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Writing a case in the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) can feel overwhelming, especially when you're unsure where to begin. Fortunately, CPA Canada’s Case Writing Tutorial offers a structured and practical resource to help you confidently approach planning, writing, and debriefing case responses. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of case writing, highlight the key benefits of using CPA Canada’s Case Writing Tutorial and list other key resources you can use to strengthen your case writing skills.
Case writing skills are an essential component to help evaluate the technical and enabling competencies of candidates in the program. The cases presented throughout CPA PEP replicate real-world scenarios that CPAs may encounter, giving candidates the opportunity to develop and refine their approach to critical thinking, problem-solving and time management skills.
As you progress through CPA PEP, you will have multiple opportunities to strengthen your case writing skills. Each case allows you to apply the steps of the CPA Way—CPA Canada’s framework for addressing professional problems—to analyze and respond to the issues presented. This consistent practice helps you build confidence and competence to tackle complex, real-world scenarios that CPAs may encounter.
The online tutorial offers a step-by-step guide to help candidates approach case writing effectively in CPA PEP. It covers key areas such as:
After completing the tutorial, you will have the opportunity to work through a sample PEP case. While the tutorial takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, it is highly recommended that candidates revisit the resource regularly while they practice writing cases within CPA PEP.
The tutorial is only available to candidates who are currently active within the CPA PEP program.
Eligible candidates can access the link to Case Writing Tutorial through the Introduction to the CPA PEP module, available within Brightspace (D2L).
Below are links to several CPAWSB blog posts that highlight the importance of case writing within CPA PEP and various case writing tips:
If you are a CPAWSB candidate and have any additional questions about case writing, please reach out to the CPAWSB Learner Support team. Feel free to request to speak to a CPAWSB Academic Advisor by filling out the following CPAWSB Learner Support Intake Form—we’re always happy to help.
Why is it important for me to be proficient in writing cases in CPA PEP?
Case writing skills are an essential component to help evaluate the technical and enabling competencies of candidates in the program. The cases presented throughout CPA PEP replicate real-world scenarios that CPAs may encounter, giving candidates the opportunity to develop and refine their approach to critical thinking, problem-solving and time management skills. As you progress through CPA PEP, you will have multiple opportunities to strengthen your case writing skills. Each case allows you to apply the steps of the CPA Way—CPA Canada’s framework for addressing professional problems—to analyze and respond to the issues presented. This consistent practice helps you build confidence and competence to tackle complex, real-world scenarios that CPAs may encounter.
What is CPA Canada’s Case Writing Tutorial?
The online tutorial offers a step-by-step guide to help candidates approach case writing effectively in CPA PEP. It covers key areas such as:
- Understanding the structure of cases used within CPA PEP
- Planning how to approach a case through strategic reading and outlining
- Writing a well-organized case response
- Debriefing your case response to identify areas of strength and improvement
- Utilizing stress management techniques during an exam
After completing the tutorial, you will have the opportunity to work through a sample PEP case. While the tutorial takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, it is highly recommended that candidates revisit the resource regularly while they practice writing cases within CPA PEP.
Who can access the Case Writing Tutorial?
The tutorial is only available to candidates who are currently active within the CPA PEP program.
How can I access the Case Writing Tutorial?
Eligible candidates can access the link to Case Writing Tutorial through the Introduction to the CPA PEP module, available within Brightspace (D2L).
What other resources can I access to help me with case writing?
Below are links to several CPAWSB blog posts that highlight the importance of case writing within CPA PEP and various case writing tips:
- Enough of Enough: A CPA’s Guide to Case-Writing Balance
- Tips for a Better Response: Case Writing
- Practice Like You Play: The Importance of Writing in Exam-Like Conditions
- Closing the Loop: Active Reflection
If you are a CPAWSB candidate and have any additional questions about case writing, please reach out to the CPAWSB Learner Support team. Feel free to request to speak to a CPAWSB Academic Advisor by filling out the following CPAWSB Learner Support Intake Form—we’re always happy to help.
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.
