The following steps demonstrate the pathway for CGA-Canada members to become a CPA Australia member under the conditions of the mutual recognition agreement (MRA). Initially joining as an Associate (ASA) member, upon successful completion of further studies outlined in Step 5 (available in June 2008), members will advance to the status of CPA.

Step 1: determine eligibility

CGA-Canada members will be eligible to apply for CPA Australia membership provided they:

1. are a member of good standing and not under any investigation for professional conduct infringements
2. hold a university degree approved by CGA-Canada or the relevant Provincial Body and who has successfully completed:
   
   
   1. the CGA Program of Professional Studies
   2. the CGA-Canada practical experience requirement
      
      or
      
3. are a member of CGA-Canada and do not a hold a degree, but have successfully completed the CGA Program of Professional Studies and have at least 15 years' work experience, at least five years of which has been at a senior level
4. not a member of CGA-Canada by virtue of any other MRA

If you are uncertain as to your eligibility for membership under the MRA, contact MAIS.admission@cpaaustralia.com.au

Step 2: complete application

Complete the Application for admission as an ASA under the MRA with CGA-Canada form (see below to download application form). Submit the following with your completed application form:

• 100 points of identification (see application form)
• membership status letter which can be obtained from a CGA Affiliate office
• certified true copies of university academic awards and transcripts
  

if applying for membership with 15 years experience, five years at senior level – provide a workplace testimonial (see application form) from employer/s to confirm position and period of employment. Evidence of five years at a senior level needs included with this documentation

• admission and membership fee (see application form)
• change of name documentation (if applicable)

Step 3: forward application

Forward your application to:

Member advisory and information services
CPA Australia
GPO Box 2820
Melbourne VIC 3001
Australia

Step 4: processing of application

Your application will take approximately three to four weeks to process.

If there are any queries regarding the details of your application a CPA Australia staff member will contact you, please ensure you provide an e-mail address with your application.

If your application is successful, an initial e-mail will be sent to you informing you of your success. A welcome pack will follow by mail.

If your application is unsuccessful, a letter will be sent to you outlining the reasons why your application was not successful. Advice will be provided as to how you can meet CPA Australia's membership requirements.

Step 5: advance to CPA status

Once you become an Associate member of CPA Australia your obligations are to complete the following study units within 2 years:

1. Better Practice in Governance and Accountability  
   All materials and assessment will be delivered via CPA Australia's online learning tool called MYOL (My Online Learning).
   
2. Business Strategy and Leadership
   This study unit forms one of the cornerstone segments of the CPA Program. CGA-Canada members, are required to complete an assignment based on the materials in this segment.  This study unit is only available on a semester basis.
   An enrolment form for these study units will be sent to you upon your successful application for membership. 

Exemption application
You may be eligible for an exemption from the additional education requirements if you have successfully completed an MBA with course materials covering Corporate Governance and Business Strategy and Leadership. If applying for an exemption, an individual assessment will be undertaken to determine eligibility. Relevant transcripts and course outlines will also be required with your application. 

Upon completion of each online course of study (or if an exemption is granted) , you will automatically  advance to CPA status. A CPA certificate will follow by mail and the designatory letters CPA can be used.

Once you are a member of CPA Australia your obligations are to undertake CPA Australia's requirements in the following areas:

• CPD^*
• professional conduct
• professional assurance
• professional standards

^*Completion of CPA Australia's CPD requirements will also satisfy CGA-Canada's CPD requirements. You will be required to report annually to both CGA-Canada and CPA Australia.

Please note the MRA does not include rights for CGA-Canada members to conduct public accounting services, signed audited financial statements or act as a tax agent. A separate application for the Practicing Certificate issued by CPA Australia is required.

Further information

• download the Application form for CGA-Canada members to join CPA Australia
• to have your qualifications assessed for migration purposes please include a completed Member assessment application form
• visit the Migration assessment section of the website
• view Frequently asked questions