The CPA profession is evolving its certification program. This new program, called the CPA Professional Program, is set to be implemented in 2027. The program prepares learners to lead across industries in the modern business world and retains the rigour the profession’s certification has always been known for, while providing a modern educational approach.
Similar to the current program, the CPA Professional Program has both an education and a practical experience component. It blends essential technical excellence in accounting and a strong grounding in ethics with real-world experience and future-focused skills, for a rigorous and relevant learner experience.
Education
The program will consist of four modules, each with its own focus and final evaluation. Successful completion of the exam after each module is a requirement before moving on to the next module in the program.
In Alberta, the education portion of the CPA Professional Program is, in most cases, done through the CPA Western School of Business. More details around education are available on the CPAWSB website.
Practical Experience
The Practical Experience component of the program ensures candidates can apply their technical, ethical and professional skills in real-world business situations.
Practical experience consists of:
- At least eight months of Foundational Experience; hands-on work where learners begin applying their knowledge in the workplace.
- At least 16 months of Professional Experience; this is more advanced work, focused on developing decision-making skills.
That total of 24 months is exclusive of any leave, such as for vacations or study time, which is very similar to the current requirements.
Entrance to the CPA Professional Program
Entrance to the program comes in two ways:
- Those candidates who hold 45 credit hours in accounting and business as part of or in addition to a 120-credit hour degree and a minimum grade point average can start directly in the first module of the program.
- Those who don’t meet that 45-credit hour requirement but have applicable experience or knowledge in addition to a degree and minimum GPA can demonstrate their accounting and business competencies by passing a Knowledge Assessment. Upon doing so, they too would enter the first module of the program.
More details can be found on the CPAWSB website.
It is expected that most individuals in the current CPA PEP program and those candidates expecting to enter the program in the near future will remain in or enter the current program.
