Key roles in the practical experience requirement

There are three key roles in the practical experience requirement (PER), the mentee (Associate member), mentor and employer contact.

• Mentee
• Mentor
• Employer contact

Mentee

The mentee is an Associate member who is required to complete the PER in order to become a CPA. The mentee is required to demonstrate workplace skills to their mentor through the collection of workplace evidence.

The mentee is also responsible for initiating meetings with the mentor and for driving the mentoring relationship. The mentee is expected to show a good understanding of the PER and a commitment to the process.

The mentee must:

• nominate a mentor and formally enrol into the PER 
• drive the mentoring relationship
• communicate regularly with the mentor for total of at least 10 hours per year
• collect workplace evidence to demonstrate the attainment of sub-skills to the mentor
• record progress using the practical experience guide and logbook (PDF) and the PER forms
• submit the Practical experience requirement update form (PDF) when changing mentors or place of employment
• submit the Practical experience requirement update form (PDF) at completion of the three year period to demonstrate time and skill requirements have been achieved

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Mentor

The mentor is expected to share their knowledge and experience and guide the mentee. Mentors are responsible for confirming the length of the mentoring relationship and signing off on demonstrated skills in the mentee's logbook.

The role of the mentor is to:

• act as a sounding board
• share knowledge and experience
• help the mentee to select appropriate areas of work within the technical skill area
• assist and guide the mentee in the collection of appropriate workplace evidence
• sight the mentee's workplace evidence
• sign off on each skill in the logbook as it is demonstrated
• sign the Practical experience requirement update form (PDF) upon completion of the relationship to verify the mentee’s achievements

Note: the role of the mentor is not to tutor or coach the Associate member through the professional level. CPA Australia offers support on the professional level in many ways including forums, study groups and workshops.

Employer contact

The role of the employer contact is to confirm the mentee's employment in a professional accounting or finance role. They may be contacted by CPA Australia to confirm the professional development opportunities offered in the mentee's workplace.

The employer contact must:

• be able to confirm the mentee's employment in a professional accounting role
• be aware that CPA Australia may contact them via email while the mentee is enrolled in the PER
• sign the Practical experience requirement update form at completion of the PER