Step 1: Determine eligibility

If you are a full member of the PICPA or have completed the local CPA Licensure exams in Philippines, you may be eligible for Associate membership of CPA Australia if you:

pathway 1

Professionals with 10 years of work experience or more

• hold a university degree recognised by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training as being at least equivalent to Australian bachelor degree level;

and

• have 10 years relevant work experience with a minimum of five years in a senior role, as evidenced in your curriculum vitae, which must be submitted with your application. CPA Australia will consider work experience that is current at the time of application. A senior role (held for a minimum of five consecutive years) must be at a managerial level and must be able to demonstrate senior decision making within the organisation;

and 

• have successfully completed the exams set and assessed by the Board of Accountancy in the Philippines (CPA Licensure Exams); 

or 

• have successfully completed the CPA Licensure Exams AND is a member of PICPA of good standing and not currently subject to any disciplinary sanctions or investigations and who meets any additional admission requirements, including but not limited to, language proficiency, evidence of good character and payment of fees, as imposed by CPA Australia on application for membership or under law.

Pathway 2

Professionals with less than 10 years of work experience

• hold a university degree recognised by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training as being at least equivalent to Australian bachelor degree level;

and

• have successfully completed the exams set and assessed by the Board of Accountancy in the Philippines (CPA Licensure Exams);

or

• have successfully completed the CPA Licensure Exams AND is a member of PICPA of good standing and not currently subject to any disciplinary sanctions or investigations and who meets any additional admission requirements, including but not limited to, language proficiency, evidence of good character and payment of fees, as imposed by CPA Australia on application for membership or under law

step 2: Complete Application

Complete the online application and submit with the required documentation, including your application and membership fee. Ensure you nominate the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) 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 via the MPA, you must enrol into the CPA Program and complete the following exams. Upon successful completion of the exams according to Pathway 1 or 2 above, you will be advanced to CPA status. You will receive a CPA certificate and will then be eligible to use the CPA qualification.

Pathway 1

Professionals with 10 years of work experience or more

Three exam papers of the CPA Program only:

• Ethics and Governance
• Financial Reporting
• Global Strategy and Leadership

Pathway 2

Professionals with less than 10 years of work experience

Six exam papers of the CPA Program, plus your experience requirement: 

• Ethics and Governance 
• Strategic Management Accounting 
• Financial Reporting 
• Global Strategy and Leadership 
• Two elective subjects in the CPA Program 
• CPA Australia’s Your Experience requirement