How to apply

Content Summary

How to apply for CPA Australia membership

You have three pathways into CPA Australia memberships: completion of an accredited accounting degree, other non-accredited degrees, or membership recognition with another professional body.

The first step for all these pathways is to complete an online membership application, in which you’ll tell us about your prior study.

Using our online application tool

Check out this video on how to apply for CPA membership using our online application tool.

Information sessions

Not quite ready to start your application? Find out more about how the CPA Program can support your future career by joining us at an info session.

Upcoming information sessions

    Application basics

    What happens next?

Readmission

Previous members can apply for readmission. To do so, you will need to complete an online application. 

We cannot guarantee your readmission until we have assessed your application. 

You can apply to re-join membership with CPA Australia at any time. If a readmission application is received between 15 October and 31 December, payment for the next year's membership is also made in advance. All fees are applicable at the time of application.

Your application assessment will take 10 to 15 business days to complete. If your membership ceased more than five years ago or if you do not immediately satisfy the criteria for readmission, it will take longer. This is because your application will be considered on its merits by our Admissions Committee. If your documentation is incomplete or we need additional documentation, this could also delay your verification time.

 
Return as an  Associate member  Return as a CPA or FCPA 

You will need to pay the following fees:

  • application fee
  • membership fee.

You will need to pay the following fees:

  • application fee
  • membership fee
  • up to two previous years’ membership fees (subject to when membership ceased)
If there are other fees or charges outstanding you will be advised as part of the readmission process. If there are other fees or charges outstanding you will be advised as part of the readmission process.
Associate members with prior CPA Program studies should be aware that individual subjects completed 10 or more years ago will no longer count towards your CPA Program. Other program updates may apply which can only be confirmed when you lodge your application. You will need to provide evidence of 20 hours of continuing professional development (CPD), undertaken within the last 12 months. For more information, visit continuing professional development.
 
View your past CPA Program studies. If your original admission was based on a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with another professional body, you will also need to include a current letter of good standing from this body.

Memberships and exemptions with professional bodies 

CPA Australia has affiliations with a range of leading global professional bodies, meaning CPAs are internationally recognised. If you're a member or have undertaken studies with a recognised body, you may be eligible to apply for an equivalent CPA Australia membership or exemptions from the CPA Program.

Find out more about our affiliations and membership pathway arrangements