Requirements

Find out if you can transfer any credits

If you take business and accounting courses at a post-secondary institution, you may be able to transfer some of those credits. Better yet, if you earn your accounting degree from an Accredited Institution, you’ll be able to claim even more of them. Whatever your background, rest assured that you’ll enter the program at a level consistent with your educational experience. After all, studying what you already know is not an efficient way to learn.

After you graduate from post-secondary school, fill out the Application for Transfer Credits and send it off with a sealed transcript and resume. You’ll then receive a report confirming which of your course credits have been accepted. In the meantime, you can check out the downloads and links to get an idea of what credits you’ll be able to move over.

Application for Transfer Credits
List of Accredited Institutions
University Transfer Credits
College Transfer Credits

Complete the academic requirements

The CGA program of professional studies consists of three academic components, including 19 courses in total. You must complete these requirements before you can earn the designation.

FOUNDATION & ADVANCED STUDIES
Though these challenging courses are mandatory, the good news is that transfer credits can reduce the number you have to take.

ELECTIVE COURSES
Refine your career path by choosing two elective courses. With 14 specialties to choose from, you’re sure to find one that’s right for you. Be it public practice, government, non-profit, information technology, corporate and small-medium enterprises, to name a few.

CERTIFICATION COURSES
To finish off the academic requirements, you must complete both Issues in Professional Practice and Strategic Financial Management. Soon you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding life as a CGA.

Course List

Meet the employment experience requirement

CGA Ontario knows that becoming a well-rounded professional requires the right balance of professional experience and conceptual knowledge. That’s why all aspiring CGAs must have at least three years of full-time work experience under their belt. This must include intermediate or senior level positions within the accounting or finance sector. Before granting you the designation, CGA Ontario will assess your work experience to ensure it fits within these requirements.

If you have any concerns about your work experience, the Work Experience Requirements PDF should answer most of your questions.

Work Experience Requirements

Meet the degree requirement
Before you can receive the CGA designation, you need a degree from a recognized university. If you already have one, great. If not, you have the option to complete a degree at the same time as your designation. To help you along, CGA Ontario has teamed up with Laurentian University to provide a part-time, distance-learning program specially designed for aspiring CGAs. Whether you choose to get your degree through CGA Ontario at Laurentian, or at a post-secondary institution of your choice, it’s up to you. Just remember that although you don’t need a degree to be accepted into the program, you do need one to be certified as a CGA.