From Education to Designation: How to Become a CPA in Canada and Alberta

Here’s a step-by-step guide to becoming a verified professional accountant in Canada and Alberta:

1. Choose a career path: The first step to becoming a professional accountant is to choose a career path that fits your interests and skills. In Canada, there are three main accounting designations: Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified General Accountant (CGA). Each designation has its own specific requirements, but they all require a university degree or equivalent and completion of a professional program.
2. Meet the education requirements: To become a CPA in Canada, you must have a university degree in accounting or a related field, such as finance or economics. To become a CMA, you must have a university degree in any field and complete additional courses in accounting and management. To become a CGA, you must have a university degree or equivalent and complete additional courses in accounting and management.
3. Complete a professional program: After completing the education requirements, you must complete a professional program to become a certified accountant. The CPA program is the most common program in Canada and includes a combination of online courses, in-person workshops, and practical experience. The CMA and CGA programs have been integrated into the CPA program, so all candidates now follow the same program.
4. Gain practical experience: To become a verified professional accountant in Canada and Alberta, you must complete a certain amount of practical experience in the accounting field. The CPA program requires a minimum of 30 months of experience, while the CMA and CGA programs require a minimum of 24 months of experience.
5. Pass the CPA exam: To become a CPA, you must pass the Uniform Final Examination (UFE), which is a three-day exam that covers a range of topics in accounting, tax, and business strategy. The exam is offered twice a year and is only available to candidates who have completed the education and practical experience requirements.
6. Obtain your CPA designation: Once you have met all the requirements of the CPA program, you will be awarded your CPA designation. This designation is recognized across Canada and allows you to practice public accounting, work in industry, or pursue other accounting-related careers.
7. Maintain your certification: To maintain your CPA certification, you must complete a certain number of continuing professional development (CPD) hours each year. This ensures that you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in accounting and maintain your professional skills and knowledge.

In conclusion, becoming a verified professional accountant in Canada and Alberta requires a combination of education, practical experience, and completion of a professional program. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve your career goals and join the ranks of the many successful professional accountants in Canada.