The foundation level of the CPA Program represents the first steps towards your staff becoming qualified CPAs. The foundation level consists of eight segments and provides a stable base of knowledge focusing on the accounting principles and practices which underpin the financial dimension of an organisation.
The foundation level provides employers with the flexibility to offer a greater number of their staff the opportunity to commence their journey towards becoming a CPA.
Foundation level exams are designed to assess technical knowledge gained through work experience or study, for example:
- graduates of non-accounting disciplines, who have one or more gaps in their coverage of core knowledge requirements
- candidates with significant work experience in accounting, with no formal qualifications
Completion of an accredited or recognised degree, such as an accounting degree, will often meet the requirements of the foundation level and allow you to begin the CPA Program at the professional level.
Once a candidate has achieved or has satisfied CPA Australia's prescribed foundation level knowledge requirements they can join CPA Australia as an Associate member (ASA) and commence their professional level studies.
