specific deadlines. For quizzes, integrated problems, and practice cases, the following general timelines apply:
While these deadlines are fixed, candidates are strongly encouraged to develop study habits that support submitting tasks well before the cutoff time.
A review of prior candidate submissions shows a clear pattern: candidates who consistently submit their work ahead of the deadline tend to perform better on module exams than those who submit close to the due date.
There are many reasons candidates may cut it close or miss a deadline altogether, but one of the most common is difficulty managing time effectively.
Candidates often juggle multiple responsibilities—family, work, social commitments, and more. Without a structured plan, these competing priorities can lead to tasks being deferred or left incomplete.
Keep in mind that submitting closer to the deadline date can result in an increased risk of encountering technical issues—such as poor internet connectivity or power outages—that could prevent the assignment from being submitted on time. The CPA Canada Candidate Guide notes that late submissions will not be accepted.
Planning ahead not only reduces stress but also gives you room to adjust for unexpected circumstances. While unforeseen circumstances may occasionally result in submitting an assignment closer to the deadline, it remains each candidate’s responsibility to ensure all module assignments are submitted by the stated due dates.
If you encounter an extenuating circumstance that makes it difficult to complete and submit your module assignments by the stated deadlines, you may request an extension. Please refer to the CPAWSB Assignment Extensions website for examples of extenuating circumstances and instructions on how to submit an extension request.
To speak with a CPA Western School of Business Academic Advisor about your study plan or module workload, simply fill out the Learner Support Intake Form to request an advising appointment. We’re here every step of the way to support your progress through the CPA Program!
| Unit Task | Due Date | Due Time |
| Quiz | Tuesday | 11:55 PM Pacific Time |
| Integrated Problems | Friday | 11:55 PM Pacific Time |
| Practice Cases | Friday | 11:55 PM Pacific Time |
While these deadlines are fixed, candidates are strongly encouraged to develop study habits that support submitting tasks well before the cutoff time.
Why Submitting Early Matters
A review of prior candidate submissions shows a clear pattern: candidates who consistently submit their work ahead of the deadline tend to perform better on module exams than those who submit close to the due date.There are many reasons candidates may cut it close or miss a deadline altogether, but one of the most common is difficulty managing time effectively.
Candidates often juggle multiple responsibilities—family, work, social commitments, and more. Without a structured plan, these competing priorities can lead to tasks being deferred or left incomplete.
Creating an Internal Plan: Applying the CPA Way to Yourself
To stay on track, candidates should adopt an internal planning process—essentially applying the CPA Way to their personal circumstances:
- Assess the situation
- What does your current environment look like?
- What internal and external factors are contributing to your challenges?
- Do you have daily priorities competing with your time?
- Analyze the major issues
- What is the nature of the problem?
- How does it affect you and others?
- What potential actions could you take help resolve the issues you've identified?
- Conclude and advise
- o Is the proposed solution feasible for you to implement in practice?
- o Do you need to take multiple steps to stay on track with assignment submissions?
- Communicate
- Who needs to be informed of your plan? Family? Work? Friends? Other interested parties?
- Will communication involve you having conversations with others or will written communications such as emails suffice? Do you need to set up meetings to discuss your plan with others?
Keep in mind that submitting closer to the deadline date can result in an increased risk of encountering technical issues—such as poor internet connectivity or power outages—that could prevent the assignment from being submitted on time. The CPA Canada Candidate Guide notes that late submissions will not be accepted.
Planning ahead not only reduces stress but also gives you room to adjust for unexpected circumstances. While unforeseen circumstances may occasionally result in submitting an assignment closer to the deadline, it remains each candidate’s responsibility to ensure all module assignments are submitted by the stated due dates.
A Helpful Reminder
If you are enrolled in an active module, always refer to the deadline dates listed in each unit’s dropbox and/or quiz area, as those are the authoritative sources for submission timelines.If you encounter an extenuating circumstance that makes it difficult to complete and submit your module assignments by the stated deadlines, you may request an extension. Please refer to the CPAWSB Assignment Extensions website for examples of extenuating circumstances and instructions on how to submit an extension request.
Need Help Creating a Study Plan?
If you're finding it challenging to develop an internal study strategy, the CPA Western School of Business Learner Support Team is here to help!To speak with a CPA Western School of Business Academic Advisor about your study plan or module workload, simply fill out the Learner Support Intake Form to request an advising appointment. We’re here every step of the way to support your progress through the CPA Program!
About the Author
Mandeep Bains, CPA, CA, is the Manager, Learner Support at CPAWSB. He advises candidates throughout their CPA PEP journey, helping them navigate challenges and build confidence. Mandeep draws on his experience as a CPA and professional education leader to offer practical, grounded advice tailored to each learner’s needs.
