Become a CPA

Step 1: Determine eligibility

If you are a full member of HKICPA holding the CPA or FCPA status, you are eligible to apply for CPA Australia membership if you:

• registered as a student of the HKICPA’s Qualification Programme on or after 1 September 2015 in Hong Kong

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

• did not gain entry to membership through another mutual recognition agreement (MRA)

• have successfully completed:
  - the HKICPA’s qualification programme in Hong Kong
  - the HKICPA’s practical experience requirements

and

• have a university degree recognised by HKICPA

or

• hold a university degree recognised by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training as at least equivalent to Australian bachelor degree level. This will be determined during the verification of your application

When an applicant has taken up permanent residency in Australia (as opposed to working or residing temporarily in Australia), they may be required to pass the Global Strategy and Leadership subject of the CPA Program.

2000 MRA: Transitional Arrangements

To become a member of CPA Australia under the transitional arrangements of the 2000 MRA, members of HKICPA must:

• be registered as a student of HKICPA’s qualification programme before 1 July 2005
• hold an accredited or recognised university degree
• pass HKICPA's qualification programme
• meet HKICPA's practical experience requirements
• hold the CPA or FCPA status of HKICPA
• not have gained entry to membership through another MRA

2010 MRA: Transitional Arrangements

To become a member of CPA Australia under the transitional arrangements of 2010 MRA, members of HKICPA must:

• be registered as a student of HKICPA’s qualification programme in Hong Kong between 1 July 2005 and 31 August 2015
• hold an accredited or recognised university degree
• pass HKICPA's qualification programme in Hong Kong by 30 June 2019
• meet HKICPA's practical experience requirements
• hold the CPA or FCPA status of HKICPA
• not have gained entry to membership through another MRA
• apply for membership of CPA Australia by 30 June 2020
• be a member of good standing and not under any investigation for professional conduct infringements

Step 2: Complete application

Complete the online application and submit with the required documentation, letter of good standing and your application and membership fee. Ensure you nominate Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) as the professional body with whom you hold membership.

Your letter of good standing will need to contain the following:

• the date you joined HKICPA as a student of the qualification programme

• confirmation that you joined HKICPA as a student in Hong Kong and completed the qualification programme in Hong Kong (for applicants under the 2015 MRA and the transitional arrangements of the 2010 MRA)

• the date you achieved your current member status

• the date you membership fee is paid until

• confirmation you are not a member of HKICPA by virtue of another MRA

• confirmation you are not subject to any disciplinary sanctions or investigation and have not been subject to any disciplinary sanctions in the past five years

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.