Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I am an internationally designated accountant how do I determine the steps necessary to become a CPA in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The process for becoming a Canadian CPA depends on your current credentials, education and work history, and the international accounting body of which you are a member, if any. Depending on these variables, there are different pathways to becoming a Canadian CPA, each with its own requirements:

a. If you are a member of an accounting body outside of Canada that has a Mutual
Recognition Agreement (MRA), a Reciprocal Membership Agreement (RMA) or a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CPA NL or with a legacy CA, CGA, or CMA
accounting body, please see the CPA NL website section Internationally Designated
Accountants for detailed instructions.

b. If you are not a member of an international accounting body with an MRA or RMA
with a CPA NL you should contact CPA Atlantic School of Business (CPA ASB) directly
at [email protected]. Your education and credentials will be individually assessed
by CPA ASB, and you will be provided with details on the steps you must take to gain
accreditation.
Can I start the application process while I’m living abroad?
Yes, individuals can start the application process before they arrive in Canada (with the exception of ACCA applicants who must apply to CPA BC if living outside Canada). Individuals must apply to the Canadian province where they intend to reside.
What other requirements do I have to meet?
If you are a member of an accounting body, you must demonstrate that you became a member through completion of the accounting body’s qualification process and not through a recognition agreement with another accountancy body, or some other equivalency process. You also must supply written verification from your accounting body that indicates:

- The designation you hold
- Your current membership status
- That you are a member in good standing
- The date you were admitted to the organization
- The academic requirements you completed
- The exams you took

Depending on the organization for which you are a member, there may be additional steps that you will need to take. For more information please see the CPA NL website section Internationally Designated Accountants for detailed instructions.
I have international education; how do I get the Canadian Third-Party Degree Assessment Report to apply to your programs?

Please view the recognized Canadian third party degree assessment companies that are accepted by CPA. We recommend World Education Services (WES) for degree assessments.
My accounting body does not have an agreement with CPA NL. What is my path to membership in CPA NL?
If you are not a member of an international accounting body with an MRA or RMA with a CPA NL you should contact CPA Atlantic School of Business (CPA ASB) directly at [email protected]. Your education and credentials will be individually assessed by CPA ASB, and you will be provided with details on the steps you must take to gain accreditation.
What credentials are required if I am not a member of a professional accounting body?
If you are a university-educated accountant but not a member of a professional accounting body, you should contact CPA Atlantic School of Business (CPA ASB) directly at [email protected]. Your education and credentials will be individually assessed for you and they will help you determine your path to the Canadian CPA designation.
Why do I have to register with a CPA NL and not CPA Canada?
Provincial CPA bodies are the qualifying and regulatory bodies for CPAs and CPA students/ candidates in their jurisdictions. To work as a CPA in Canada you must first be a member of a CPA provincial body. If you want to work in Newfoundland and Labrador as a Canadian CPA, then submit all your membership documentation and completed forms to CPA NL. Please see the CPA NL website section Internationally Designated Accountants for detailed instructions.
I have an accountancy designation from my home country – can I use that in Canada?
The laws of all provinces and territories prohibit the use of international accountancy designations in Canada. Once you are a Canadian CPA, however, your CPA designation is fully portable across Canada by applying for membership in the provincial or territorial CPA body in which you wish recognition. In Quebec, members also must meet provincial government French-language proficiency requirements.
How much is the application fee for International Designated Accountants?
The NON-REFUNDABLE application fee for Internationally Designated Accountants is $250 (Canadian).
How long will it take for my application to be processed?
Once the required documents are received by CPA NL, it may take up to 12 weeks to process an application.
What do I need to do to maintain my membership with CPANL?
To maintain your membership, you will be required to pay annual membership dues and meet the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for CPA NL. Please note membership does not provide you with a licence to offer public practice services. Please refer to the Application for Individual Licensure under Public Accounting Forms and the CPA NL By-Laws on the CPA NL website.
What are the CPANL mandatory CPD requirements?
CPA NL has adopted the International Federation of Accountants’ (IFAC) CPD standards. Members will be required to report CPD activities annually to CPANL. If you satisfy the CPD of your accounting body CPA NL will recognize this as meeting its CPD requirements.
What are the language requirements for my documents?
All documents must be in English. You are responsible for having your documents officially translated, if necessary, by a certified translator.