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Upcoming Changes to CPA PEP Prerequisites

With the increased focus on information technology in the core technical competencies in the CPA Competency Map and the redesign of the IT course, the significance of these changes has resulted in the decision to change the IT course from a non-core to a core prerequisite requirement for admission to CPA PEP, effective May 1, 2022.

As a result of this change, the course’s structure and requirements will align with the other core courses, which include:

A pass requirement of 60 percent in the course

Currency of education (10 years)

Inclusion in the minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) requirement of 65 percent (or equivalent) for core courses

If the IT course is completed through a post-secondary institution before May 1, 2022, it will be accepted as a non-core course for granting of prerequisite exemptions and admission to the CPA Profession Education Program (CPA PEP). 

From May 1, 2022, until May 1, 2032, the non-core minimum grade requirement (50%) and currency of education (10 years) of the course in the assessment for CPA PEP admission will be honoured for IT courses completed before May 1, 2022. However, the IT course will be included in the minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) requirement of 65% (or equivalent) for core courses.

For more information about this change to the IT course, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). 

Frequently Asked Questions

Data Analytics and Information Systems (DAIS)

In 2019, DAIS competencies were added to the CPA Competency Map. As such, this resulted in the decision to include a prerequisite requirement for DAIS for admission to CPA PEP to ensure students have foundational knowledge of DAIS prior to entering the program.

Effective September 1, 2023, students will be required to have DAIS coverage in their prerequisite courses for admission to CPA PEP. DAIS will not form its own competency area, rather the DAIS competencies will be reflected in each of the six existing competency areas.

Between September 1, 2021, and September 1, 2023, students are not required to have DAIS coverage in their prerequisite courses for admission to CPA PEP. However, students who do not meet this requirement during this period will be advised to bridge the gap through self-study prior to starting CPA PEP Core 1.

Effective Dates

The effective dates mentioned above are based on the date the courses are completed. 

Example: If a student completed their IT course by December 2021 and applied for entry to CPA PEP in July 2022, the IT course would be treated as a non-core course.