To gain the trust and confidence of the public, an accounting practitioner must possess a recognized and respected accounting designation. The Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) designation offers a comprehensive pathway for non-designated practitioners in Canada to achieve professional recognition and elevate their accounting practices to new heights. This journey begins with meeting essential requirements and successfully passing the competency exam, specifically designed and administered by RPA Canada, known as the Concise Mandatory Professional Examination (CMPE), a pathway for non-designated practitioners.
As an RPA, practitioners engage in rigorous Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and adhere to a strong Code of Ethics for the protection of the public interest. By attaining the RPA designation, practitioners not only gain esteemed professional recognition but also significantly enhance their career prospects. They become part of a distinguished network of dedicated accounting professionals. This pathway offers an invaluable opportunity to transform your professional future and achieve success with the RPA designation.
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RPALearning.ca is an online platform affiliated with RPA Canada that provides educational resources and learning opportunities for individuals pursuing the Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) designation. The platform offers courses, modules, and exam preparation materials, primarily focused on accounting, taxation, management accounting, and data analytics. It serves as a hub for RPA students and professionals looking to enhance their skills, prepare for certification exams, and stay updated on industry practices.
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The RPA Code of Professional Conduct outlines in detail the general and specific responsibilities of members concerning fair non-assurance financial reporting, business practices, transparency, and accountability. These duties are owed to clients, the profession, and the public.
All members are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Ethics Code, not only for themselves but also for those under their supervision. This responsibility extends to adherence to the standards set by the Society of Professional Accountants of Canada (SPAC) and the Canadian Institute of Accredited Public Accountants (CIAPA).
The RPA Professional Code of Ethics came into effect on November 18, 2021, replacing the previous Professional Code of Conduct and Ethics interpretations.
The Code is founded on the following fundamental principles of ethical and honorable conduct:
- Professional Behavior
- Integrity
- Due Care
- Objectivity
- Professional Competence
- Confidentiality
These principles are the hallmarks of the RPA Code and are vital to the conduct of all Registered Professional Accountants globally.
Download the Professional Code of Ethics
How to Become an APA
Accredited Professional Accountant (APA)
The APA designation (Accredited Professional Accountant) is an honorary fellowship awarded to individuals who have achieved particular distinction in accountancy or made significant public contributions as an RPA.
To qualify for the APA designation, one of the key requirements is maintaining RPA membership in good standing for ten years. However, this is not the sole prerequisite. Please review the comprehensive criteria outlined below:
- A Distinguished Professional Career:
Demonstrate a career marked by significant achievements and contributions to the field of accountancy.
- Minimum of 10 years as an RPA in good standing.
- Active Volunteer Engagement:
Significant achievements and contributions to the accounting profession; participation in RPA Committees.
- Recommendation Letters:
Provide two recommendation letters: one from an RPA member and one from an APA member, endorsing your candidacy for the APA designation.
- Participation in RPA Committees:
Engage actively in RPA committees. This involvement enhances your professional growth and improves your candidacy for the APA designation.
To apply, please complete the provided form. Note that the application fee is non-refundable.
For further details and to access the application form, please visit our website
How to Become an Academic RPA
Elevate Your Professional Standing
The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada (RPA Canada) is dedicated to setting the benchmark for professional excellence. By earning the RPA designation as an academic professor, you will be recognized for your profound expertise and comprehensive knowledge in accounting, finance, and management. This designation not only enhances your professional credibility but also contributes significantly to shaping the future of accounting education.
Why Pursue an RPA Designation?
Obtaining an RPA designation offers numerous benefits for academic professionals:
- Recognition in the Academic Community: Holding an RPA designation elevates your professional credibility and demonstrates your expertise in accounting, finance, and management subjects. This recognition can help you earn the trust and respect of students and colleagues, underscoring your authority and competence in the field.
- Ethical Considerations: The RPA designation emphasizes ethical behaviour and professional conduct. As an RPA-designated professor, you can integrate ethical considerations and cognitive techniques into your teachings, fostering a sense of responsibility and integrity in your students.
- Current Industry Practices: To maintain the RPA designation, you must stay updated on the latest developments and changes in accounting standards and regulations. This ensures you can provide your students with the most current and relevant education, keeping you aware of evolving industry needs and practices.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the RPA Academic Pathway, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum Master’s Level Degree: Applicants must hold at least a master’s degree in accounting or a related field.
