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CPA Professional Education Program: Core modules

Learn about the core modules of the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP).

To fulfill the requirements of the CPA PEP, you must complete six modules — two core modules, two elective modules and two capstone modules.

The CPA PEP begins with two mandatory core modules in which you build the enabling and technical competencies required of a professional accountant. The modules are integrative, drawing on law, economics, finance, strategy, statistics and IT, as well as the technical competency areas.

CPA candidates develop competence in integration and application of all aspects of all areas of The CPA Competency Map:

  • financial reporting
  • strategy and governance
  • management accounting
  • audit and assurance
  • finance
  • taxation

The main challenge in these modules is mastering a vast number of technical competencies. You will be expected to draw readily on prerequisite knowledge, with little guided review of this knowledge during learning activities.

The objective of the Core 1 module is to provide you with a complete understanding of the most fundamental concepts in financial accounting and reporting, as well as an introduction to technically complex accounting issues.

The objective of the Core 2 module is for you to develop competence in the areas of governance, strategy, risk management and management decision-making. You will also gain an appreciation for the role of corporate governance, learn how to formulate deliberate and emergent strategies and translate those strategies into specific objectives and actions.

CANDIDATE GUIDE

The Candidate Guide offers valuable information about the program, including an overview of the modules, candidate responsibilities, policies and computer requirements.

EVALUATION

The core modules blueprint provides you with information on what to expect from these examinations, including the weighting placed on the different competencies and the reference materials you can use while completing them. 

Examples of core module cases: 

Core 1:

Core 2:

Dates for national core module offerings

The CPA PEP and CFE calendar provides the key dates for all CPA PEP modules as well as the Common Final Examination (CFE). Please contact your provincial/regional CPA body to see if these offerings are available in your area.