The 2027 CPA Canada Professional Program: A Complete Guide for Future CPAs
CPA Canada is introducing a major redesign of the CPA education pathway starting in January 2027. This new structure — called the CPA Professional Program (CPAPP) — replaces the current PEP modules, changes exam formats, and updates the competency map. If you’re planning to pursue the CPA designation in the next few years, understanding these changes is essential.
This guide breaks down the new program, transition rules, key dates, new modules, exams, and what it all means for your CPA journey.
Key Transition Dates You Should Know
The new CPAPP officially launches in January 2027, but candidates currently in PEP will have options.
If you’re already in PEP before January 2027:
You can either:
Continue in the current PEP and finish under the existing structure, or
Voluntarily switch to the new CPAPP once it launches
Important deadlines
Jan 2027: CPAPP launches
Jan 2027: Final offering of Core 1 begins
March 2027: Second‑last Core 1 exam
June 2027: Final Core 1 exam (only 2 attempts allowed if starting in Jan 2027)
May 2027: First CPAPP modules begin
May 2028: Final Capstone 1 offering
July 2028: Final Capstone 2 offering
Dec 2028: Last chance to finish PEP
Jan 2029: All remaining candidates move into CPAPP
Remaining CFEs
There are only four CFEs left:
June 2026
September 2026
September 2027
September 2028
After that, the CFE will be replaced by the new Professional Final Exams (PFEs).
Should You Switch to the New Program?
For most candidates, the safest option is to stay in the current PEP and finish before the deadline.
Why?
CPAPP is brand new — no past exams, no historical patterns
The new competency map is broader and more open‑ended
The current CFE is predictable and well‑supported with existing study materials
Who might benefit from switching?
Candidates who are on their final attempt of a PEP module or the CFE.
The new program may reset attempts — but this is not fully confirmed yet.
If You’re Behind on PER (Experience)
This is critical. If you do not complete your PER by December 2028, you will be forced into the new CPAPP experience model. This could:
Delay your CPA timeline
Add new reporting requirements
Increase your workload
Recommendation:
Start catching up on PER immediately if you’re behind.
CPA PREP Will Be Discontinued
Students without an accounting degree currently use CPA PREP to qualify for PEP.
Under CPAPP, PREP is removed.
New entry rules:
With an accounting degree: Start directly in Module 1 (Foundational Development)
Without an accounting degree: Write a Knowledge Assessment (KA) — expected to be MCQ‑based
What Happens to MOU International Candidates?
If you’re coming through an international agreement (e.g., India, Nigeria, Pakistan), your transition depends on what you’ve completed before 2027.
If you passed only Day 1 of CFE:
You’ll receive partial exemptions but must complete most new exams.
If you passed Days 2 and 3:
You’re in the best position — only one module and one exam remain under CPAPP.
If you haven’t started before 2027:
You will follow the new CPAPP structure entirely.
Recommendation:
International candidates should aim to complete the CFE (especially Days 2 and 3) before December 2028.
The New 2027 CPA Program Structure
The old Core/Electives/Capstones model is being replaced with four new modules:
1. Foundational Development (FD)
Covers:
Financial reporting
Assurance & trust
Analytics
Sustainability
Economics
Ethical mindset and skepticism
2. Core (CR) – Licensing or Non‑Licensing
Two pathways:
Licensing: For public accounting
Non‑Licensing: Corporate/industry route
Includes deeper coverage of:
Financial reporting
Assurance
Taxation
Data analytics
3. Leadership (LD)
Focuses on:
Advanced decision‑making
Critical thinking
Integrated case‑based learning
Ethics and professional judgment
4. Professional Readiness (PR)
A five‑day, in‑person module leading to the final exam (PFE3).
Covers:
Real‑world application
Team‑based case work
Emerging global issues
Professional conduct
New Exam Structure (Replacing the CFE)
Each module has its own exam:
Foundational Development Exam (FDE)
Professional Final Exam 1 (PFE1)
Professional Final Exam 2 (PFE2)
Professional Final Exam 3 (PFE3)
Instead of one large CFE, candidates now complete three final exams.
New Work Experience Requirements
The current PERT system is being replaced with a three‑step model:
1. Foundational Work Experience
Up to 8 months transferable (previously 12 months)
2. Work Plan Preparation
More details coming in 2026
3. Professional Work Experience
16 months required
Vacation time does not count
Must be completed before writing PFE3
Realistically, most candidates will need 24–30 months to complete experience.
What This Means for You
The new program is:
Shorter in structure
Broader in competency expectations
More focused on real‑world judgment and decision‑making
Recommendations for candidates:
If you’re already in PEP, finish it
Complete your PER as soon as possible
If you’re starting in 2027, get familiar with the new competency map early
Stay updated with CPA provincial announcements
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
Ravneet Sachdeva, CPA
Guneet Kaur, CPA
