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Why RPA?

The RPA designation is offered by The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada. To obtain the RPA designation, students don’t need to have a university
degree. RPA provides relevant and necessary accounting knowledge through its comprehensive prerequisite courses offered by universities and community colleges.
RPA’s are qualified as professional accountants and recognized for excellence to secure a well-paying job while maintaining high standards with a balanced approach
to their personal and professional responsibilities.

The RPA study program is specifically tailored to provide students with the expertise to analyze financial information, which will give them the confidence to
take on a leadership role in a Small to Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME). The RPA designation facilitates a harmonious existence where structured routines and foreseeable work cycles empower you with the flexibility to enrich your personal and professional endeavors. Being an RPA isn’t just about a fulfilling
career—it’s a ticket to a balanced lifestyle.

Download the Brochure

To determine your next steps, we recommend submitting an application to RPA via the following link. Once submitted, our education team will evaluate your qualifications and experience, and provide you with an assessment report outlining your next steps

If you’ve recently graduated from high school,

Apply for RPA Student Membership

Eligibility Criteria

The Application Process

  1. Initial Application: Submit your Application, along with proof of your educational qualifications and professional experience.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Experience Submission:  Applicants must have up to two years of professional experience in accounting-related work.

Why Choose This Pathway?

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.

 

The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada (RPA Canada) offers the Certified Accounting Practitioner (CAP) Program, a comprehensive pathway for accounting professionals seeking a recognized and practical certification. This program is designed to strengthen credibility, provide practical expertise, and prepare practitioners to thrive in today’s dynamic accounting and business environment.

Why Become a Certified Accounting Practitioner?

Program Structure

The Professional Practice Pathway (PPC) consists of:

  1. Training Courses – Eight mandatory virtual/online courses:
    • Compilation Report Basics
    • Compilation Engagements
    • Pro-forma Financial Statements & Projections
    • Bookkeeping/File Management & Cybersecurity
    • Ethics & Professional Code of Conduct
    • Basics of Review Engagements
    • Basics of Audit Engagements
    • Professional Communication & Correspondence
  2. Evaluation – Submission of Case Studies A & B for review.
  3. Accreditation – Certification as an RPA Accounting Practitioner.
  4. Practice Review – Ongoing compliance with professional standards.

Additionally, candidates must complete:

Requirements to Become an RPA Practitioner

    1. RPA Membership in good standing.
    2. Completion of all required education and training.
    3. Minimum of 5 years of practical public accounting experience.
    4. Adherence to the RPA Code of Ethics.
    5. Ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development).
    6. Participation in public protection compliance and practice reviews.

Download Practitioner Pathway Brochure

Please note that you must be an RPA member and complete the PPC Program before submitting this application.


Designations

The SPAC offers two accounting designations

The RPA designation is offered by  The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada.  For the RPA designation, RPA provides accounting knowledge through its comprehensive prerequisite courses offered by community colleges.

The APA designation (Accredited Professional Accountant) is an honorary fellowship designation granted to those who have been RPA for at least 10 years and with a particular distinction in accounting or public service.

     1.What is a Registered Professional Accountant (RPA)?

The Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) designation has been offered by the Society of Professional Accountants of Canada since 1978.

RPAs are recognized as professional accountants who uphold excellence and maintain high standards. With the RPA designation, you are qualified to prepare financial statements for management as an employee or for business clients as a practitioner.

The RPA study program is specifically designed to equip students with the skills to analyze financial information, instilling the confidence needed to take on leadership roles in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). The RPA designation meets the demands of employers across all sectors of the Canadian economy.

      2. How can I become an RPA?

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.

Each pathway is designed to recognize and value your prior learning and experience, helping you achieve professional recognition with the RPA designation

     3. What benefits and opportunities will I gain upon completing the RPA program?

Upon completing the RPA (Registered Professional Accountant) program, you will receive several key benefits and credentials:

  1. RPA Designation: You will earn the prestigious RPA designation a true Canadian designation, officially recognizing you as a Registered Professional Accountant. This designation is a mark of professional competency and integrity in the accounting field.
  2. Professional Recognition: As an RPA, you will be recognized by employers, clients, and peers as a qualified accounting professional. This can enhance your career prospects and credibility in the industry.
  3. Expanded Career Opportunities: The RPA designation opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in various sectors, including public accounting, finance, government, and private industry. It also positions you for senior roles that require a recognized accounting designation.
  4. Access to RPA Canada’s Network: You will become part of a professional discipline that offers, professional resources, and access to exclusive events with networking opportunities.
  5. Continued Professional Development: As an RPA, you will have access to ongoing professional education and training opportunities to keep your skills and knowledge current in the ever-evolving field of accounting and technology.
  6. Ethical Standards and Support: You will be part of an organization that upholds high ethical standards and professional code of conduct, providing you with support and guidance throughout your professional career.
  7. Global Recognition: The RPA designation is recognized internationally with a specific focus on Small to medium-sized businesses, providing opportunities for international practice and mobility.

