Information you need to know to work as an Accountant

Who is the licensing body responsible for accrediting Chartered Professional Accountants in Alberta?

In Alberta, you must be registered with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta usually referred to as CPA Alberta, to practice as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and to use the title Chartered Professional Accountant. CPA Alberta is the sole professional regulatory organization authorized by the Government of Alberta to accredit and register CPAs.

Note, in 2015 the Certified General Accountants of Alberta (CGA), the Certified Management Accountants of Alberta (CMA), and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta (CA) merged into a single professional designation of Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). This was part of a Canada-wide merger of the three designations.

What are the requirements for Internationally Educated Certified or Chartered Accountants?

In Alberta, the following requirements are necessary to obtain a CPA designation:

1. A recognized bachelor’s degree that includes the completion of all post-secondary prerequisite courses, completion of six modules in the CPA Professional Education Program, and pass a Common Final Examination.
2. Meet the CPA practical experience requirement.
3. Be of good character and reputation.
4. Be a Canadian Citizen or legally permitted to work or study in Canada.

Several agreements exist to allow members of international accounting bodies to become Canadian CPAs in Alberta.  Prior to the unification of the accounting profession in Alberta, there were three accounting designations:

• Chartered Accountants (CA)
• Certified General Accountants (CGA) and
• Certified Management Accountants (CMA)

Now referred to as legacy designations, each had its own set of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) and Reciprocal Membership Agreements (RMAs) with international accounting bodies.

If your accounting body is part of an MRA or RMA then you apply directly to CPA Alberta for assessment. For specifics about the RMA and MRA agreements, refer to membership recognition agreements signed by CPA Canada. 

If your accounting body is not part of an MRA or RMA, you will not automatically be eligible for exemptions from any education or examination requirement of the Canadian CPA program. Your education and credentials will be individually assessed by CPA Alberta. Once your transcripts have been assessed you will be advised as to what is required to complete the CPA recognition process. To learn more, please consult the CPA Western School of Business Enrollment Guide for steps to achieve your designation.

1. Create a CPA profile
2. Enter your post-secondary information
3. Request a transcript assessment
   1. Have official transcripts mailed directly from the post-secondary institution or submit sealed (unopened) transcripts in the original envelope
   2. In addition, submit a WES ICAP, International Credential Advantage Package to the CPA Western School of Business or a basic assessment by any member of the ACESC
   3. If the document is not issued in English, also submit an English Translation by a certified translator
   4. If any names on your transcripts are different than your CPA profile name, you must also submit legal proof of name change (e.g. copy of your marriage Certificate or legal name change document)

Mail or deliver all transcripts and supporting documents to:

Attention: Transcript Assessment

What training programs are available for Internationally Educated Accountants?

For a list of programs recognized by the CPA profession in Alberta, please click here.

What are the accepted English language proficiency tests and where can I be tested?

There are no formal English requirements for Chartered Professional Accountants; however, Chartered Professional Accountants must have a high level of English in the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in order to be successful in the profession. To learn more about where to take an English language proficiency test in Alberta, visit English Language Proficiency Tests and Locations.

What resources and supports are available for Internationally Educated Accountants?

Directions for Immigrants offers workplace communication groups to help you integrate into the Canadian work environment. The Clear Communication for Business workplace communication group is designed to help internationally educated professionals fine-tune their communication skills with colleagues, supervisors, and clients. In one week, you will learn through role-play and scenarios the nuances and expectations of the Canadian business culture. Topics include active listening, assertiveness, conflict resolution, problem solving, and teamwork. Visit the Clear Communication for Business page for more information.

What information sources are available for Accountants in Alberta?

• Chartered Professional Accountants Alberta
• Resources for New Canadians
• Chartered Professional Accountants Canada

Additional Occupational Information

For more information on occupations, duties and wages, visit:

• Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) / Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
• Opportunity Alberta
• Occupations in Alberta