Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) has the following minimum requirements for CA candidates: education, experience and evaluation.
1. Education:
You must have a university degree with specific business course credits, as well as the professional program of your province or territory is required. This level of education provides a sound base of knowledge and skill necessary to be able to establish your competence.
CA Qualifications:
In Canada, CAs are admitted to the profession through their Provincial Institutes, which are responsible for establishing and administering the qualification process, admission criteria and performance standards within their jurisdictions. Pre-qualification education is delivered regionally, through one of four systems across Canada: Atlantic Canada, Québec, Ontario, and Western Canada (which includes the Territories). The CICA’s role is to develop and maintain consistent, uniform standards for the profession’s qualification process in concert with all provinces and territories. Individuals with accounting designations from a number of accounting bodies outside Canada are admitted to the Canadian profession under the terms and commitments of international qualification.
Admission to the CA profession requires:
- A university degree - while most candidates pursue business studies, your university degree can be in any area or discipline. Many highly successful CAs have Bachelors degrees in arts, science, engineering and other disciplines. Also, some jurisdictions allow degree exceptions for mature students.
- Specified university courses or the equivalent - these can be acquired during your undergraduate university degree, on a part-time basis while you are completing your practical experience requirements, or through certain recognized graduate programs.
- Completion of a Provincial Institute/Ordre student professional program or the equivalent - these programs offer graduate-level courses to ensure all candidates acquire the competencies they will need as a CA; all candidates must register with their Provincial Institute/Ordre while completing their practical experience requirements (see below); programs are designed to complement your on-the-job experience.
- Prescribed practical experience with a training office approved by a Provincial Institute/Ordre – Approved Training Offices generally are CA firms, offices of provincial or national Auditors General, or provincial or national departments of revenue. Uniform standards for practical experience have been established by the profession to ensure the quality of practical experience for all candidates across Canada.
- Passing the UFE - the profession’s uniform evaluation.
2. Experience: CICA also required work experience in a recognized training office under the supervision of experienced CAs. The training you receive during this period will really assist you in the development of the skills, attributes and values of a competent CA. You can apply directly to these CA firms or meet with them when they recruit on your university campus.
Experience Requirements:
All CA candidates spend a period of time working with a CA firm designated by the profession as an Approved Training Office. This experience is a critical part of your competency development, since it is here that you will have the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge, and develop your professional judgment, initiative and administrative abilities while meeting the needs of a wide range of clients.
During this training period, you will have structured and monitored opportunities to develop CA competencies by:
• Applying and enhancing your theoretical knowledge and technical expertise;
• Exercising and developing judgment, initiative and other professional abilities;
• Developing an understanding of professional integrity and independence;
• Learning to identify and respond to client needs and critical issues;
• Enhancing interpersonal communication and professional skills.
Overview of Experience Requirements:
To be admitted to the CA profession, you must work at a CA firm recognized by the profession as an Approved Training Office. While the specific length of the work term varies by province, the quality of opportunity and guidance you will receive must meet uniform standards established by the profession, and will be carefully adapted to help you develop the necessary CA competencies. You will be paid a competitive salary throughout this training period, and will also be given enough time to complete your profession-sponsored academic programs. During your period of practical experience employment, you will work with clients under the supervision of a qualified CA. This work will enable you to increase your experience. The goal of the qualification process is to ensure strong links between your formal CA training and the development of your professional, on-the-job knowledge, skills and attitudes. Doing so is critical to the development of CA competencies. Read the rest of this entry »