How to Become a CPA in Canada in 4 Clear Steps

Becoming a CPA in Canada can feel overwhelming — multiple pathways, modules, exams, and experience requirements. But when you break it down into the Four E’s, the journey becomes much easier to understand.

This guide simplifies the entire process so you can confidently plan your path to earning the CPA designation.

⭐ The Four E’s of the CPA Pathway

To become a CPA in Canada, you must complete:

1. Entrance Requirements

2. Education Requirements

3. Examination Requirements

4. Experience Requirements

Let’s walk through each step in a simple, table‑free format.

Step 1: Entrance Requirements

Your starting point depends on your academic background.

If you have a Canadian degree (non‑accounting):

You begin with CPA Preparatory Courses (CPA PREP).
These courses give you the foundational accounting knowledge needed before entering PEP.

If you have a Canadian accounting degree:

You can enter CPA PEP directly because your degree already covers the required subject areas.

If you have a CPA‑accredited Master’s (MMPA/MAcc):

You may be eligible to skip directly to Capstone 2 and then write the CFE.
This is the fastest academic route.

If you have international credentials:

CPA Canada offers bridging pathways for international CAs/CPAs.
Depending on your designation, you may enter:

• Capstone 1

• Capstone 2

• Or directly into the CFE

Step 2: Education Requirements (CPA PEP)

Once you meet the entrance requirements, you begin the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP).

PEP includes six modules:

• Core 1

• Core 2

• Two Electives

• Capstone 1

• Capstone 2

These modules build your technical knowledge, case‑writing skills, and professional judgment.

Capstone 1 prepares you for CFE Day 1, and Capstone 2 prepares you for CFE Days 2 and 3.

Step 3: Examination Requirements

You’ll be assessed on the competencies outlined in the CPA Competency Map.

Technical Competencies include:

• Financial Reporting

• Management Accounting

• Audit & Assurance

• Finance

• Taxation

• Strategy & Governance

Enabling Competencies include:

• Ethics

• Problem‑solving

• Communication

• Self‑management

• Teamwork and leadership

Module Exams

Each PEP module ends with an exam you must pass to move forward.

The Common Final Examination (CFE)

The CFE is a three‑day exam:

• Day 1: Based on your Capstone 1 case

• Day 2: Role + technical depth

• Day 3: Breadth across all competency areas

You must pass all three days to complete the exam requirement.

Step 4: Experience Requirements (PERT)

Alongside PEP, you must complete 30 months of relevant paid work experience (24 months in Quebec).
Up to 12 months of prior experience may count.

You’ll record your experience in the Practical Experience Reporting Tool (PERT).

There are two experience routes:

1. Pre‑Approved Program Route (PPR)
Your employer has a CPA‑approved training program with predefined competencies.
This route is structured and easier to report.

2. Experience Verification Route (EVR)
You self‑assess your competencies and submit detailed reports.
This route is more flexible but requires more documentation.

In both routes, you must:

• Work under a supervisor

• Meet with a CPA mentor at least twice a year

• Demonstrate both technical and enabling competencies

Your CPA Journey at a Glance

Here’s the entire pathway in plain text:

• Step 1: Entrance
  Complete PREP, enter PEP directly, use an accredited master’s program, or follow an international bridging pathway.

• Step 2: Education
  Complete the six PEP modules.

• Step 3: Examination
  Pass your module exams and the three‑day CFE.

• Step 4: Experience
  Complete 30 months of relevant work experience and meet all PERT requirements.

Once all four steps are complete, you earn the CPA designation.

If you need help in your CPA Canada Coaching, please feel free to reach out:
RavGun CPA Academy
https://www.ravguncpaacademy.com/
+1 437 833 9540