CPA Preparatory Courses

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are CPA preparatory courses?

CPA preparatory courses provide the knowledge requirements for admission to the CPA
Professional Education Program (CPA PEP).
There are 14 preparatory courses split between core and non-core. Non-core courses have
open enrolment whereas core courses are on a six-week semester system.
Non-core:
• Business Law (BUL)
• Economics (ECO)
• Introductory Financial Accounting (IFA)
• Introductory Management Accounting (IMA)
• Statistics (STA)
Core:
• Advanced Financial Reporting (AFR)
• Audit and Assurance (AUA)
• Corporate Finance (COF)
• Information Technology (ITE)
• Intermediate Financial Reporting 1 (IF1)
• Intermediate Financial Reporting 2 (IF2)
• Intermediate Management Accounting (MAA)
• Performance Management (PMA)
• Taxation (TAX)
CPA preparatory courses do not constitute a program and do not lead to a certifcate or
credential. In addition, they may not be transferable for credit to a post-secondary institution.

2. What are the diferences between CPA preparatory courses and the CPA Professional
Education Program (CPA PEP)?
CPA preparatory courses are a suite of courses ofered by the CPA profession which can be
taken to meet the prerequisite course requirements for entry to the CPA Professional Education
Program (CPA PEP).
The CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) is a graduate level program for candidates
pursuing the CPA designation. The CPA is Canada’s pre-eminent, globally recognized professional
business and accounting designation.

CPA PREPARATORY COURSES: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

3. What is the structure of CPA preparatory courses?
Non-core courses include the following online learning materials:
• readings for technical study
• practice problems and exercises
• quizzes
• access to a collection of online homework, tutorial, and assessment products
The time commitment per week is dependent on how quickly students wish to complete the
course. Students working to complete their course within a 12-week time frame can expect
to spend from fve to ten hours per week on the non-core courses, depending on their prior
accounting knowledge. Students who are less familiar with accounting concepts could spend
up to 15 to 20 hours or more.
Core courses include the following online learning materials:
• CPA Canada Learning Library eBooks
• adaptive assessments
• e-lessons
• practice problems
• task-based simulations
• debrief videos
• webinars
• projects
The core courses are condensed to be completed within an accelerated time frame of six
weeks. On average, 15 to 20 hours a week of study is suggested to be successful in the core
courses.
Both non-core and core courses have a fnal examination. For detailed information on
individual course structure and content, refer to the CPA Preparatory Courses Syllabus.

4. How are CPA preparatory courses delivered?

CPA preparatory courses are delivered online and use a self-study format. Some courses come
with additional options for webinars. Prospective students should contact their provincial/
regional CPA body for information on course delivery.

5. How long does it take to complete CPA preparatory courses?

Students taking CPA preparatory courses in order to meet the prerequisite requirements for
the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) only need to complete the courses they
require. The duration to complete the CPA preparatory courses will vary based on the number
of required courses.
6. What are the prerequisite requirements for admission to CPA preparatory courses?
The only academic prerequisite for enrolling in CPA preparatory courses is the completion of a
minimum of 30 credit hours or equivalent education at a post-secondary institution.

7. Do the CPA preparatory courses recognize transfer credits from domestic and international
educational institutions?
Provincial/regional CPA bodies publish a Transfer Credit Guide that is used to identify which
courses taken at domestic post-secondary institutions are equivalent in content to the CPA
preparatory courses. To gain exemptions from CPA preparatory courses, students must
provide an ofcial transcript from their post-secondary institution indicating completion of the
courses that adequately cover the content as described in the CPA Competency Map.
For internationally-educated students, credit hours or equivalent education obtained from
post-secondary institutions that are recognized in the International Handbook of Universities
(published by the International Association of Universities) or by a similar recognition service
will be accepted. Canadian study permits are required for all temporary residents studying in
Canada.
For core CPA preparatory courses, exemptions will be granted if students took an equivalent
course and passed with a mark of at least 60%. For non-core CPA preparatory courses, a
passing grade of 50% in an equivalent course is required. For more information on transfer
credit recognition and exemption eligibility, refer to the CPA Canada Student Guide for
Preparatory Courses or contact your provincial/regional CPA body.
For more information on transfer credit recognition and exemption eligibility, contact your
provincial/regional CPA body.

8. Do I have to be a CPA student to challenge an exam?

CPA preparatory core courses are currently ofered across fve semesters throughout each
calendar year. The preparatory non-core courses have open enrolment, meaning students can
begin the course at any time.
Refer to the challenge exams FAQs for information about challenging an exam.
The schedules for preparatory course are publicly available on the CPA preparatory courses
section of the CPA Canada website. Contact your provincial/regional CPA body to see which
oferings are available in your area.

9. What are the fees for CPA preparatory courses?

Fees for CPA preparatory courses vary by province/region. Contact your provincial/regional
CPA body for more information.
10. What are the technology and administrative requirements for CPA preparatory courses?
CPA preparatory course materials are delivered via D2L, an online learning management
system. Access to D2L requires personal computer and Microsoft Office. More information
on technology and administrative requirements can be found in the CPA Canada Preparatory
Courses Student Guide.
Students enrolled in CPA preparatory courses are expected to maintain the highest standards
of academic honesty. Before starting courses, all students must complete the Academic
Honesty and Training Contract quizzes.

11. Where I can enrol in CPA preparatory courses?

CPA preparatory courses are delivered provincially and, in some cases, regionally. Prospective
students should contact their provincial/regional CPA body to register for courses.

12. How can I prepare myself for taking CPA preparatory courses?
Students preparing to take CPA preparatory courses should visit the CPA preparatory courses
section of the CPA Canada website, which provides an overview of courses as well as links to
helpful resources or visit their provincial/regional website. For more in-depth information, the CPA
Certifcation Resource Centre ofers a variety of resources that students can use both for preparing
for and when enrolled in CPA preparatory courses.
Additional helpful resources include:
• CPA Canada Preparatory Courses Student Guide
• CPA Harmonized Education Policies Vol. 3