The following steps demonstrate the pathway for Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) members to become a CPA Australia member under the conditions of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) to the status of Associate member and use the designatory letters ASA.

Step 1: determine eligibility

Admission as an Associate (ASA) member

A full MIA member who has the following criteria:

1. is a member of good standing and not under any investigation into professional conduct
2. not a member of MIA by virtue of any other mutual recognition agreement
3. holds a degree accredited by CPA Australia
   or
4. holds a degree recognised by the Australian Government National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) as being equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree.  CPA Australia will need to assess the degree to determine CPA Australia's core competency requirements equivalent to an Australian degree. 

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

Step 2: complete application

Admission as an ASA member

Using the Application for admission as an ASA under a Mutual Recognition Agreement form

Include the following with your application:

1. 100 points of identification (see application form)
2. admission and membership fee
3. certified true copies of academic award and transcriptions
4. letter of good standing from the MIA

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 3 - 4 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.

Once you become a CPA Australia member your obligations are to:

• undertake to enrol in the CPA Program at the time of being admitted as an ASA and successfully complete the CPA Program within 6 years of enrolment
• complete CPA Australia's practical work experience requirements via the Mentor Program assessment
• undertake CPA Australia's requirements in the following areas:

• Professional Conduct
• Professional Assurance
• Professional Standards
• Continuing Professional Education (CPD)*

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

CPA Australia advise that employers may prefer or require Taxation Law and/or Company Law knowledge specific to the country of your employment and you may wish to take this into consideration when planning your studies.

NB.  This MRA does not include rights for MIA members to conduct public accounting services, company auditing services or act as a tax agent. Upon completion of the CPA Program, a separate application for the additional Practicing Certificate issued by CPA Australia is required to complete the Public Practice Certificate as prescribed by CPA Australia.

Further information

• download the Application form for MIA members' admission as an ASA under a MRA 
• to have your qualifications assessed for migration purposes please include a completed Member assessment application form
• visit the Qualifications assessment section of the website
• visit the Frequently asked questions — CPA Australia membership for MIA members
• visit the CPA Careers website to Search accredited courses
• visit the Assessment overview section for information regarding assessment of your qualification