The Canadian Institute of Accredited Public Accountants (CIAPA) was founded in 1938 in the province of Manitoba and was granted letters patent under the provisions of Part II of the Canada Corporations Act on May 7, 1946. The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada (RPA Canada) was established in 1978. A Federal Charter was granted to the Society as a corporation by letters patent under the provisions of Part II of the Canada Corporations Act. CIAPA is the oldest accounting institution in Canada and is now under the control of RPA Canada.
The RPA designation is an abbreviation for “Registered Professional Accountant,” granted by the Society to individuals with approved experience who have successfully completed the Mandatory Professional Exams and met the requirements set by the Society. The Society is a professional organization established for ongoing education and setting qualifying standards to ensure the professional competence of its members in the practice of accountancy. The Society has members across Canada and internationally with proven capabilities in their chosen profession. The Society proudly holds the singular distinction of being the premier professional accounting organization in Canada, offering a unique perspective with a special emphasis on small to medium-sized businesses.
he Society’s unique RPA educational program is recognized for maintaining a high standard of excellence with a distinctive focus on Small to Medium-Sized Businesses. The Society approves prerequisite courses offered by community colleges.
The Society is honored to be included in the official compendiums of Professional Associations maintained by community colleges. It has also been recognized by all levels of government and is listed in directories of Professional Associations.
A curriculum vitae, detailing the applicant’s educational background, professional experience, and work history, along with requests for prerequisite course exemptions, may be submitted to the Registrar of the Society.
Review sessions are held online prior to the Mandatory Professional Exams (MPE). These sessions are mandatory and considered a key component to achieving success in the exams.
Prerequisite courses of the Society’s RPA program are designed to ensure adequate knowledge and competence in the practice of professional accounting. Upon completion of the prerequisite courses, candidates must pass all the following Mandatory Professional Exams:
The Mandatory Professional Examination (MPE) is conducted on a fixed schedule in June and November each year. The module exams must be taken in the following specific order: Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Taxation, and finally, Data Analytics for Accountants.
The Society reserves the right to change or alter MPE courses or exams.
While enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a post-secondary community college, students must ensure they have completed the prerequisite courses prescribed by the Society.
Courses offered by post-secondary community colleges are generally acceptable; however, students must submit their transcripts to the Society to determine how many courses qualify for exemption.
Students must remain in good standing by paying their membership fee to stay updated in the accounting profession and maintain their files.
The student membership fee provides services such as the registration of prerequisite course credits, career counseling, job referrals, and the opportunity to attend seminars and meetings.
The Society reserves the right to recommend additional studies in specific areas if deemed necessary.
All prescribed prerequisite courses are available via traditional classroom study at many colleges and universities, with most also offered online through RPA Learning.
Membership may be available to mature individuals with acceptable qualifications and experience.
Individuals holding foreign designations such as C.A., C.G.A., C.M.A., and C.P.A. may be exempt from the Society’s competency exam.
Individuals teaching accounting as full-time professionals can apply to become RPAs under the academic pathway.
This membership category is designated for qualified accountants who reside outside Canada
To become a member of the Society of Professional Accountants of Canada, a person must:
Many professional accountants prefer to hold multiple recognized accounting designations from reputable accounting bodies. To support this, the Society collaborates with international professional accounting organizations.
RPA members of the Society who satisfy certain requirements are eligible for admission into the Forensic CPA Society of the USA and qualify for the FCPA designation by passing a 5-part certification examination.
RPA members of the Society who satisfy certain requirements are eligible for admission into the Institute of Management Accountants in Australia for the CMA designation.
Errors and omissions insurance is mandatory for RPA Certified Accounting Practitioners.
Practitioner reviews are conducted periodically by the Society to ensure compliance with the Code of Ethics and Practice Standards.
RPA members are required to complete 20 credit hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) annually. New CPD activities are announced regularly on the Society’s website, and members are notified of updates to professional standards or rules.
For more information about CPD, please refer to the CPD Policy on the Society’s website.
RPA members are authorized to act as guarantors on many required federal, provincial, and municipal government application forms.
The Society of Professional Accountants advises members not to combine their RPA and APA designations with unrelated designations or licenses. Members are expected to represent themselves using their RPA designation exclusively for accounting-related work and practice.
The Society maintains an effective Government Affairs Committee to protect and advocate for the public interest and the betterment of the accounting profession.
The Society maintains an effective Taxation and Regulatory Affairs Committee that acts as a liaison with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), advocates for the public interest, and supports the betterment of the accounting profession.
On January 1, 2011, Canada adopted the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) prescribed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), introducing universal standards for interpreting financial statements. The topics covered include:
International Sources of Authority
Elements of Financial Statements
Presentation and Additional Disclosures
Preparation of External Financial Reports for Single Entities
Preparation of External Financial Reports for Combined Entities and Joint Ventures
Members are kept informed of changes through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities
