We recognize the challenges brought about during this time may affect students’ (referred to as “candidates” in the PEP program) ability to move forward with their PEP studies as originally planned. The CPA profession is carefully monitoring developments around COVID-19 and is committed to ensuring that we keep students and candidates informed of any updates that may impact the CPA Certification Program.
Abrupt transition in the work space environment and business operations may impact students’ career development. CPA students who have questions and concerns relating to the changes and impacts to their CPA certification PEP program, specifically with respect to their Education, Examination, and Experience, can refer to CPA Canada’s FAQ Document for more details.
The CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB), which oversees Education and Examination, updates their COVID-19 Information on their website, including mental wellness resources tailored for students.
Current CPA students who are in financial need can apply for bursaries with the CPA Education Foundation by May 15 or November 15.
For questions relating to Education and Examination, please contact CPAWSB.
For questions relating to Practical Experience, please contact PracticalExperience@bccpa.ca.
We recognize the challenges brought about during this time may affect students’ (referred to as “candidates” in the PEP program) ability to move forward with their PEP studies as originally planned. The CPA profession is carefully monitoring developments around COVID-19 and is committed to ensuring that we keep students and candidates informed of any updates that may impact the CPA Certification Program.
Abrupt transition in the work space environment and business operations may impact students’ career development. CPA students who have questions and concerns relating to the changes and impacts to their CPA certification PEP program, specifically with respect to their Education, Examination, and Experience, can refer to CPA Canada’s FAQ Document for more details. In addition to the FAQ, CPA students can refer to CPABC’s guidance on Practical Experience Reporting Affected by COVID-19.
As an employer of CPABC students, it is important that you understand how your students may be affected by the changes and adjustments to the PEP program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you are a supervisor, mentor or pre-approved program leader, or manager, we encourage you to maintain a supportive mindset during this time and be open-minded about how this time can still be used productively towards your students’ overall competency development.
Education and Examination Information
For the latest information relating to Education (updates relating to preparatory course and PEP module and module exam cancellations and alternative formats) and Examination (updates relating to the September CFE), visit the CPA Western School of Business’ COVID-19 Information webpage.
We encourage employers to check the CPAWSB webpage and CPA Canada’s FAQ Document on a regular basis to stay up-to-date on the impacts of COVID-19 on the CPA certification program.
If you have questions or concerns relating to the PEP program, please contact CPAWSB.
Experience Information
- Work experience gained while employees are working from home will still count as long as students continue to develop the requisite enabling and technical competencies.
- During this time when we are being asked to self-isolate and limit person-to-person contact, students should connect with their mentors through a method that does not involve in-person interaction, such as via the phone or technologies such as Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime.
- Employer access to student practical experience reporting can be completed entirely online. Students are also capable of completing their practical experience reporting completely online. Students working reduced hours due to COVID-19 will need to document this in their PERT reporting as outlined within the FAQ Document.
For more information relating to Experience, please refer to CPA Canada’s FAQ Document, which addresses common questions from employers who are facing challenges brought on by COVID-19 with respect to practical experience reporting responsibilities.
Information regarding practical experience can be found in the Practical Experience Requirements policy document. Refer to our page on how to support a student for other general information. If you have specific questions, please contact PracticalExperience@bccpa.ca.
If you are looking to hire a CPA member, candidate, or student, get in touch with our employer relations team at careers@bccpa.ca to discuss advertising employment opportunities on the CPABC Careers Site.
Career and Recruitment Events
CPABC is committed to creating opportunities for connections between BC employers, CPAs and aspiring CPAs during the COVID-19 pandemic. While our in-person events have been cancelled or postponed for the foreseeable future, we continue to host virtual events and webinars for you to stay connected and up-to-date with us. Visit our Recruitment Info Sessions & Events listing for upcoming online information sessions.