In order to advance to CPA status, candidates must complete the CPA Program professional level and also demonstrate three years of practical experience working in a professional accounting or finance role. CPA Australia recommends that you enrol for the practical experience requirement (PER) as soon as you become an Associate member and complete the PER in conjunction with the professional level. The PER is compulsory and you must complete it before you can advance to CPA status. You can enrol into the PER as soon as you become an Associate member.
To enrol in the PER, download and complete the practical experience requirement enrolment form (PDF) and submit to CPA Australia.
If you work for a Recognised Employer Partner, refer to the information at PER recognition for members working for a Recognised Employer Partner.
What sort of role should I be working in?
The PER is based on development and demonstration of professional level skills and knowledge, so ideally you should be working in a professional level role to enrol for the PER. A professional level role is one in which you can use the knowledge and skills acquired at the foundation level of CPA Program or a CPA Australia accredited degree.
If you work in a payroll or bookkeeping role, you can still enrol in the PER. These types of roles provide a good foundation to move into professional accounting roles and the PER will help you to develop your professional level skills and knowledge so that you are better prepared for this kind of progression. It is important to note that, if you continue working in this type of role throughout your time on the PER, it may become difficult for you to demonstrate all the required skills. It may also take you longer than three years to demonstrate your skills, and your advancement to CPA status could be delayed.
Full-time practical experience should equate to no less than 35 hours relevant employment per week, and part-time work spent on the practical experience requirement will be calculated on a pro rata basis.
How will the PER benefit me?
For a less experienced person, the main benefit of the PER is to develop professional level skills and knowledge. Your ability to demonstrate the PER skills within your workplace may allow you to progress to higher level roles over time. Your relationship with a mentor will develop your personal effectiveness skills, which are highly valued by employers today.
For a more experienced person, the benefits of completing the PER is to confirm that you have met CPA Australia’s benchmark for practical experience and the ability to advance to CPA status. The benefits of having access to an experienced mentor can also boost your career potential and help you to develop your networking group.
