CPA PEP includes multiple examinations to test technical and enabling competencies, as defined by the CPA Canada Competency Map . CPA Canada sets all examination dates and marks all exams nationally.
- Core and elective modules: Each core and elective module culminates in an examination that must be passed to complete the module. You must complete Core 1 before starting Core 2 (unless completing them concurrently) and two elective modules before starting Capstone 1. Core and elective module examinations comprise objective format questions and short cases.
- Capstone 1 (integrative module): Capstone 1 includes presentations and team-based assignments, and culminates in an integrated business case that candidates present to a professional panel as part of a team. You will be tested on the Capstone 1 case on Day 1 of the CFE.
- Capstone 2 (Examination Preparation Module): There is no examination to pass for Capstone 2 since it is immediately before the national CFE.
- Common Final Examination (CFE): This three-day examination requires demonstrating the depth and breadth of your competency development in accordance with the CPA Canada Competency Map .
Exam registration is included when registering for a module. For more information, please read the Examinations FAQ below.
Exam locations
When registering for a CPA PEP module or exam rewrite, select a location within Atlantic Canada or Bermuda to write the exam:
- Bermuda
- Paget
- New Brunswick
- Fredericton
- Moncton (English and French)
- Moncton is the only exam centre with full French invigilator services.
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- St. John’s
- Nova Scotia
- Halifax
- Sydney
- Prince Edward Island
- Charlottetown
Exam locations may include convention centres, hotel conference centres, banquet halls, or post-secondary institutions. Specific locations and details are emailed out to all exam writers approximately three to four weeks before the exam date. Subject to availability, candidates can request changes to exam locations within Atlantic Canada after registration by emailing exams@cpaatlantic.ca at least three weeks before the exam.
If you are requesting an out of province writing centre, you must email exams@cpaatlantic.ca a minimum of six (6) weeks prior to the exam date. Out of province requests are not guaranteed.
Exam FAQs
How do I select the city in which I want to write my exam?
When you register for your module or exam in the CPA Portal, you will choose from the available exam cities. Only cities listed in the drop-down menu are available as exam centres.
Where do I find information about where my exam will be held in my city?
Information will be emailed out to all exam writers with specific details of the exam location in each city via email approximately three to four weeks prior to the scheduled exam date.
If I live outside of an exam centre, do I have to travel to write my exam? Can I complete my exam if I am outside of Canada?
Yes, all writers are required to attend their exam at their approved exam location in Canada. Accommodation is not made for candidates to write outside of Canada.
I have been granted an exam rewrite. When do I have to take it?
If you were unsuccessful on your first attempt at an exam, you have the option to
- re-write the exam portion only, or
participate in the full module for your second attempt.
You can register for a re-write exam during the registration period for any session. If you choose to re-write the exam or retake the full module on your second attempt, you will still be eligible to register for a re-write exam on your third and final attempt. However, you are limited to a maximum of three attempts in total, regardless of the option you choose.
Can I request an accommodation for my exam?
You can apply for a one-time accommodation or an ongoing accommodation depending on your situation. Review the information regarding the exam accommodation process, including the forms required for submission at https://www.cpacanada.ca/become-a-cpa/accessibility-accommodation-requests
If you request an exam accommodation, you will need to submit the appropriate supporting documentation completed by the appropriate professional(s) and returned at least ten (10) weeks before the scheduled exam date. We encourage you to provide any additional documentation, such as a psychoeducational assessment, that will assist with supporting the request.
Please email cpaaccommodations@cpaatlantic.ca with your request.
What are the exam rules?
CPA Canada has strict exam rules. You must review the exam rules and regulations before each exam, as this information is updated regularly. Review exam information.
What am I allowed to bring to the exam centre?
Please review all exam regulations, including allowable and prohibited items. Any prohibited items brought into the exam centre will be confiscated. The CPA profession has intentionally set very strict exam regulations for CPA exams. These regulations intend to maintain the structure of the CPA exam process and the confidentiality of the CPA exam questions. All exam regulations must be followed at all times, before, during, and after the examination. You must be familiar with the regulations before arriving at your exam centre.
What software will be used to write in-person exams?
You will receive a laptop pre-loaded with the Surpass (SecureClient) software at the exam centre to write your exam. The laptop is locked down to restrict access to everything other than the exam software and CPA profession-provided reference materials. Within the software, you will have access to a word processor and spreadsheet software to capture your responses. The word processor and spreadsheet software may not have the full functionality of Microsoft Word and Excel. Learn more about the examination software.