The CGA qualification process, called PACE (Professional Applications and Competence Evaluations) is designed to ensure that you develop and can effectively demonstrate the skills and abilities needed to succeed as a professional accountant. A competency-based process, it ensures that every newly certified CGA is able to fully serve the current and future needs of clients and employers, and to protect the public interest.
Education, examination, experience
To earn the CGA designation, candidates must complete the PACE program, the education, examination and experience requirements outlined in the CGA Syllabus. Those requirements are rooted in the competencies and proficiency levels detailed in the CGA Competency Framework. The Competency Framework specifies how each competency is assessed – through a combination of education, examination and/or practical experience.
PACE emphasizes all the areas of accounting and related disciplines required for a successful professional accountant, along with the qualities and skills that define a professional such as ethics, critical thinking, professional judgment, communication and leadership.
Education
The PACE level courses require candidates to apply the technical knowledge and professional skills needed to solve problems in real-world situations. Competencies are developed through online teamwork, in-depth case studies, and simulations of real-world business projects or engagements. Candidates are required to complete four PACE courses, consisting of two electives and two mandatory capstone courses, PA1: Issues in Professional Practice and PA2: Strategic Financial Management. Candidates must qualify to write the examinations through successful completion of the course assessments.
Examination
At the end of each of the PACE courses, candidates are assessed through a 4-hour examination. Each PACE examination counts for 100% of the candidates’ final grade. Candidates must complete the PACE elective courses and examinations before taking the Professional Applications courses and exams. Examination blueprints and past examinations are useful preparations tools available to candidates.
Practical experience
Practical experience is essential for developing professional competence. Most candidates are employed in an accounting or related field while taking the PACE courses. Generally, it takes candidates three years of work in positions of increasing responsibility to demonstrate the competencies necessary for certification.
The path to PACE
CGA offers the full set of prerequisite foundation and advanced courses. The foundation and advance course requirements can also be met, in whole or in part, through transfer credits. However, PACE, the qualification program leading to the CGA designation, must be taken through CGA.
Candidates generally have a bachelor’s degree prior to beginning their PACE studies. Those who do not must earn one prior to certification. CGA offers opportunities to obtain a degree through academic partnerships. Alternatively, your degree may come from any recognized, degree-granting institution. Foreign degrees deemed equivalent to Canadian degrees are acceptable.
- If you live within Canada
For more details about the wide-ranging advantages of the CGA program and how to apply, contact the CGA office in your province or territory. Please select from the Visit an Association dropdown box at the top of the page.
- If you live outside Canada
If you do not live in Canada and would like more information about the CGA program, please email your request to internationalinquiries@cga-canada.org.
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