The Quebec CPA Order (Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec) oversees the profession of chartered professional accountancy in Quebec. With over 46,500 members, the CPA designation has become the unified standard for accounting professionals following the merger of the CA, CGA, and CMA designations. This comprehensive guide outlines the complete pathway to becoming a chartered accountant (CPA) in Quebec.
- Educational Prerequisites for CPA Quebec
- Professional Education Program (PEP)
- Practical Experience Requirements
- Common Final Examination (CFE)
- CPA Quebec Licensing and Registration
- Accountant Salary Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
The CPA designation is globally recognized and provides excellent career opportunities in public practice, industry, government, and non-profit sectors across Quebec and internationally.
Educational Prerequisites for CPA Quebec
To become eligible for the CPA Professional Education Program in Quebec, you must complete a recognized bachelor’s degree with specific prerequisite courses. The Quebec CPA Order recognizes thirteen universities offering programs that meet these requirements.
University Degree Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized Quebec university with an accounting concentration or business administration program. The most common pathways include:
Academic Performance Standards
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8/4.3 (B-) is required for your undergraduate degree and prerequisite courses. However, many universities require higher GPAs for their graduate programs, typically ranging from 3.0 to 3.2/4.3.
Prerequisite Course Requirements
All recognized programs include essential prerequisite courses covering:
- Financial Accounting: Intermediate Financial Accounting 1 & 2, Advanced Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting: Intermediate Management Accounting 1 & 2, Cost Accounting
- Taxation: Principles of Taxation, Business Taxation
- Auditing: Principles of Auditing and Assurance
- Finance: Corporate Finance, Financial Management
- Information Systems: Accounting Information Systems
- Business Law: Commercial Law fundamentals
Alternative Pathways
If your degree lacks required prerequisites, you can complete them through:
- Additional university courses
- CPA Preparatory Courses offered by recognized institutions
- Equivalence assessment for international credentials
Professional Education Program (PEP)
The CPA Professional Education Program is a graduate-level program that prepares candidates for the Common Final Examination and professional practice. Quebec offers two distinct pathways to complete the PEP.
PEP Pathway Options
Program Structure and Content
The PEP covers six core competency areas essential for CPA practice:
- Financial Reporting: Advanced accounting standards and financial statement preparation
- Strategy and Governance: Strategic planning and corporate governance principles
- Management Accounting: Performance measurement and decision-making tools
- Audit and Assurance: Professional assurance standards and procedures
- Finance: Advanced financial management and analysis
- Taxation: Complex tax planning and compliance issues
Application Process
To register for the PEP, submit your application with:
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Proof of degree completion
- Application fees (varies by program pathway)
- Documentation of prerequisite course completion
Practical Experience Requirements
CPA Quebec requires a minimum of 30 months (2.5 years) of practical experience with an approved training office. This experience develops the competencies necessary for professional accounting practice.
Training Office Requirements
Your practical experience must be completed with a CPA-approved training office, which can include:
- Public accounting firms
- Private corporations and businesses
- Government organizations
- Non-profit organizations
- Educational institutions
Competency Development Framework
During your practical experience, you must develop competencies in three key areas:
Experience Documentation
Throughout your training period, maintain detailed records including:
- Monthly experience reports
- Competency development tracking
- Supervisor evaluations
- Professional development activities
Common Final Examination (CFE)
The Common Final Examination is a comprehensive three-day examination that tests the competencies developed through the PEP and practical experience. It’s administered twice yearly across Canada.
CFE Structure and Format
Examination Eligibility
To write the CFE, you must have:
- Successfully completed the CPA PEP
- Registered as a CPA candidate with Quebec CPA Order
- Met continuing education requirements during PEP
Note: You can write the CFE before completing all 30 months of practical experience, but cannot receive your CPA designation until all requirements are fulfilled.
CFE Preparation Strategy
Effective CFE preparation involves:
- Comprehensive review of all competency areas
- Practice with past examination cases
- Time management skill development
- Mock examination sessions
- Professional study groups or courses
CPA Quebec Licensing and Registration
Upon successful completion of all requirements, apply for membership with the Quebec CPA Order to receive your CPA designation and practice license.
Final Application Requirements
Submit your membership application including:
- Proof of CFE completion
- Documentation of 30 months practical experience
- Character reference letters
- French language proficiency demonstration
- Professional liability insurance enrollment
- Membership fees and dues
French Language Requirements
Quebec CPAs must demonstrate minimum French language proficiency to practice in the province. This requirement ensures effective communication with Quebec clients and compliance with provincial language laws.
Continuing Professional Development
Maintain your CPA license through ongoing professional development:
- Minimum 120 hours CPD every three years
- At least 60 hours must be verifiable learning
- Annual minimum of 20 hours (10 verifiable)
- Ethics and professional conduct training
Accountant Salary Information
The CPA designation significantly enhances earning potential across various career paths. Public accounting and private industry offer different compensation structures and advancement opportunities.
Career Advancement and Specialization
CPA Quebec offers several specialization options to enhance your expertise and marketability:
- CPA Auditor: Public practice auditing specialization
- Business Valuation: Corporate valuation and financial modeling
- Forensic Accounting: Investigation and litigation support
- Tax Specialization: Advanced tax planning and compliance
- Information Technology: IT auditing and systems implementation
Professional Development Opportunities
The Quebec CPA Order provides extensive professional development resources including:
- Over 750 continuing education activities annually
- Specialized certification programs
- Industry-specific training sessions
- Leadership development initiatives
- International mobility programs
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for Accountants and Auditors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CPA in Quebec?
The complete process typically takes 6-7 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 18-24 months for the PEP, and 30 months of practical experience (which can overlap with education). Highly motivated students can complete requirements in as little as 5.5 years.
Can I work while completing the CPA requirements?
Yes, many candidates work part-time during their PEP studies and full-time during practical experience. The practical experience requirement is designed to be completed while working in an approved training office.
What happens if I fail the CFE?
If you don’t pass the CFE, you can rewrite it at the next offering (typically 6 months later). You may need additional preparation or remedial courses depending on your performance areas.
Is the Quebec CPA designation recognized outside Quebec?
Yes, the CPA designation is recognized across Canada and has reciprocity agreements with many international accounting bodies, providing excellent mobility for your career.
Do I need to speak French to become a CPA in Quebec?
While not required for the educational requirements, you must demonstrate French language proficiency to practice as a CPA in Quebec. This ensures effective client communication and regulatory compliance.
Can international students pursue the CPA designation in Quebec?
Yes, international students can pursue CPA certification. They must complete a recognized university program in Quebec and may need additional credential assessment for degrees earned outside Canada.
What are the costs associated with becoming a CPA in Quebec?
Total costs include university tuition, PEP program fees, CFE examination fees, and membership dues. Expect to invest $40,000-$80,000 total, depending on your educational pathway and living expenses.
Can I complete practical experience while studying?
Some practical experience can be gained during co-operative programs or summer employment, but the majority of the 30-month requirement must be completed after beginning your PEP studies with an approved training office.
