FAQS Become a CGA
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1.What are the job prospects for accountants?
The job prospects are great for people with the CGA designation, as the demand is very strong for individuals with accounting and finance experience and knowledge. There is currently more demand than there are people to fill positions.
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2.What is the salary range for CGAs?
CGAs are in the top 5% of income earners in Canada. salaries vary between regions, industries and positions but with a CGA designation, your income potential is unlimited.
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3.What is the nature of work for CGAs?
As a student in the CGA program, the education covers all areas of accounting and financial management which allows for many options and career choices. CGAs enjoy a broad range of career opportunities in government, public practice, industry/commerce, or non-profit.
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4.What type of jobs do CGAs hold?
Positions will range from accounting, management, taxation, auditing, finance, information systems, business consulting, and so on. CGAs hold such prominent positions as Senior Auditor, Vice President – Finance, Partner, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Tax Specialist, Financial Crime Analyst, Information Systems Manager, Chief Information System Auditor, Corporate Controller, Director-EDP Audit, Executive Director, Vice President – International Trade, Senior Management Advisor, Vice President – Global Operations, Professor, Senior Systems Analyst, Chief Executive Officer, and the list goes on.
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5.How long does the CGA program take?
The CGA program can range from 2-7 years of part-time studies, depending on whether you have previously completed post-secondary courses in a business diploma or degree program.
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6.What basic skills do you need to start the program?
To begin the program a high school diploma is needed. Alternatively, you could attend an accredited post-secondary institution and then transfer credits into the CGA program for advanced standing. Regardless of whether you enter the program from high school or a post-secondary institution you need excellent math and communications skills to be successful. Once you are enrolled in the program you will need motivation and discipline to complete the courses.
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7.Do I need to have a bachelors degree to start the CGA program?
CGA has a degree requirement for the designation, however you do not need a bachelors degree to enter the CGA program. CGA offers integrative degree opportunities for those students entering without a degree whereby you can earn a degree while working towards the designation. The degree requirement is an exit requirement, not an entrance requirement.
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8.I have a 3-year bachelors degree, is this ok?
The minimum of a bachelors degree is required from an approved post-secondary institution to meet the CGA degree requirement. This degree could be a 3 or 4 year degree.
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9.What type of bachelors degree will meet the degree requirement (i.e. does it have to be a business degree)?
As long as the degree is from a recognized post-secondary degree granting institution it will satisfy the degree requirement. It can be in any field.
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10.I graduated over 10 years ago will my education still qualify for transfer credit?
This will depend on many variables - marks in required courses, length of time since courses were taken, work experience, etc. It is best to forward your resume in conjunction with transcripts for a complete evaluation.
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11.I’ve been working in the accounting field for 12 years can I be exempted from any courses?
CGA is not able to grant academic credit based solely on practical experience. Experience may be considered in a case where course work is old (i.e. greater than 10 years).
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12.What is advanced standing?
Advanced standing is granted to applicants who have completed equivalent course work from accredited post-secondary institutions prior to entering the CGA program of professional studies. To determine if you are eligible for advanced standing you must apply for an evaluation of your academic transcripts before transfer credits are granted. You can do this through your regional CGA office.
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13.I just arrived in Canada, how do I apply for an assessment of my qualification?
You may apply for advanced standing through your regional CGA office. You will need to submit original documents and official English translations from your previous education for a complete assessment.
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14.What is the difference between a CGA, CMA, and CA?
The Canadian accounting profession consists of three distinct groups, the Certified General Accountants Association (CGA), the Institute of Chartered Accountants (CA) and the Society of Certified Management Accountants (CMA). CAs are required to achieve their practical training with public accounting firms, while CMAs train in a cost or management accounting environment. CGAs receive the breadth and depth of training to excel in careers throughout the profession - in public accounting, management accounting, and financial management.
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15.Can I register in the CGA program of professional studies if I am not a Canadian citizen?
Individuals in Canada on student or work visas may be eligible to enroll in the CGA program of studies. Please contact your regional CGA Association office for the details applicable in your area.
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16.Does the CGA program have a comprehensive final exam?
Yes. In the final level (PACE level) of the CGA Program of Professional Studies, there are two elective exams and two integrative comprehensive exams. These four PACE course/examinations establish CGA's national certification standard by examining students on the core competencies of the accounting profession. The two integrative comprehensive exams include: Issues in Professional Practice (PA1) and Strategic Financial Management (PA2). These two examinations require students to integrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their studies and to demonstrate their ability to effectively apply them in professional situations. These competencies are examined through case analysis and multiple choice questions where the student takes on both the role of the external accountant providing business advisory services to clients (in PA1) and as the internal accountant responsible for an organizations financial management (in PA2).
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17.Can I take a course from level 2 before I finish level 1 courses or from level 3 before finishing level 1 or level 2 courses?
Yes, provided you have successfully completed all the necessary prerequisites for the course you are wishing to enroll in.
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