Become a CPA

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

You may be eligible to apply for CPA Australia membership if you:

• are a member of good standing and not under any investigation for professional conduct infringements

• did not gain entry through another mutual recognition agreement

• have successfully completed:
  - the CGA-Canada program of professional studies
  - the CGA-Canada practical experience requirement

You will also need one of the following:
• a university degree approved by CGA-Canada or the relevant provincial body

• a university degree recognised by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training as being equivalent to Australian bachelor degree level (this will be determined during the assessment of your application)

• fifteen years of accounting-related work experience, with at least five years at a senior level

Direct entry to CPA status

You may be eligible for direct entry to CPA status if you have maintained membership with CGA-Canada for a minimum of five consecutive years, or if you have successfully completed an MBA with course content covering corporate governance and global strategy and leadership.

This is assessed individually and transcripts are required to support your application. You may be requested to provide a detailed course syllabus to support your exemption application.

Step 2: Complete Application

Complete the online application and submit with the required documentation, including your application and membership fee. Ensure you nominate Certified General Accountants Canada (CGA-Canada) as the professional body with whom you hold membership.

step 3: Verification of application

Your application and information supplied will take approximately 10 to 15 working days to verify. Upon completion, an email will be sent to you informing you of your assessment outcome.

Step 4: Advance to CPA status

Once you become an Associate member of CPA Australia, you must complete the professional development subject, Better Practice in Governance and Accountability within two years from the date of admission as an Associate member.

Upon completion of this subject you will advance to CPA status. You will receive a CPA certificate and will then be able to use the CPA designation.