I want to become a CPA. How do I get started?

It can be overwhelming for some to apply to become a CPA and not know where to begin or who to contact. The CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) has a wide range of resources to help applicants and learners along their journey. The information and listings below are intended to help you get started and inform you about who to contact for assistance when you need it.

Still Deciding if CPA is Right for You?

Support from Your Provincial CPA Body 

The CPA provincial bodies regulate CPAs in their provinces. They will likely be your first point of contact before enrolling with CPAWSB. If you’re looking for information about becoming a CPA, visit the CPA provincial websites and contact your provincial CPA organization to speak with a business development or student recruitment officer. CPA provincial bodies can also give you information about:

• •    practical experience
• •    mentorship 
• •    career services
• •    volunteer opportunities
• •    upcoming provincial CPA information sessions and events

Ready to enroll with CPAWSB?

Once you have all the information from your provincial CPA body, you can apply to the CPAWSB. Before starting the admission process, it is important to identify your applicant type to determine the specific admission steps you need to follow; the documents you need to submit for initial assessment; and the resources and information that will apply to you. 

Determine your applicant type, and bookmark the page for future reference. Refer to it as needed, as it contains all of the information you will need during your enrollment process, including:

• •    the admission steps in detail
• (click on each numbered step for detailed instructions)
• •    the documents you need to submit and how and where to submit them
• •    important information and links to resources that apply specifically to you

Admission Advising for CPA Prospects

At any point, after reviewing your applicant page, if you are still unsure about the CPAWSB enrollment process or need help with:

• •    determining your applicant type.
• •    creating your My CPA profile or accessing and navigating your My CPA portal.
• •    requesting a transcript assessment or credential review.
• •    determining which documents we will require for your assessment or credential review.
• •    general questions about
  • o    the CPA Designation
  • o    CPA preparatory courses
  • o    the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP)
  • o    Program costs and fees
  • o    Practical experience Requirements
  • o    Study/work permits for temporary residents

The CPAWSB Admission Advising team is available by phone, email, and live chat to support you. You may also book an online in-person meeting with an admission advisor when available. 

Have questions about your transcript assessment?

If your CPAWSB My CPA profile and transcript assessment are in process, find answers on your applicant page by clicking each admission step for details and links.

For assistance with your transcript assessment or results, contact either the Admission Advisors or the Transcript Assessment team. We can help you with questions you have about the transcript assessment process, the documents you need to submit for the assessment, understanding your transcript assessment results, and explaining your options and next steps once the assessment is completed. 

Where to send documents for transcript assessment

All documents related to your transcript assessment should be submitted electronically or by mail only to our Edmonton office.

Assistance and Advising for CPA Preparatory Courses Students

If your transcript assessment shows you need to complete any prerequisite courses, you can take them at a recognized post-secondary institution or at CPAWSB. If you choose CPAWSB, apply for CPA preparatory courses, and once approved, you can register for your course(s).

You can find the admission instructions on your applicant page or the CPA preparatory course Admission Application page. If you have questions, an Admission Advisor can assist you before you apply.

From application through your preparatory courses, the CPA Preparatory Courses Student Experience Team is here to help. They can assist with your application, course scheduling, work-life balance, exam timing, withdrawals, student dues, and other questions like study permits for temporary residents.

Registering in CPA preparatory course exams: Questions about registering for exams, special consideration, or accommodations can be directed to the CPA preparatory courses Exams Team. 

Transitioning to CPA PEP: Once your prerequisites are complete and you are eligible to enroll in CPA PEP, you can follow the steps on the Transitioning to PEP webpage. 

Assistance and Advising for CPA PEP Candidates

Entering CPA PEP directly after your transcript assessment is completed

Once your transcript assessment is complete and shows you’re eligible or conditionally eligible for CPA PEP, your next step is to complete a CPA PEP admission application. Once it is approved, register for your first module. 

Information about the CPA PEP admission application and instructions for completing the admission application can be found on your applicant page or directly on the CPA PEP Admission Application page. If you have questions about the CPA PEP admission application, an Admission Advisor can assist you before you apply.

Contact the CPA PEP Admission Services team for help with your application, temporary or permanent program withdrawals, transferring from another region, and study permits.

Transitioning from CPA preparatory courses to CPA PEP

Once your prerequisites are complete and you are eligible to enroll in CPA PEP, you can follow the steps on the Transitioning to PEP webpage. 

Applying to CPA PEP with an Active, Good Standing International Designation

Contact the CPA PEP Admission Services team for assistance with your application, submitting documents for assessment, temporary or permanent program withdrawals, transferring from another region, and study permits.

Enrolling in CPA PEP modules

Once your CPA PEP admission application is approved, you can register for your first module (or challenge exam) through your My CPA portal. For assistance with enrollment, withdrawals, schedules, key dates, and evaluations, contact our contact our Module Services team. 

Learner support

Your journey toward your CPA designation can have ups and downs. Learner Support is here to assist all CPAWSB learners in developing both technical and enabling competencies. We offer Academic Advising, Coaching, Peer Studying, and Tutoring services. To learn more or request any of these services, visit the Learner Support page on our website. Additional learning resources are also available.