Data Analytics and Information Systems (DAIS)

Admission Requirements For Entry Into CPA PEP

The CPA profession added data analytics and information systems (DAIS) to the CPA Competency Map, and it is a testable topic on the Common Final Examination (CFE). DAIS topics have been integrated throughout the six technical competencies and in the CPA preparatory courses. Applicants are expected to have an introductory-level understanding of DAIS topics before entering the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP). DAIS topics can be learned through completing CPA preparatory courses and/or successful completion of the relevant course(s) at a post-secondary institution.

Starting September 1, 2023, applicants entering CPA PEP will be expected to have coverage of DAIS competencies before entering the program.

Applicants that have completed their degree program requirements before September 1, 2023, will not have DAIS competencies assessed for admission to CPA PEP.

Introduction to PEP

Applicants registering in CPA PEP will have the opportunity to refresh their understanding of DAIS topics in the Introduction to PEP module. All candidates are enrolled in Introduction to PEP once they are enrolled in a CPA PEP module. This module will also help candidates get familiar with the CPA PEP and its policies, procedures, and module structure, and will explain how to use the D2L site and the various resources available to candidates. A link will be provided when more information becomes available online.

Frequently Asked Questions

The current business landscape is increasingly data-driven. Employers of CPAs have expressed that data analytics is quickly becoming a necessary skill for careers in accounting and finance.

As a result, data analytics and information systems (DAIS) was added to the CPA Competency Map and made a testable topic on the Common Final Examination (CFE).

Applicants that have completed their degree program requirements before September 1, 2023, will not have DAIS competencies assessed for admission to CPA PEP.

Even though DAIS will not be assessed for entry into CPA PEP in this case, if the applicant can complete any of the DAIS course(s) listed on the CPA academic prerequisites guide before entering CPA PEP, it will only strengthen their DAIS foundation. Applicants also have the opportunity to refresh their understanding of DAIS topics in the Introduction to PEP module, which is offered to every applicant when they enter CPA PEP.

Applicants entering the CPA PEP starting September 1, 2023, are expected to have an introductory-level understanding of DAIS topics and meet the DAIS competencies before entering the program.

Applicants who are completing their degree program requirements on or after September 1, 2023:

Post-secondary programs listed on the CPA academic prerequisites guide: The DAIS course(s) listed under each program must be completed to meet the requirements for those programs, as outlined by the post-secondary institution.

Applicants who are completing programs other than the ones listed on the CPA academic prerequisites guide:

You are encouraged, whenever possible, to complete any of the recognized DAIS courses offered at recognized post-secondary institutions listed on the CPA academic prerequisites guide.

Alternatively, you can complete the Introduction to PEP module, which is offered to every applicant when they enter CPA PEP.

The CPA profession is committed to ensuring you have all the competencies required to be a professional.

Applicants registering in CPA PEP will have the opportunity to refresh their introductory-level understanding of DAIS topics in the Introduction to PEP module, which is offered to every applicant entering CPA PEP.

As DAIS topics have been integrated throughout existing CPA preparatory courses, there is no stand-alone CPA preparatory course to meet the DAIS competency requirement.

However, applicants registering in CPA PEP will have the opportunity to refresh their introductory-level understanding of DAIS topics in the Introduction to PEP module, which is offered to every applicant entering CPA PEP.