Elements of the CPA certification program

CPA Prerequisite Education Program (CPA PREP)

A program for those who have an undergraduate degree but not the prerequisites for the CPA Professional Education Program

The CPA Prerequisite Education Program (CPA PREP) is designed for those who have an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than accounting and lack some or all of the prerequisite courses required for admission to the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP).

Delivered on a part-time basis to offer students maximum flexibility and accessibility, it uses a blend of on-line learning, self-study, and classroom learning. A modularized program, students complete only those modules they require.

With the exception of Quebec, CPA PREP is launching across Canada in summer 2013. It will be offered in Quebec in the fall of 2015

 Delivered on a part-time basis to offer students maximum flexibility and accessibility, CPA PREP uses a blend of online learning, self-study, and classroom learning. A modularized program, students complete only those modules they require.

Scheduling has been designed to allow students to complete Modules 5–12 as a complete program within a one-year period.

Click on link for information on CPA , Preparatory Modules

 The nationally developed, regionally delivered CPA Prerequisite Education Program consists of:

  All students must have either recognized academic credits or equivalent Module credits for Modules 1 – 4 BEFORE proceeding with ANY of Modules 5 – 10.

        CPA PREP Modules 1 – 4 are currently under development and will be launched in 2014. Until these modules are available, the current CMA foundation courses (such as Quickstart and Fundamentals) and CGA foundation and advanced education courses will be accepted as equivalents, as will recognized post-secondary institution courses covering the prescribed subject matter.

CPA Prerequisite Education Program (CPA PREP) FAQs

See below for a sample of Frequently Asked Questions:

For complete list of questions  click FAQ

What are the prerequisites for admission to the CPA Prerequisite Education Program?

Answer:  The only academic requirement for admission to CPA PREP is an undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution. Your undergraduate degree can be in any discipline.

How long is the CPA PREP program?

Answer: Designed for maximum flexibility and adaptability, CPA PREP is modular. The length of time required to complete the program will depend on the number of modules you need to complete, and the rate at which you choose to do so. Twelve modules will be offered, ranging in length from one to 14 weeks. You need take only the modules for which you have no recognized academic credit. Scheduling has been designed to allow students to complete Modules 5–12 as a complete program within a one-year period.

What is the passing grade for each module?

Answer: The passing grade for each module is 65%. Note that it is your final mark on the module, which may be based on various assessments, that determines your passing grade

What happens if I fail a module?

Answer: You have up to a maximum of three attempts to pass each module.

• If you fail your first attempt at a module with a mark above 50%, you can rewrite the final examination. If you fail the second attempt, you will be required to retake the module in order to have a third and final attempt at the examination.
• If you fail your first attempt with a mark less than 50%, you must retake the module before a second attempt at the examination is permitted.
• Should you fail a third time, you could consider taking courses from post secondary institutions.

Discussion Questions:

1. Does becoming a CPA appear to be complicated, based on the above Modules that need to be completed?

2. Do you find the failures hard to accept especially if you have to return to University and complete the courses again?

3.  Will the CPA program enhance the credibility and professionalism of all accountants?

All information taken from the CPA website