ACCA EQUIVALENT LEVELS TO CGA/CPA

@alkemist

@alkemist said:
There is/was an MRA between ACCA and CGA Canada. So you can check that out….https://www.cga-ontario.org/MRA_ACCA.aspx and https://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam/ACCA_Global/Members/Doc/cpd/2016-FAQs-for-CGAs.pdf and https://www.bccpa.ca/become-a-cpa/programs/cpa-designation/what-are-mras/acca-and-cga-canada-mutual-recognition-agreement-(/faqs-for-acca-members/.

If you are a CGA member, there is reciprocity. For example, based on my ACCA qualification, I did the Canadian Tax and Law online course and am now also a CPA, CGA. But to answer some of your questions:
1. ACCA has two levels, fundamentals and professional. The fundamental level is further divided into the knowledge sections (3 exams) and skill level (6 exams). The professional level is divided into essentials (3 exams) and options (2 exams from 4). You can find further information here https://www.accaglobal.com/us/en/student/getting-started/acca-qualification-structure.html

2. In the former structure, there were 3 levels, but two of these were merged to give the fundamentals level. There was no change to the number of papers. Prior to this change, there was a syllabus change in 2007 where the exams moved from the old level 1, level 2, level 3 structure to the structure we pretty much have today.

3. A basic idea of pre and post 2007 exam equivalence is given here https://opentuition.com/acca/conversion_to_new_acca_qualification/

4. As for the ACCA – CGA (CPA) conversion. Best to go the route of reciprocity, i.e. finish one and then apply for membership in the other, rather than trying to tie yourself down with conversion of papers. However if you are so inclined, then look at the exemption calculator for ACCA here https://www.accaglobal.com/us/en/help/exemptions-calculator.html

Hope this all helps.

I am an ACCA Member. Can you please help me proceeding with the application as a CGA/CPA Member?

How is the Canadian Tax and Law online course?

Thanks

@fawdeen Apologies, thought I had responded to the April question. The Canadian Tax and Law course is not difficult. Can be done in a day or two if you really want to. Quite a bit of reading but the test structure isn’t difficult.

@eagledave I think I paid over CDN$500 for registration and I think my membership this year was also in that region. Quite a bit but coupled with the fact that I have to also pay my ACCA fees (well the office pays that one)

@eagledave it is a bit more expensive yes and the CPA designation is Canadian CPA, not to be confused with US CPA (AICPA). Each country has its own requirements and designation. I for instance am a Chartered Accountant (CA) in my own country, but because I currently reside in the UK and chartered accountant is a protected status here, then I cannot use the designation here.

Hi All,

I recently finished all ACCA exams this year and I am working on PER. I am planning to convert from ACCA to CPA. I was searching on CPA website but only see the process for ACCA member. Since I am not yet ACCA member, so wondering if any one could give me some advice?

Thanks all,
Tracy

@eagledave don’t know If I will do US CPA. Canadian CPA was for strategic reasons. I have no intention of practicing in the US, however some overseas jobs require knowledge of US GAAP and having US CPA would show such competencies.

@tracey, @eagledave is correct, you have to be a member in good standing. Also bear in mind that when you become a CPA in Canada, this is hinged on you maintaining your ACCA, so if you give up your ACCA membership, you automatically give up your CPA membership unless you do CPA exams to get that qualification in your own right.

Thanks for the info. The good news is CPA Ireland grants paper by paper recognition for ACCA papers passed. CPA Ireland has mutual recognition with CPA Canada and Australia.

Hope this helps.

Hi @alkemist!

Just wanted o ask how long the entire process took to become a member of CGA through the MRA with ACCA?

Also, how do I access the online course in Canadian tax and law after paying for it? Are the quizzes for this online course difficult?

Hope to hear from you soon.

Thanks!
Kyle

@shahmir101 said:
Since this is the only recent conversation I could find about MRA between CPA and ACCA , I wanted to make sure everyone knows about this MRA expired last year but it was continued until an unspecified date. Upon contacting CPA I was told that there is a good chance of it expiring within the next 2-3 years (I am currently in Canada). So if anyone is planning to convert into CGA CPA from ACCA I highly suggest you do so quickly. Unfortunately, I might not be able to take advantage of this agreement as I just recently started ACCA (which I practically wasted a whole year since ACCA isn’t so recognized in CA, and now that the MRA might expire it’s not the best thing to do), so if anyone has questions regarding Canada and ACCA and CPA etc. Let me know I’ll try my best to help!

Hi Shamir,

I’m trying to do the same. I am one exam away and almost have my experience met but I’m worried the MRA would cancel before I get everything sorted.

From what you heard from them did it sound like the next 6 months or so are safe? 2-3 years is not bad but I don’t know how sure or accurate they were with that information. Who did you contact?

Let me know what you think

@shahmir101 said:
Hey! Honestly, I think you should be fine I personally don’t think they it will expire within the next 6 months or so but then again you cant really be sure. No one really knows whats going to happen to the MRA, I have been trying to contact both ACCA and CPA its still very vague and unclear on whats going to happen and when it’s going to happen. I asked one of the CPA representatives about this MRA and she said it might happen within the next few years. I can forward you the response she sent me regarding this just send me a reply back on my email shahmirzafar101@gmail.com.
Hope that helps!

Sent you email! Thanks

@kylerlu I do not quite understand where you are going. Whether you pass first time or after several attempts does not matter. The aim of the online modules is to ensure you have familiarised yourself with Canadian Tax and Law. Not certain why you would want to do it again.

Ah..in that case, from my understanding you can’t fail. You have the option to retake. It isn’t a timed test (from what I recall) and it isn’t difficult in the least.

Hi Alkemist

i am an ACCA member and recently submitted all my documents including the certificate of passing the law and tax and application. however its already been more than a week i havent heard anything from CPA-Canada. could you please tell me usually how long it took for them to respond you while applying and then for issuing you the membership certificate.

your response will be highly appreciated.

BR