- 36 Months of Accounting-Related Teaching Experience: This experience must be equivalent to full-time teaching in accounting, finance, or management.
- Credential Letter from Employer: A letter from your employer verifying your teaching experience and qualifications is required.
Application Process
The application process to become an academic RPA is straightforward and consists of the following steps:
- Submit an Application: Complete the application form available on our website.
- Upload Academic Qualifications: Provide proof of your academic qualifications, including your master’s degree.
- Attach Employer Credential Letter: Submit a credential letter from your employer verifying your teaching experience.
- Online Payment: Complete the online payment process to finalize your application.
Become an RPA and lead the way in accounting education. Inspire excellence and innovation in the next generation of accounting professionals.
For more information, Download the brochure please visit our website or contact us:
Your Pathway to Become an RPA
If you have a college diploma or university degree and are eager to become a Registered Professional Accountant (RPA), this is the right pathway for you. Designed specifically for recent graduates and those with up to two years of professional experience, our streamlined process acknowledges your advanced education and the experience requirement.
Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Background: RPA Canada requires applicants to successfully complete 20 prerequisite courses from accredited colleges or universities, covering essential areas of accounting and professional practice for this pathway.
- Experience Requirement: Applicants must have up to two years of professional experience in accounting-related work.
The Application Process
- Initial Application: Submit your Application, along with proof of your educational qualifications and professional experience.
- After submitting your application, you will receive an assessment report based on your education and background. This report will help you understand the next steps to becoming an RPA. If your assessment indicates that there are some courses you need to complete, finish those courses, and then you will be eligible to write the MPE Examination. The 20 prerequisite courses are required by RPA Canada to qualify for the exam.
- Mandatory Professional Examination (MPE): Upon successful completion of the prerequisite courses, candidates will be eligible to take the Mandatory Professional Examination. This exam evaluates your competency skills in the profession. The MPE is held in June and November each year.
- Experience Submission: Applicants must have up to two years of professional experience in accounting-related work.
Why Choose This Pathway?
- Educational Advantage: Completing the 20 prerequisite courses will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills needed for the accounting profession.
- Professional Growth: With the RPA designation, you open doors to new career opportunities, higher earning potential, and professional recognition.
Join RPA Canada and your journey to becoming a Registered Professional Accountant. Your advanced education and recent experience are valuable assets, and we are here to support your professional growth.
Example of This Pathway
If you are studying or have completed your degree program, and you don’t have an accounting designation this is the pathway for you. We will verify that you have completed the 20 courses required to become an RPA.
Sarah recently completed her degree in business administration but does not have an accounting designation. She submits an application with her academic transcripts to RPA Canada, which verifies that she has completed 15 of the 20 required courses. Sarah then completes the remaining five courses through a community college, university, or RPA Learning. Once eligible to write the MPE, she begins her review sessions to prepare for the exam. After successfully passing the MPE and fulfilling the two-year work experience requirement, she will apply for RPA membership.
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| Topic |
Course Titles |
| Financial Accounting |
Intro Financial Accounting |
| Intermediate Financial Accounting |
| Introductory Auditing |
| Management Accounting |
Introductory Management Accounting |
| Intermediate Management Accounting |
| Advanced Management Accounting |
| Taxation |
Taxation 1 – Personal Tax |
| Taxation 2 – Corporate Tax |
| Technology |
Management Information Systems |
| Computerized Accounting Systems |
| Data Analytics |
| Business Fundamentals |
Business Ethics |
| Financial Management |
| Business Law |
| Business Communications |
| Economics |
| Elective 1 |
Math |
| Elective 2 |
Marketing |
| Elective 3 |
Operations Management |
| Elective 4 |
HR Management |
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A foreign designation holder can become a Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) in Canada by following these steps:
- Submit an Application
Submit an application for the Foreign Designation Holders Pathway. This application typically includes:
- Proof of your foreign accounting designation.
- Academic transcripts.
- A detailed resume outlining your accounting experience.
The application will assess whether your foreign accounting designation is recognized by RPA Canada.
- Examination Requirements
If RPA Canada recognizes your foreign accounting designation, you may be exempt from the mandatory professional examination. However, depending on the assessment, you may still be required to complete additional modules in specific areas, such as Canadian taxation, business law, etc. This will depend on whether you live in Canada and your experience.
- Professional Experience Requirements
You must demonstrate professional experience in accounting. RPA Canada requires a minimum of 5 years of experience for this pathway.
