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Course Delivery
The CGA Program is designed to offer individuals the opportunity to study part-time while working full-time and advancing their career. The program offers four sessions annually:
Fall: Sept. - Nov.
Winter: Dec. - Feb.
Spring: Mar. - May
Summer: Jun. - Aug.
The Association recommends that students take only one online course per session while they are working full-time. Students will need commitment, self-discipline and organizational skills in order to succeed at this program. Please anticipate devoting a minimum of 20 hours per week to studies.
CGA offers two methods to complete courses:
Online Learning:
Blackboard Online Learning Environment (OLE)
As of September 2008, all CGA courses are delivered using the Blackboard Online Learning Environment. The course delivery platform offers students a more efficient and effective learning experience. Be sure to become familiar with and take advantage of the new learning resources - including mini tutorials, automated course updates, and comprehensive course reviews. Students can customize the Blackboard interface and use the built-in tools to effectively organize student schedules for the academic year.
Online Lessons and Assignments
Each course that you take through CGA incorporates lessons and corresponding assignments, online discussions and quizzes. You will be required to complete assignments, online discussions or quizzes as a means to evaluate your progress. For Level 4 and PACE courses, the assignment marks are used to determine whether you qualify for the course's national examination. For each lesson, you will also be provided with a set of review questions and suggested solutions to assist you in further reinforcing the concepts and skills you have learned.
Study Resources for Examinations
In the foundation and Advanced study levels, three hour national examinations are written at the end of each course that you take.
At the PACE Level, the exams are four hours in length. You must achieve a minimum mark of 65% to receive credit for the course.
To assist in your examination preparation, practice examination and suggested solutions are provided with course materials. You also have access to previous CGA exams and solutions through the CGA website. Students registered in a CGA national exam will also gain access to online audio review sessions.
Classroom Learning:
Courses may be completed at a post-secondary institution for transfer credit. This option is for students who learn more effectively in a classroom environment. PACE courses can be taken through our partnership with NAIT and SAIT (link to student tab\NAITSAIT Partner Students. Please refer to the Transfer Credit Schedule for a complete listing of courses CGA Alberta will accept for transfer credit from Alberta post-secondary institutions. CGA students taking the Level 1 - 4 courses at a post-secondary institution may update their CGA records through My CGA Profile.
PACE level
Students who learn more effectively in a classroom environment may complete courses for transfer credit through several post-secondary institutions and through our partnership with NAIT and SAIT.
Using CGA course material, partner courses at NAIT and SAIT prepare you to succeed in the CGA Program. This is an excellent route to the CGA designation if you prefer this learning style. Learn more about the NAIT and SAIT partnership here.