Students earn the prestigious CGA designation following our program of professional education, comprehensive examinations, and approved practical experience. The complete academic program consists of 19 courses, 2 business cases, and professional qualification exams, all spread over five levels: Levels 1 to 3 (Foundation Studies), Level 4 (Advanced Studies), and PACE.
The PACE level
The final level of the program, called PACE (Professional Applications and Competence Evaluations), prepares students for the business world through sector-specific professional education. Here, students apply the knowledge, skills, and competencies they have learned in the foundation and advanced study levels of the program. The PACE courses and examinations cover a range of material to ensure the student’s ability to integrate knowledge and issues and to fully demonstrate the competencies required for certification.
Career options
The PACE level consists of both career elective and capstone courses. There are four different career options to choose from. Each option contains two elective courses, each with a four-hour certification examination, plus two capstone professional applications courses, each also with a four-hour certification exam.
PA1 and PA2: Capstone courses
The capstone courses and exams are the final requirements in the certification process leading to the granting of the CGA designation. The PA1 and PA2 courses use case studies and business simulations to cover new topics in two separate but related contexts. They are designed to ensure the student’s ability to demonstrate the competencies required of a newly certified CGA.
- PA1: Issues in Professional Practice draws on knowledge of financial accounting, taxation, assurance, general business, and information technology. Students develop and demonstrate the ability to anticipate and solve the real-world problems faced by external auditors and professionals providing assurance, tax, or business advisory services. Some information on current issues in professional practice that has not been included in previous courses will be included. (View details in the Syllabus.)
- PA2: Strategic Financial Management develops the professional competencies required to effectively manage an organization’s financial affairs from an internal perspective. Students demonstrate their ability to integrate and apply knowledge of financial accounting, management accounting, finance, and information technology. Current information on strategy and strategic financial management will be included. (View details in the Syllabus.)
For more information, see PACE exam blueprints and PA1 and PA2 exam information.
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