- Complete Required Modules (If Applicable)
If your assessment indicates that you need to complete any courses, these will be in areas relevant to Canadian accounting standards and regulations.
- Apply for RPA Certification
Once you have met the necessary experience, education, and any applicable examination requirements, you can apply for your RPA designation.
- Ongoing Professional Development
To maintain your RPA designation, you will be required to fulfill Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements annually, ensuring you stay up-to-date with current accounting standards and practices.
This pathway allows internationally trained accountants to integrate quickly into the Canadian accounting landscape, providing opportunities for career growth and recognition in Canada.
For more information Download the Brochure
The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada
RPA Canada is proud to introduce a new pathway tailored specifically for seasoned and skilled accountants aiming to earn an RPA designation.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible, you need to have a university education plus over 20 years of demonstrated experience in accounting as a senior accountant.
Concise MPE (Mandatory Professional Examination):
After a successful interview, candidates will be eligible to take the Concise MPE.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Here at RPA Canada, we’re passionate about Diversity & Inclusion, honouring and recognizing decades of dedication in the accounting field.
For more information, Download the Brochure.
Introducing the Experienced Accountant Pathway at RPA Canada
At the Society of Professional Accountants of Canada (RPA Canada), we are excited to unveil a new pathway designed specifically for experienced and skilled accountants seeking to earn the prestigious RPA designation. This pathway recognizes the extensive knowledge and expertise accumulated over decades of dedicated service in the accounting profession.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this pathway, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- University Education: Applicants must have a university-level education in accounting or a related field.
- Extensive Experience: Applicants must have demonstrated over 20 years of experience in accounting as a senior accountant, showcasing their deep understanding and practical knowledge of the profession.
The Pathway Process
- Initial Application: Interested candidates can apply by submitting their detailed resume and proof of their educational qualifications and professional experience.
- Interview: Once the initial application is reviewed, eligible candidates will be invited for an interview. This interview is designed to assess their competency, professional achievements, and readiness for the RPA designation.
- Concise MPE (Mandatory Professional Examination): Upon successful completion of the interview, candidates will be eligible to take the Concise MPE. This examination is tailored to evaluate the comprehensive skills and knowledge that experienced accountants possess.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At RPA Canada, we are passionate about fostering Diversity & Inclusion within the accounting profession. We believe in honouring and recognizing the dedication and contributions of accountants who have devoted decades to their careers. Our new pathway is a testament to our commitment to supporting and valuing the diverse experiences of seasoned professionals.
Join us at RPA Canada and take the next step in your professional journey. Earn your RPA designation through a pathway that respects and acknowledges your years of hard work and dedication.
For more information, please visit our website or contact RPA Canada’s office.
If you are eligible submit the form below and start the process.
Upcoming Immersive Management Accounting Program with CMA Australia
RPA Canada is working closely with CMA Australia to develop an upcoming immersive management accounting program. This intensive course is designed to enhance your skills and knowledge, providing a unique opportunity for executives, directors, controllers, professional accountants, and managers who aspire to excel in their profession.
Program Highlights:
- Skill Development: This program will enhance your expertise with cutting-edge techniques and best practices in management accounting.
- Executive Focus: It will be tailored for executives, directors, controllers, and accounting professionals aiming for top-tier success.
- Professional Growth: You will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to advance in your career and achieve your professional goals.
Join us in this transformative program and take a significant step towards becoming a leader in your field. Stay tuned for more details and enrollment information.
Preregister here
Benefits of Becoming an RPA Student
- Professional Recognition: Gain a respected designation that enhances your credibility and professional standing in the accounting industry.
- Comprehensive Education: Access a robust curriculum designed to equip you with practical and theoretical knowledge in various accounting disciplines.
- Career Advancement: Increase your job opportunities and potential for career growth in the accounting and finance sectors.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with a community of professionals, mentors, and peers through events, seminars, and online forums.
- Practical Experience: Benefit from practical training and real-world case studies that prepare you for professional practice.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest industry trends and standards through ongoing education and professional development opportunities.
- Ethical Standards: Adhere to the RPA Code of Ethics, which promotes integrity, professionalism, and public trust.
- Support and Resources: Access a wide range of resources, including study materials, webinars, and support from the RPA community to help you succeed.
By becoming an RPA student, you lay a strong network fo accountants for a successful and rewarding career.
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