CPARE versus CPARPD. What does CPAWSB deliver?

This week’s blog focuses on frequently asked questions from internationally designated members in good standing with a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) or a Reciprocal Membership Agreement (RMA) with CPA Canada seeking membership with a Canadian CPA provincial body.

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Q1. What is the CPA Reciprocity Professional Development (CPARPD) Course? 

Internationally designated MRA/RMA members who do not want to receive a licence to practise public accounting in Canada must complete the CPARPD course within two years of admission into CPA membership. Applicants must register for the CPARPD through their CPA provincial body. For more information, please visit the CPARPD webpage.

Internationally designated MRA/RMA members are not required to complete the CPARPD course if they complete the CPA Reciprocity Education and Examination (CPARE).

Q2. What is the CPARE and when is the exam offered?

Internationally designated MRA/RMA members who intend to practise public accounting in Canada must complete the CPARE within two years of admission into CPA membership to meet the educational requirement for licensure in Canada.

The CPARE program is offered annually and consists of a mandatory preparatory module and a multiple-choice based examination that covers assurance, financial reporting, and Canadian tax and business law. For details on the module registration dates, module dates, and examination dates, please see the CPARE Schedule on the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) website.

CPAWSB delivers the CPARE program on behalf of CPA British Columbia, CPA Alberta, CPA Saskatchewan, CPA Manitoba, CPA Yukon, CPA Northwest Territories, and CPA Nunavut. For information on how to register for the CPARE preparatory module and examination, please follow the steps outlined in the CPARE How to Register.

Q3. What learning resources are provided in the CPARE Preparatory Module?

The CPARE preparatory module is self-study education offered online and includes problems and multiple-choice questions to practice knowledge. Several learning resources are available in the CPARE preparatory module, including:

• CPARE Survival Guide: Suggested eight-week study schedule that outlines the study tasks for the CPARE learning materials provided before the CPARE examination.
• Knotia: Provides access to the CPA Canada Learning eBook, the CPA Canada Handbook, Professional Engagement Guide, and Federal Income Tax Collection. These learning materials provide the PEP elective level of technical knowledge required for financial reporting, audit and assurance, and taxation.
• Law textbook (Business Law in Canada): Textbook to assist in the development of the technical competency in law at the CPA PEP entry level of knowledge.

Q4. If a CPARE registrant is unsuccessful at the exam, can they register to attempt the CPARE again?

Every CPARE applicant has three (3) attempts at the CPARE within a five-year period to balance being fair to all applicants while ensuring that only those who meet the standards for qualification into the CPA profession become members. After three attempts within five years, applicants must re-apply to CPAWSB to register in CPARE again.