These benefits will help you build a successful and respected career in accounting, with the credentials and support needed to thrive in the profession

   4. What are the steps to becoming a Certified Accounting Practitioner after obtaining the RPA designation?

 5. What are the costs associated with becoming a Registered Professional Accountant (RPA)?

The RPA (Registered Professional Accountant) fees are structured to cover various aspects of the designation process and ongoing membership. While specific fees may vary depending on your pathway and location, the general categories include:
  1. Application Fee: A one-time fee for processing your application and assessment of your academic credentials and experience.
  2. Exemption Fees: Prerequisite courses taken from approved colleges or universities must be submitted for exemption under the RPA program.
  3. ATMPE Fee: The ATMPE letter is an official approval document provided to candidates who have successfully completed all the necessary prerequisites and qualifications required to sit for the Mandatory Professional Examination (MPE) as part of the  RPA certification process.
  4. Review Sessions Fees: Review sessions are designed to help candidates prepare for their Mandatory Professional Examination (MPE).
  5. Examination Fees:  Fees are associated with taking the required competency exams for the RPA designation, the Mandatory Professional Examination (MPE).
  6. Certification Fee: A fee charged upon successful completion of the RPA program, covering the issuance of your RPA designation certificate.
  7. Annual Membership Fee: A recurring fee that maintains your active membership with RPA Canada, ensuring you remain in good standing as an RPA.

For a complete fee schedule click here:

 

6. What is the difference between the CPA and RPA designation?

The Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is awarded by CPA Ontario to qualified accountants. To obtain the CPA designation, students must contact CPA Ontario. One key distinction is that CPAs are eligible to become Licensed Public Accountants (LPA), a certification required to sign Audited or Review Engagement Reports in Canada. It is important to note that while every LPA must be a CPA, not every CPA is an LPA.

The Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) designation is offered by The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada. To qualify for the RPA designation, candidates must complete 20 prerequisite courses with integration of technology before sitting for the competency exam, known as the Mandatory Professional Examination (MPE). The RPA program provides a strong foundation in accounting through its comprehensive prerequisite courses, which are offered by approved community colleges or universities. Please note that RPAs are not licensed to sign Audited or Review Engagement Reports, as this requires Licensed Public Accountant (LPA) certification in Canada.

Student Policy

Good Standing Requirements
Students must maintain good standing to ensure their records are kept and their names remain on the RPA website.
Good standing is contingent upon the annual payment of the student membership fee.

Application and Assessment Process
After applying, students will receive an assessment report from the RPA Education Team based on the documentation attached to their application form.
Students must fulfill the 20 prerequisite courses required by RPA. Completion of these courses is mandatory for progressing towards the RPA designation.
A college or university degree is not required; completing the 20 prerequisite courses suffices for eligibility.

Next Steps After Course Completion
Following the completion of prerequisite courses, students must proceed with Review Sessions and the Management Proficiency Examination (MPE) to attain the RPA designation.
The process and requirements are subject to change at the discretion of the Society.

Withdrawal and Refund Policy
If a student wishes to withdraw from the program, they must be aware that there are strictly no refunds.
Records of withdrawn students will not be retained. Should they decide to re-enrol in the future, they must reapply and meet the current requirements.

Inclusion and Diversity
RPA promotes inclusion and diversity, welcoming all individuals regardless of gender, LGBTQ+ status, or disabilities.
The Society encourages a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) Participation
Students may attend and participate in the Annual General Meeting (AGM) but do not have voting rights.

Deferral Policy
In exceptional circumstances, such as a medical or family crisis, a student may apply to defer acceptance to an oversubscribed program for one academic year.
The request for deferral must be submitted in writing to the RPA Education Committee, accompanied by documentation from a professional third party substantiating the circumstances described in the letter.
Once approved for deferral, the applicant must apply to the following application cycle to confirm admission to the program.

Re-admission After Expulsion
A student expelled from RPA for disciplinary reasons must apply in writing to the Registrar for permission for re-admission.
The application must provide a rationale and arguments for re-admission.
The Registrar will determine the student’s eligibility or non-eligibility for re-admission to RPA and its programs.

 

Student Obligations

Adherence to Policies
Students must adhere to all RPA policies and procedures and stay informed of any updates or changes communicated by the Society.

Academic Integrity
Students must uphold the highest standards of academic integrity, avoiding any form of dishonesty or misconduct in their studies and examinations.

Timely Communication
It is the student’s responsibility to maintain timely communication with the RPA Education Team and respond promptly to any requests or notifications.

Active Participation
Students are expected to actively participate in all required sessions, including Review Sessions and preparatory activities for the MPE.

Annual Membership Fee
Students must pay the annual student membership fee to retain their status and access to RPA resources and support.

Commitment to Professional Development
Students should demonstrate a commitment to professional development by engaging in continuous learning and participating in RPA events and programs.

Respect and Professionalism
Students must conduct themselves with respect and professionalism, both within the RPA community and in any external interactions related to their studies.

This document serves to guide RPA students through their academic journey, ensuring clarity in their responsibilities and the standards expected of them. By adhering to these policies and fulfilling their obligations, students will be well-prepared to achieve the RPA designation and succeed in their professional careers.