Career Pathway Canada

How to become an accountant (CPA) in BC

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) · British Columbia

Keep track of a company's money and check its books. You need a degree, an accounting program, work experience and a final exam.

How long
6–7 Years (4-yr degree + 2–3 yrs PEP & experience)
Cost
Not published
Who licenses it
CPABC

THE ROUTE

The route at a glance

STEP 1

Bachelor’s Degree & 14 CPA Prerequisite Courses

120-credit degree with 14 CPA prerequisites

STEP 2

CPA PEP: Core Modules 1 & 2 + 2 Electives

Complete CPA PEP Core 1, 2 & 2 Electives

STEP 3

CPA PEP: Capstone 1 & Capstone 2

Pass Capstone 1 presentation & Capstone 2 prep

STEP 4

30 Months Practical Experience Requirement (PERT)

Complete 30 months of mentored experience

JOB

Common Final Examination (CFE)

Write & pass 3-day national CFE exam

This is the overview. For the courses to take, the entry rules, the exams and the schools, open the full route.

See the full route, step by step →

THE JOB

What the job is like

Pay and outlook from WorkBC.

Pay
$25.64 – $66.11 / hr$40 median
Job outlook
11,630 forecasted job openings (2025–2035) · 2025–2035
Where the work is
Mainland/Southwest, Vancouver Island/Coast, Thompson-Okanagan
What a day looks like

Work takes place in accounting firm offices, corporate headquarters, and hybrid home office setups.

Watch out for

Be mindful of extended hours and deadline stress during annual tax filing and quarterly corporate audit seasons and follow all required safety procedures.

Where it can lead

Lead an audit or tax practice delivering advisory and audit services to commercial clients.

Direct corporate capital allocation, treasury management, and corporate financial reporting.

JOBS

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