Obtaining the CGA Designation

Access to the Certified General Accountant designation in Ontario

Certified General Accountants (CGAs) are highly skilled financial management professionals who analyze and interpret financial information; think creatively and solve complex problems; and plan, forecast and implement corporate strategies. The CGA designation is recognized throughout Canada and around the world as a pre-eminent standard of true excellence and professionalism in all aspects of finance and business management. In addition, CGAs belong to an elite group of professionals capable of applying current technologies to make sound business decisions, manage complex information, and provide effective organizational leadership.

CGAs are committed to continuing professional development and adhering to a highly-respected Code of Professional Conduct.

The Certified General Accountants of Ontario (CGA Ontario) represents more than 20,000 members and 8,000 students in Ontario . It is the self-governing provincial professional authority responsible for the accreditation, regulation and continuing professional development of CGAs in the Province of Ontario . It operates under the provisions of the Act respecting the Certified General Accountants Association of Ontario, the CGA Ontario By-Law, and the Code of Ethical Principles and Rules of Conduct.

CGA maintains rigorous standards of accreditation and professionalism in accounting to protect the public interest.

To use the designation “Certified General Accountant” or initials “CGA” or work as a Certified General Accountant in the province of Ontario , you must be a member in good standing of The Certified General Accountants of Ontario (CGA Ontario) and have been certified by CGA Ontario or a provincial / territorial affiliate of CGA-Canada.

The Certified General Accountants Association of Canada (CGA-Canada, also referred to in this Career Map as the Association) was incorporated by the House of Commons in 1913. Along with Canada 's provincial and territorial affiliates, CGA-Canada represents over 75,000 students and CGAs across Canada . It is an internationally-recognized full partner of the world's leading accounting standards organizations and conforms to the international guidelines of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) , delivering its program of professional studies to accounting students around the world.

In addition to members and students across Canada, there are currently more than 1,700 CGAs and 1,800 students outside Canada, including in the Caribbean since the 1970s, Macau since 1984, and Hong Kong and mainland China .

The CGA designation is distinct from other accounting designations such as Chartered Accountant (CA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA), which have different professional bodies, qualification requirements and areas of practice. For information on the CA and CMA bodies, contact them directly or refer to the Career Maps posted on the Government of Ontario website.

How to Obtain your CGA Designation in Ontario

To obtain the CGA designation in Ontario :

You must hold an undergraduate degree from any approved degree granting institution, in any field. If you do not have a university degree, CGA-Canada provides a number of opportunities to complete a degree concurrent with your CGA program of professional studies.
You must successfully complete – as verified by CGA Ontario's Education department – CGA-Canada's program of professional studies, which includes:
- independent, online study, including submission of assignments through the Internet
- write and pass national examinations
- concurrent professional experience – a minimum of 24 months of experience at the professional level is required, of which at least 12 months must be obtained in Canada
To be eligible to register with CGA Ontario, you have to:
- be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant
- be a permanent resident of Ontario
- be bondable (not have been found guilty of any criminal offences)
CGA Ontario's Student Services Department must present your name to the provincial board of governors at its next scheduled meeting for admission to membership. The formal admission to membership ceremony is held annually every fall.
Once admitted to membership, you become a registered member of both the national organization (CGA-Canada) and the local affiliate (CGA Ontario).

Recognition of Credentials Received in Another Canadian Province or Territory, or in Another Country

CGA’s exclusive national program gives you the portability of transferring your designation or studies from province to province. The CGA designation is recognized throughout Canada and around the world.