What are the routes to obtaining a CPA designation?
To obtain a CPA designation a candidate must complete a Professional Education Program (PEP), successfully complete the Common Final Exam, and complete a recognized training period.
In Quebec candidates for the CPA can complete a PEP either through a recognized university graduate program, such as McGill’s Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting (GCPA) or through the National on-line PEP.
McGill currently only offers the GCPA program as a full time program in the Desautels Faculty of Management.
The National PEP program may provide a more flexible pathway for candidates with non-Canadian undergraduate degrees or those whose undergraduate degree is not a Bachelor of Commerce Major Accounting.
Why should I choose the GCPA program at the Desautels Faculty of Management?
Combining McGill's international reputation, a history of an excellent pass record on the legacy CA exams, and top professors, the Desautels GCPA Program is an excellent choice for candidates wishing to obtain a CPA designation. Faculty members teaching in the program are professional active CPA's. Students benefit from academic counselling, tutoring and monitoring as they progress through the program and are exposed to the latest concepts and practice-related issues. The Desautels GCPA Program is a highly respected program, opening doors around the world.
Can I work full-time while completing the program?
Students can work full-time for a training office as per the CPA guidelines from September to May in the Desautels full–time program or throughout their studies in the part-time program at the School of Continuing Studies.
How long is the program?
The full time program at Desautels is 16 months in duration - May to August of the following year.
I have a Bachelor's degree, but it is not in Management. Can I still apply to the GCPA program?
Students who do not have a BCom in Accounting are required to complete a Diploma in Accounting through the School of Continuing Studies.
Students may also want to consider the National PEP (Professional Education Program) that offers students the flexibility to do the prerequisites on-line. More information about the National certification program can be found at https://cpaquebec.ca/fr/etudiants-et-futurs-cpa/. NOTE: the CPA PREP courses are not acceptable as prerequisites for admission to the McGill GCPA programs.
I have a foreign degree. Can I apply directly to the GCPA program?
Unfortunately, foreign degrees are not always recognized by the Order of Chartered Professional Accountants. Applicants must first make arrangements to have official transcripts from their foreign university sent to the Order of Chartered Accountants in order for the Order to assess their transcripts. In most cases, students are then required to complete the School of Continuing Studies Diploma in Accounting before they can apply to the GCPA program.
Students who have not completed a Canadian B Com degree with a major in accounting may want to consider the national PEP program route instead of the McGill GCPA. For the national PEP program students will be able to complete missing prerequisites through the CPA PREP (PreRequisite Education Program) program, a series of on-line modules that cover topics required to enter the National PEP program. More information can be obtained here.
NOTE: the CPA PREP courses are not acceptable as prerequisites for the McGill GCPA programs.
Is there a time limit to complete the GCPA program?
Yes, students in the Desautels full-time program must complete the program within three years.
