• Become A CGA
  • Get Started
    • Admission Requirements
      • Transfer Credit Schedule
    • General Education Fees
    • How to Apply and Enroll
      • Important Dates & Schedules
        • Course Schedule
          • Online Course Schedule
          • NAIT/SAIT Classroom Partner Schedule
          • Laurentian University Classroom Partner Schedule
        • Assignment Schedule
        • Quiz Schedules
        • Exam Schedule
        • Exam Locations
        • Exam Centres
    • Program at a Glance
    • Your Investment
  • Fast Track to CGA
  • Degree Opportunities
    • Athabasca University MBA
    • Laurentian University MBA
    • NAIT/SAIT Partner Students
    • University of Alberta MBA
    • University of Calgary MBA
    • Other Degree Opportunities
  • Transfer Credit Schedules
  • Student Ambassadors
    • Grant MacEwan University
    • Mount Royal University
    • NAIT
    • SAIT
    • University of Alberta
    • University of Calgary
    • University of Lethbridge
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Transcript Evaluations
    • Foreign Students
    • Academic Requirements
    • New Student Enrollment
    • Practical Experience
  • Request More Information

Become A CGA

To be successful in today's marketplace, you need a designation. But which accounting designation is right for you?

If you want a designation that's flexible, portable and in demand, consider becoming a Certified General Accountant (CGA).

Why the CGA designation?

A CGA designation equips you with knowledge in all facets of accounting and finance, making you that much more valuable to an organization. You'll learn to analyze financial information, tackle complex management issues and implement corporate strategies.

In today's volatile business world, the demand for highly skilled financial professionals has never been higher. With 14 specialties to choose from, the CGA program of professional studies covers every industry - from the public sector, to government, to the corporate world. Have a knack for information technology? Looking to change the world at a not-for-profit? Want to make your mark in the government? As a CGA, you can.

In today's day and age, "general" is your most valuable commodity. As a CGA, you have the ability to work in any country, in any position, for any organization, or have the know-how and ability to start your own firm.

A career built around you

With the CGA program there's no need to choose between school and work. You can do both - the CGA program allows you to earn while you learn.

Put your skills to practice right away and get all the benefits of a full-time salary while learning part-time. Even as a student you can bring in a great salary - 75% of CGA students earn $70,000 a year or more. What's more, your learning supports your work and your work supports your learning, so you're sure to see the advantages right away, and not just in your bank account.

How to get the CGA designation?

The process is actually a very straight-forward one. So what are you waiting for?

1. Fill out a profile - it's free and provides you with some great benefits
2. Find out if you can transfer any credits - CGA Alberta can help you determine what credits you still need - it could be as little as just a year of additional studies.
3. Enroll in the program - Once you've sent in your transcripts and heard back from our staff, you can get enrolled.
4. Complete the academic requirements - The CGA designation requires you to complete:
   1. Foundation & Advanced Studies - Transfer credits can reduce the number of courses you need to take.
   2. Elective Courses - Refine your career path by choosing two electives. There are six to choose from.
   3. Certification Courses - You'll be well on your way to a rewarding life as a CGA once you complete Issues in Professional Practice and Strategic Financial Management.
5. Meet the employment experience requirement - All aspiring CGAs must have full-time work experience through which they develop their applied skills.
6. Meet the degree requirement - Before you can receive the CGA designation, you need a degree from a recognized college or university. Don't have one? You have the option to complete a degree at the same time as your designation.

CGA Alberta can also help you find a job

Once enrolled, you can take advantage of CGA Alberta's free job-board. Employers from across Canada advertise a full range of accounting and financial management positions on our online referral service. It's free and only available to students in the CGA program and CGAs.