Exemptions for a specialist Masters degree

From 1 January 2004 candidates enrolling in the CPA Program for the first time will be eligible for a maximum of two exemptions from elective segments of the CPA Program if they hold a relevant undergraduate degree with an approved specialist Masters degree. To be eligible for these exemptions a member must meet the following criteria:

• meet our membership requirements; including holding a degree assessed as comparable to an Australian bachelor degree 
• have completed the core curriculum required to be eligible for membership of CPA Australia, within an undergraduate and / or postgraduate degree
• at the time of enrolment in the CPA Program, have also completed an approved specialist Australian Masters degree such as tax, commerce, accounting or finance
• the specialist Masters degree must be a minimum of eight subjects with at least four subjects completed in a specialised area
• the specialist Masters degree must have been commenced no more than eight years prior to the application to commence the CPA Program
• the specialist Masters degree must have been completed not more than five years before application to commence the CPA Program
• Masters in professional accounting (MPAs) and other postgraduate courses used to gain admission to CPA Australia are not 'specialist' Masters degrees and are not eligible for exemptions
• Masters in Business administration (MBAs) are not eligible for exemptions
• Masters degrees which include core curriculum subjects used to gain membership to CPA Australia are not eligible 
• exemptions for specialist Masters are available to candidates enrolling in the six segment CPA Program
• exemptions for specialist Masters degrees must be applied for at the time of enrolment in the CPA Program 
• a specialist Masters cannot contain exemptions from degrees used for entry to CPA Australia.
• individuals are responsible for applying to CPA Australia for exemptions in the CPA Program

To apply for an exemption:

• search for an approved specialist Masters degree on the CPA Careers website. To access the search facility, select the Getting Qualified tab. Next choose the CPA Program exemptions option.
• complete an application form to be sent with your admission form 
• a fee of A$150.00 will apply for the assessment of specialist Masters degrees

Applications will only be considered from candidates who are eligible for Associate membership of CPA Australia.