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How to Become a CPA in Canada

Thinking of becoming a chartered public accountant in Canada? Explore the process, education requirements, and steps required to become a CPA.

Written by Intuit Blog team
Published Apr 28, 2025
6 min read

How to Become a CPA in Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide

Looking to build a career in finance, accounting, or business leadership? Earning your Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation can be a game-changer. It’s a mark of credibility, opening doors to exciting opportunities in a wide range of industries and possible job titles (not to mention that it often comes with higher earning potential and long-term job security).

If you’re curious about how to become a CPA in Canada, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything—from education and certification to career prospects and salary expectations.

Let’s explore what it takes to become a CPA in Canada.

What’s a CPA, and why is it important in Canada?

Chartered Professional Accountant is one of the most respected designations in accounting and finance. It’s proof of knowledge in managing money, taxes, and auditing and demonstrates competence in the type of strategic thinking businesses need to thrive. CPAs help businesses of all sizes stay financially healthy, comply with regulations, and plan for long-term success.

Why should you learn how to become a CPA in Canada?

Earning your CPA can seriously accelerate your career. Here’s why it’s worth pursuing:

Job security: Account roles are in demand across provinces, whether in corporate finance, government, or nonprofits.
Higher compensation: Certified accountants make more money than noncertified accountants. As they get more experience, their pay goes up. CPAs with at least three years of post-designation experience have a median compensation of $143,000.
Career growth: The CPA designation opens the door to leadership roles like controller, chief financial officer (CFO), or senior auditor.
Global recognition: A CPA is respected worldwide, potentially giving you the flexibility to work abroad.

What careers require a CPA in Canada?

A CPA designation can lead to a wide range of career opportunities, including:

Public accountant: Specializing in tax preparation, auditing, and financial consulting.
Auditor: Ensuring businesses follow financial regulations and maintain accurate records.
Tax consultant: Helping individuals and companies optimize their tax strategies.
Financial analyst: Advising on investments, budgeting, and financial planning.
Chief financial officer (CFO): Leading a company’s financial strategy and long-term growth.

No matter where you see yourself in finance or accounting, a CPA can give you the skills, recognition, and earning potential to get there faster.

Qualifications needed to become a CPA in Canada

If you’re thinking about becoming a CPA in Canada, the first step is meeting the education requirements. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a professional looking to switch careers, having the right academic background sets you up for success.

What are the education requirements?

To qualify for the CPA program in Canada, you’ll need:

A bachelor’s degree, typically in accounting, finance, or a related field.
If you didn’t finish all the required courses in your degree, you can take the missing courses through the CPA Preparatory Program (CPA PREP).

Can you qualify with an international degree?

Absolutely! If you earned your degree outside of Canada, you may still be eligible. The CPA provincial bodies will assess your credentials to see if they meet Canadian CPA education standards. Sometimes, you may need to take more classes or pass certain tests before you can join the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP).

The next step is to enroll in the CPA PEP, the official program for earning your CPA designation.

How to become a CPA in Canada

Earning your CPA designation takes dedication, but the process is structured to help you succeed. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to become a CPA in Canada.

1: Enroll in the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP)

The CPA PEP is the official training program for aspiring CPAs. The program is flexible, so you can complete it while working. Along the way, you’ll build the knowledge and experience you need to become a CPA.

Here’s what the program includes:

Core modules: Develop a strong foundation in financial reporting, strategy, and governance.
Elective modules: Specialize in areas like taxation, finance, or performance management.
Capstone modules: Apply everything you’ve learned to prepare for the final CPA exam.

2: Complete the Practical Experience Requirement (PER)

You’ll also need real-world experience on your path to becoming a CPA. In Canada, candidates must complete at least 30 months of relevant work experience. This experience can come from many jobs, like auditing, tax consulting, financial planning, and risk management.

This hands-on training helps develop the technical and professional skills needed to succeed in the field. Many employers even work with CPA Canada—the national organization that regulates and supports the CPA profession—to offer structured experience programs. This makes it easier for candidates to meet this requirement while building a strong career foundation.

3: Pass the Common Final Examination (CFE)

The Common Final Examination (CFE) is the last big challenge on your journey to becoming a CPA. This intense three-day exam puts your technical knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to the test with real-world financial scenarios and case-based questions. It’s challenging, but with the right preparation, you can tackle it with confidence.

Tips for passing the CFE:

Make the most of CPA Canada’s study materials: Their prep courses and resources are designed to help you succeed.
Master time management: Each section is strictly timed, so practicing under exam conditions is key.
Lean on your support network: Join a study group or connect with a mentor for guidance and motivation.

Once you finish all your schooling and work and pass the CFE, you’ll officially get your CPA designation.

How long does it take to become a CPA in Canada?

The path to becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant in Canada takes several years, depending on your education and work experience. Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline:

Bachelor’s degree: 3–4 years (depending on your program).
CPA Professional Education Program: 2–3 years (part time, can be completed while working).
Practical Experience Requirement: 30 months (can be completed alongside CPA PEP).
Common Final Examination: Taken near the end of CPA PEP.
Total estimated time: About six years, starting from an undergraduate degree

This timeline is a general example, but individual paths may vary. For example, those with prior accounting experience or an international degree may have a shorter timeline due to coursework or experience recognized by CPA Canada.

How much can a CPA earn in Canada?

A CPA designation leads to diverse career opportunities. Your experience, industry, and location will all affect your pay, but CPA salaries usually fall in the same ranges.

Entry-level CPA: Starting salary is $86,000 per year on average.
Mid-career CPA (5–10 years): Starting salary is $143,000 per year on average.
Senior CPA / CFO / executive roles: Salaries can reach $180,000 per year on average, with about 25 years of experience.

CPAs in finance, consulting, and special fields like taxation or strategy tend to make more money. Also, those working in larger markets typically earn higher salaries than CPAs in smaller towns. Beyond compensation, a CPA provides career stability, growth, and leadership potential across industries.

Starting your CPA career in Canada

Earning your CPA takes dedication, but the rewards speak for themselves—strong job demand, career flexibility, and the chance to make a real impact in Canada’s financial world. Whether you’re drawn to public accounting, corporate finance, or leadership roles, learning how to become a CPA in Canada opens doors to exciting opportunities.

If you’re ready to put your expertise to work, consider joining a company that values innovation as much as you do. Explore career opportunities at Intuit Canada—or becoming a CPA in the US—and take the next step toward a fulfilling CPA career today.