| How is "recognition of professional experience" (RPE) different to "recognition of prior experience"? |
You will need to fill out an application form. Workplace testimonials will no longer be assessed. You need to demonstrate competence in the sub-skills in the technical, personal effectiveness, business and leadership skill areas. RPE allows for recognition of your length of time in a professional role as well as recognition of a demonstrated PER sub-skill. You can now apply any time and any number of times before your advancement to CPA status. |
| What is relevant professional experience? | Professional experience in an accounting role, finance role or a senior role with substantial financial responsibilities will be considered. Relevant professional experience will require you to demonstrate competence in the sub-skills from the technical, personal effectiveness, business and leadership skill areas. You should refer to The practical experience guide and logbook for explanations of what is required to demonstrate competence in the sub-skills. |
| Do I have to demonstrate competence across the skill areas to apply? |
No. However, we recommend that you apply once you can demonstrate several sub-skills across the skill areas. |
| The technical skills are divided into seven areas of work, each area has four sub-skills. Do the technical sub-skills have to be from the same area of work? | No. You can demonstrate any combination of the 28 technical sub-skills as long as you demonstrate a total of four. |
| How do I find out which sub-skills relate to my professional role? | The Skill Areas section of The practical experience guide and logbook contains information on the skill areas. The guide and logbook will also help you pick the relevant technical sub-skills that apply to your professional role. |
| How long do I have to be employed in a professional role before I can apply for RPE? |
You need to be employed full-time for six months. Full-time employment is 35 hours or more a week. Applicants working part-time are encouraged to apply if they have the equivalent of six months full-time employment. Part-time employment is calculated proportionately. After your first application, you can re-apply anytime before advancing to CPA status. CPA Australia will consider any experience that has not been assessed. |
| What happens if I do not receive a full 36-month reduction of time and do not demonstrate competence in all the 16 sub-skills for my professional experience? |
You can re-apply for RPE any time before your CPA advancement deadline or enrol in the PER to complete the requirements. CPA Australia strongly recommends that you complete your remaining requirements by enrolling in the PER with a nominated mentor. Research shows that having a mentor can be one of the best ways to develop the skills and knowledge required for aspiring business leaders. |
| What if I have already received partial recognition through recognition of prior experience; can I apply again? | If you have experience that has not been assessed, you can submit an Application for Recognition of Professional Experience (PDF). Only additional time and skills that have not been considered will be assessed |
| I previously applied for recognition of prior experience and my application was unsuccessful. Can I apply again? | A: Yes. If you submitted workplace testimonials and they were not considered, you can submit an Application for Recognition of Professional Experience (PDF). Regardless of the unsuccessful outcome from previous assessments we will consider time and skills verified by a CPA, FCPA or equivalent. |
| Can I apply for RPE if I am enrolled in PER? |
Yes. RPE provides more flexibility and allows you to apply any time, and any number of times, before your CPA advancement deadline. If you are currently enrolled in PER, we strongly recommended that you continue with PER. Research shows that members who complete PER together with their professional level segments have higher rates of passing their segments. |
| There is no CPA or equivalent in my workplace. Who can verify my demonstrated skills? | A CPA or equivalent who is not in your workplace can verify your skills. They will need to see your workplace evidence to evaluate whether you have demonstrated competence in any of the four skill areas. |
| What if I can’t find a CPA or equivalent in or outside my workplace? | If your role is a relevant professional role, you will be given recognition for your time in the role only. We cannot recognise sub-skills that have not been verified by a CPA or equivalent. You can attend networking events or connect with CPA members online to develop your professional networks and relationships. The networking and forums section on the website can direct you to many of these resources. |
| Some of my workplace evidence is confidential. What can I do? | You may need to "black out" any sensitive information or provide the CPA or equivalent with a summary of the workplace evidence. You may also use the Evidence of Knowledge form in The practical experience guide and logbook. This form can be used to demonstrate up to 50 per cent of the sub-skills required for each skill area and is a replacement for actual workplace evidence. |
| Who can certify copies of my documents? |
A Justice of Peace, CPA, FCPA, Chartered Accountant, full member of a recognised IFAC professional body, registered migration agent, notary or any other official who, in your country, is authorised to certify documents and legal declarations or witness sworn affidavits. In Australia, documents can also be certified as true by a solicitor, police officer, lawyer, dentist, medical practitioner, pharmacist, bank manager and school principal. |
| Where do I send my documents? | The Recognition of Professional Experience Application Form (PDF) and a scanned copy of your original documentation can be emailed to ma.comms@cpaaustralia.com.au |
