Alberta CPAs must continually enhance their knowledge and expertise to remain at the forefront of today’s competitive market. As such, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is required to ensure the development and maintenance of professional competence and high performance in professional roles so that the public is well served.
To maintain the high standards of the profession, Alberta CPAs are required to make a CPD Declaration each year, whether they are a full or affiliate member, a new member, or a retired member. 2020 CPD Declarations can now be made through the CPA Alberta online portal. The deadline to declare is March 1, 2021 for the 2020 calendar year.
As a reminder, here are some of the essentials of the CPD reporting requirements:
- The reporting period for CPD is the calendar year. Declarations are due each year on March 1st for the prior calendar year.
- Each CPA must complete a minimum of 20 hours of CPD learning activities annually of which 10 hours must be verifiable; and
- Each CPA must complete 120 hours over a three-year rolling cycle (current year and prior two years), of which 60 hours must be verifiable.
A declaration must be made for both annual and three-year rolling requirements. Additional information can be found on the CPA Alberta website.
As a reminder, CPD reporting—along with payment of membership fees—is part of the annual process to continue CPA membership. Legislation states that Alberta CPAs are required to meet these obligations in order to have membership continued each year.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a declaration?
To access the online declaration tool, log in to the portal and select the menu on the right side of the landing page. From there, navigate to Membership Renewal tab and then select the CPD Declaration option from the menu.
When making your declaration ensure you complete all the steps, which includes selecting the Submit Declaration button at the end. Upon submission of your declaration, you’ll see a notice that your declaration has been received.
What happens if I make a declaration that is “non-comply”?
In some situations you may find that, despite your best efforts, you were not able to meet the CPD requirements. In these situations, it’s important you declare “non-comply”. The online CPD declaration tool will prompt you to provide information about why you did not meet the requirements and to provide a plan to address your shortfall.
If you’re uncertain whether your learning activities can be credited towards fulfilling your CPD requirements, please contact CPA Alberta’s Registrations team for assistance. They will work with you!
What if I make a declaration saying that I comply, and I am found not to comply?
Rule 103 of the Rules of Professional Conduct states, “A registrant shall not sign or associate with any letter, report, statement or representation relating to any application to the CPAA which the registrant knows, or should know, is false or misleading.”
It is important to take the time necessary to fully consider your CPD learning activities for the current and prior two reporting years, and make a truthful and accurate declaration. If a false declaration is made, you will be immediately referred to CPA Alberta’s Registration Committee. The Committee may suspend, cancel, or place conditions on your membership, or they may choose to refer your situation to the Complaints Inquiry Committee.
If you have any other questions regarding the CPD requirements or your declaration, the CPA Alberta Member Registrations team is available to help. Reach them by emailing cpdreporting@cpaalberta.ca or calling toll free at 1-800-232-9406.
