RPA Canada offers two accounting designations:
The RPA designation is offered by The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada. For the RPA designation, RPA Canada provides accounting knowledge through its comprehensive prerequisite courses, offered by community colleges and RPA Learning.
The APA designation (Accredited Professional Accountant) is an honorary fellowship designation granted to those who have been RPAs for at least 10 years and have a particular distinction in accounting or public service.
The Registered Professional Accountant is an accounting designation offered by The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada since 1978.
RPAs are qualified as professional accountants and are recognized for their excellence and high standards. With the RPA designation, you can prepare financial statements for management as an employee and for your business clients as a practitioner.
The RPA study program is specifically tailored to provide students with the expertise to analyze financial information, giving them the confidence to take on leadership roles in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). RPAs meet the needs of employers in all sectors of the Canadian economy.
Pathways to Becoming an RPA
There are multiple pathways to achieve your RPA designation, tailored to your unique experience and background. Whether you are a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or an international accountant, there’s a route that aligns with your career goals.
Each pathway is designed to recognize and value your prior learning and experience, helping you achieve professional recognition with the RPA designation.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a designation by The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada, allowing you to use “RPA” after your name. Attaining the RPA designation not only signifies your professional competence but also carries prestige within the accounting community. By becoming an RPA, you join a community focused on thriving and promoting the accounting profession. This network provides opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning, which are essential elements for advancing your career. Additionally, the RPA designation elevates your professional standing globally, opening doors to new opportunities and enhancing your credibility in the field of accounting.
To become a Certified Accounting Practitioner, you must first obtain the RPA designation. After completing the process of becoming an RPA, you can apply to become a Certified Accounting Practitioner. This process includes specific training focused on CSRS 4200 Compilation Engagements, as well as webinar case studies, which must be completed and passed. The Certified Accounting Practitioner license is valid for 5 years and can be verified online by the general public. Please note that without this certification, an RPA cannot perform public practice.
Students taking RPA prerequisite courses offered by community colleges such as Sheridan College, McMaster University, and Algoma University pay course fees to the college or university.
For fees, check the Fee Schedule.
The Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is awarded by CPA Ontario to qualified accountants. To obtain the CPA designation, students must contact CPA Canada.
The Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) designation is offered by The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada. It focuses on serving Small to Medium-sized Businesses. To qualify for the RPA designation, students must complete 20 prerequisite courses before they can sit for the Mandatory Professional Examination (MPE). RPA provides accounting knowledge through its comprehensive prerequisite courses offered by community colleges. After completing the prerequisite courses, students must pass the competency exam (Mandatory Professional Examination) to obtain the RPA designation.
Have any other questions? Contact us at:Â Info@rpacanada.org
