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Enrol in the CGA Program

Are you ready to become a certified general accountant? Below you’ll find all the necessary steps to enrol in the CGA program and begin working your way towards attaining the designation.

Step 1 of 4: Find out if you have any transfer credits

If you are taking or have taken business and accounting courses at a post-secondary institution you may be able to transfer some of those credits into the CGA program of professional studies.

Whatever your background, you’ll enter the program at a level consistent with your educational experience. After you graduate from a post-secondary institution, fill out the Application for Transfer Credits form. Mail your Application for Transfer Credits form, a sealed copy of your transcript and your resume to:

Attn: Student Services
Certified General Accountants of Ontario
240 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, ON 
M4P 1K8

What you’ll need:

• Application for Transfer Credits

• Accredited Programs

• University Transfer Credits

• College Transfer Credits

Step 2 of 4: Complete the academic requirements

The CGA program consists of three academic components, making up 19 courses and two case studies in total. The courses are divided into three groups:

Foundation and Advanced Studies
Though these challenging courses are mandatory, the good news is that your transfer credits can reduce the number of courses you’ll need to take.

Elective Courses
Refine your career path by choosing two elective courses.

Certification Courses
To finish the CGA program’s academic requirements, you must complete Issues in Professional Practice (PA1) and one of Strategic Financial Management (PA2) or Applications in Public Practice (AP1) if you are pursuing the Public Licensing path.

Click here to download the complete program syllabus.

You must complete all of the academic requirements before earning the designation.

Step 3 of 4: Meet the professional experience requirement

All aspiring CGAs must have full-time professional experience through which they develop their applied skills.

Before granting you the CGA designation, CGA Ontario will assess your employment experience to ensure it meets all the necessary requirements.

Have some questions?
Click here for our Professional Experience Requirement FAQs.

Step 4 of 4: Meet the degree requirement

Before you can receive the CGA designation, you must hold a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution. If you don’t have a degree when you enter the CGA program, you can complete your degree and the CGA program concurrently. CGA Ontario has teamed up with Laurentian University to provide a part-time, distance-learning program specifically designed for aspiring CGAs.

Forms

Application for Transfer Credits	Application for Enrolment	Application for Former Student
If you are a first time registrant in the CGA program, use this form.	If you are a first time registrant in the CGA program, use this form.	If you have previously been registered as a student and have not had any activity in at least one academic year, use this form.
Accredited Program Enrolment Form	Public Accounting Enrolment Form
If you are a graduate of an accredited program, use this form.	If you are a graduate of a licensing program, please complete this form.

Ready to become a CGA?
Have more questions? Click here to contact us.