Education · 1 of 4

The path

A degree, a professional program, one big exam and 30 months of work.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Math is essential. Business and accounting courses are a bonus.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Usually a business or commerce degree with accounting courses covering the CPA prerequisites. Any degree works if you add the prerequisite courses after.

3. 3

   CPA Professional Education Program (PEP)

   About 2 years

   Part-time modules while you work full time. Six modules over about two years.

4. 4

   Common Final Examination (CFE)

   3 days

   A three-day national case exam. Pass rates have been about 67 to 74% in recent years.

5. 5

   30 months of practical experience

   30 months

   Overlaps with the PEP program. Must be in an approved role or pre-approved program.