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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Registered Professional Accountant (RPA)?

The Registered Professional Accountant is an accounting designation offered by The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada.

RPA’s are qualified as a professional accountant and recognized for excellence and maintaining high standards. With the RPA designation, you can prepare financial statements for the management as an employee and for your business clients as a
practitioner.

The RPA study program is specifically tailored to provide the students with the expertise to analyze financial information which will give them the confidence to take on a leadership role in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME). RPA will meet the needs of
employers in all sectors of the Canadian economy.

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.

  • College/University Graduates: Begin your journey to RPA with a strong foundation from your academic studies. After completing the prerequisite courses student can register with The SPAC for RPA designation to write the Mandatory Professional Exams (MPE). After passing MPE and with 2 years of practical accounting experience students will be awarded the RPA designation. Check the requirements on the website.
  • Foreign Designation Holders: Already hold a designation from another country? Transition seamlessly into the Canadian accounting landscape with the RPA pathway designed for internationally trained professionals. Check the requirements on the website.
  • Non-Designation Practitioners: If you’ve been practicing without a formal designation, our pathway will help you gain the recognition and credentials you deserve. Check the requirements on the website.
  • Experienced Accountants: With at least 20 years of experience as a senior accountant, you can fast-track your RPA certification and elevate your professional standing. Check the requirements on the website.
  • Academics: For those in academia, the RPA pathway offers a specialized route to recognize your scholarly contributions and integrate them into practical applications in the accounting profession. Check the requirements on the website.

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

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

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:

What is the difference between the CPA and RPA designation?

Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) designation is offered by the Society of Professional Accountants of Canada (RPA Canada). To qualify for the RPA designation, candidates must complete 20 prerequisite courses, incorporating technology integration, 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 and universities across Canada.

RPAs focus on serving small to medium-sized businesses, providing expertise tailored to meet the unique needs of this vital sector of the economy. Please note that RPAs are not licensed to sign Audited or Review Engagement Reports, as this requires a Licensed Public Accountant (LPA) certification in Canada. However, RPAs in practice are authorized to sign Compilation Engagement Reports in compliance with CSRS 4200 standards.

The Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is awarded provincially by CPA bodies to qualified accountants. To obtain the CPA designation, students must contact their respective provincial CPA body.

One key distinction is that CPAs are eligible to become Licensed Public Accountants (LPAs), 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.

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

  • Obtain the RPA Designation: First, complete the process of becoming a Registered Professional Accountant (RPA).
  • Enroll in the Professional Practice Certification Program: After becoming an RPA, enroll in this program to further advance your qualifications.
  • Complete Specific Training: This includes specialized training focused on CSRS 4200 Compilation Engagements.
  • Complete the Ethics Module: Successfully complete an ethics module to ensure adherence to professional standards.
  • Participate in Webinars and Case Studies: Engage in and pass case studies provided through webinars, which are part of the practical certification requirements.
  • Submit Application: After completing the necessary training and modules, submit your application to become a Certified Accounting Practitioner.
  • Certification Validity: The Certified Accounting Practitioner license is valid for 5 years and can be verified online by the general public.
  • Restrictions Without Certification: Without this certification, an RPA is not authorized to perform any professional practice for the public.