Leslie Massey
CPA Australia is a globally recognised accounting body that offers its members world-renowned status and access to a network of industry experts. The CPA program combines education and practical experience to deliver relevant content that gives applicants an understanding of the issues that organisations face. To become a CPA, you must hold a degree that is assessed by CPA Australia as comparable to an Australian bachelor's degree or at least eight standard units of an Australian postgraduate degree. You can apply for the CPA program using an online application tool, which will give you a provisional outcome. However, you will need to submit your application for verification by the assessment team.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| CPA Status | World-renowned status and access to a network of industry experts |
| CPA Programme | Combines education and practical experience to deliver internationally-relevant content |
| Number of Subjects | 4 compulsory and 2 elective |
| Membership | Annual fees; Associate members pay a discounted rate |
| Application Process | Online tool; saved as you go; application fee |
| Eligibility | Completion of degree or 5+ years of significant work experience |
| Exemptions | Available based on experience or existing qualifications |
| Verification | Official outcome emailed within 15 business days |
| Recognition | Ceremonies to acknowledge achievements |
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What You'll Learn
CPA Australia membership pathways and fees
To become a member of CPA Australia, you must complete an online membership application, where you will be asked about your prior study. You will also be prompted to upload digital copies of your original documents. Membership fees are annual and must be paid for your application to be completed.
There are flexible pathways to becoming a CPA. Depending on your background, your pathway may include foundation exams, the CPA Program subjects, and an experience component. CPA Australia has affiliations with several leading global professional bodies, meaning that if you are a member or have studied with a recognised body, you may be eligible to apply for equivalent CPA Australia membership or exemptions from the CPA Program. CPA Australia is one of the world's largest and most respected accounting bodies, with over 170,000 members working in more than 100 countries and regions.
If you are already a member of CPA Australia, you can renew your membership online. Membership renewal fees are due by 1 February 2025 to avoid a late fee. If you do not renew your membership by 30 April 2025, it will lapse and be forfeited. CPA Australia accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, and Union Pay. PayPal is also accepted for membership renewal payments.
Membership fee reductions are granted at the discretion of CPA Australia on a case-by-case basis. To be considered for a reduction, you must complete an online form providing information about your individual circumstances and ability to fund your membership renewal. Retired members can also maintain their membership at a discounted rate.
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Eligibility requirements and exemptions
To be eligible to become a CPA in Australia, you must hold a degree that is equivalent to an Australian bachelor's degree or a postgraduate degree with a minimum of eight subjects. Your degree can be in any discipline, but it must be assessed as comparable to an Australian bachelor's degree level. If you have completed a degree that is not accredited with CPA Australia, your study history will still be assessed during the application process for any potential exemptions.
The CPA Program combines both education and practical experience, requiring the successful completion of four compulsory subjects and two elective subjects. Each subject is delivered over a single semester, with an exam at the end. There are core competency requirements that you'll need to have covered before commencing the program. These can be checked against your prior studies, and if you studied at an accredited institution, you can search for your degree on the accredited course search.
If you have significant work experience, you may be able to apply for exemptions based on your experience. Exemptions may also be granted based on studies that are equivalent in content and depth, except for Global Strategy and Leadership. You can also gain recognition of prior work experience toward the practical experience requirement.
CPA Australia offers flexible pathways to becoming a CPA, and depending on your background, your pathway may include foundation exams, the CPA Program subjects, and an experience component. If you are a member of a recognised professional body, you may be eligible to apply for CPA Program exemptions or reciprocal membership.
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CPA Program subjects
The CPA Program combines education and practical experience to deliver current and internationally relevant content. It requires the completion of four compulsory subjects and two electives, with each subject delivered over a single semester and an exam at the end.
The four compulsory subjects are:
- Australia Taxation or Australia Taxation - Advanced, or a local variant available in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and New Zealand.
- Advanced Audit and Assurance, which is required if you haven't completed recognised studies in audit and this is a compulsory subject in your program.
You can choose two electives from a list of subjects. These include:
- Contemporary issues in business, which highlights the challenges and opportunities for the accounting profession in the contemporary business environment.
- Financial risk management, which equips you with the skills to assess and manage financial risks.
If you've already completed recognised studies in tax and auditing, you can choose any elective subjects.
There are various pathways to becoming a CPA, including exemptions for CPA Program subjects based on prior studies or experience. For example, if you have significant work experience, you may be eligible for exemptions. Similarly, if you have a designation with another accounting body, you may be eligible for exemptions to some or all of the CPA Program subjects.
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Application process and outcome
To apply for the CPA program, you must follow an online application tool. You will need to be logged in to a CPA Australia account to do this. Application fees apply to all applicants, and membership fees are annual and non-refundable.
The CPA Program has several pathways to completion, including an Experience-Based Pathway, which you can learn more about on the CPA Australia website. If you have significant work experience, you may be able to apply for exemptions based on this experience. If your degree did not cover all the core competency requirements, you can cover these gaps by completing Foundation exams. You can check which competency requirements you have already covered in your prior studies. If your degree is not accredited by CPA Australia, your study history will still be assessed for any potential exemptions.
Upon completion of your application, you will be sent an email with your official outcome and information on next steps. This takes up to 15 business days. You will receive advice regarding your own personal outcome and the next steps you will need to take.
Once you have passed your final exam or met your last requirement, your profile will be reviewed for quality assurance, and you will be notified of your CPA status via email. This can take a couple of weeks. If you are eligible for CPA status but have not received notification within a month, you should contact CPA Australia.
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CPA status and benefits
CPA status is internationally recognised, and comes with the prestige of a brand that has a strong legacy, international presence, and thought leadership. The CPA program is not just about numbers, but also about teaching the skills to help you reach the next level in leadership strategy and business.
CPAs have access to a network of over 160,000 members worldwide, as well as world-class education resources, and continuing professional development. The CPA Australia network also provides career guidance tools, international career pathways, and flexible study options. CPA Australia also holds strong relationships with high-profile companies, including over 400 recognised employer partners around the world. Members in designated locations receive access to partner deals, special offers, and discounts.
To become a CPA, you must hold a degree that is assessed by CPA Australia as comparable to the Australian bachelor's degree level or at least 8 standard units of the Australian postgraduate degree level. You may be eligible for exemptions based on your prior experience or the subjects you studied in your degree. You can check your degree status by logging into My CPA Program. Most members need to complete six CPA Program subjects, comprising four core subjects and two electives. You must also submit a claims application that provides details of 36 months of experience and 10 skills, signed off by a CPA, FCPA, or equivalent member of an International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) member body.
You will need to create a CPA Australia account before you can apply. There are application fees, and annual membership fees that apply to those who may be eligible to become an Associate member of CPA.
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Frequently asked questions
To apply for the CPA Program in Australia, you must hold a degree that is assessed by CPA Australia as comparable to the Australian bachelor's degree level or at least 8 standard units of the Australian postgraduate degree level. You must also meet the key competency requirements.
Being a CPA in Australia gives you world-renowned status and access to a network of knowledge and industry experts. The CPA designation is internationally recognised, and CPA Australia holds strong relationships with high-profile companies, including over 400 recognised employer partners worldwide.
You can apply for the CPA Program in Australia by using the online application tool on the CPA Australia website. You will need to create a CPA Australia account before you can apply, and application fees apply to all membership applicants.
Yes, there are several pathways to becoming a CPA in Australia, and you may be eligible for exemptions based on prior studies, work experience, or membership with another accounting body.
