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About CPA preparatory courses

Learn about the CPA preparatory courses, which provide the knowledge requirement for admission to the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP).

If you are seeking admission to the CPA PEP but lack some or all of the necessary prerequisites for entry (based on your transcript evaluation conducted by your provincial/regional CPA body), you can take CPA preparatory courses to gain the knowledge requirements you are missing. You only have to complete the courses you require.

There are 14 CPA preparatory courses, and each course ends with an examination. The sequence in which you take them is important as some courses are prerequisites for others.

The courses use a self-study learning format. The examination blueprint outlines the structure and length of course final examinations.

Non-core courses

The following courses are offered on a self-study basis. You are able to register for non-core courses any day of the year, as these courses do not have specific start dates. After registering in a course, you can then select from one of five examination dates that best meet your needs and schedule. You must receive a grade of 50 per cent or higher to successfully pass each course.

Non-core courses include:

• Introductory Financial Accounting
• Introductory Management Accounting
• Economics
• Statistics
• Business Law

For more information, refer to the syllabus for CPA preparatory non-core courses.

Core Courses

All core courses are delivered in a standardized format that includes six instructional weeks and a final exam week. You are able to register for courses and their corresponding examinations separately, selecting from one of five examination dates that best meets your needs and schedule. You must receive a grade of 60 per cent or higher to successfully pass each course.

Note: You must successfully complete or have exemption from the Introductory Financial Accounting and Introductory Management Accounting to enroll in the following courses.

Core courses include: 

Fees and Schedule

This nationally developed program is delivered provincially — or, in some cases, regionally — on a part-time basis to offer maximum flexibility and accessibility.

For information about the module fees and scheduling in your area, please contact your provincial/regional body:

Refer to the CPA preparatory courses calendar for key core course dates and examination dates for core and non-core courses.