Program Information
The CGA Program is comprised of the Foundation Studies, Advanced Studies and the Professional Applications and Competence Evaluations (PACE) Level. The Foundation and Advanced Studies can be completed through CGA Alberta or by transfer credit, either in whole or in part. The PACE Level includes four national examinations that must be completed through CGA Alberta. Preparatory courses for the national exams can be taken through CGA Alberta or through partnership courses at NAIT and SAIT (excluding PA1 and PA2).
Foundation Studies
The Foundation Studies includes ten courses that form the basic knowledge of the accounting profession. Business Case 1 (BC1), completed at the end of the Foundation Studies, integrates the basic financial management concepts in a practical and professional manner.
Advanced Studies
The Advanced Studies includes five courses that build on the Foundation Studies to increase your specialized accounting knowledge. Business Case 2 (BC2) further enhances your knowledge and skills in Auditing.
Professional Studies (PACE)
The PACE Level allows you to focus your professional preparation in areas that support your career goals and interests. You may choose two of six different possible electives in designing your program. All examinations at the PACE Level are written through CGA Alberta ensuring that all students demonstrate the professional knowledge and competencies expected of a newly certified CGA.
FOUR EXAMINATIONS ARE REQUIRED AT THIS LEVEL: TWO PACE ELECTIVES IN ADDITION TO PA1 AND PA2.
Please Note: AU2 and MU1 cannot both be used for credit in the CGA Program.
Transfer Credit Schedules
You may be granted transfer credits for related courses you have taken at recognized universities, colleges or professional associations.
Regardless of your previous academic standing, you will be required to complete a minimum of four CGA Professional Admission Comprehensive Examinations (PACE). For students who enrolled in the 2005/2006 academic year or earlier, these four examinations include: FA4, PA1 and two PACE Level options. Current program requirements include PA1, PA2 and two PACE Level options. Preparation courses may be taken by online learning through CGA or in a classroom at NAIT or SAIT (excluding PA1 and PA2).
A Competency-Based Approach to Professional Education
A competency-based approach has been used in the CGA Program of Professional Studies since 1986. The principles of competency-based professional education are applied to the entire program of professional studies in an integrated approach through education, examinations and experience.
Competence is defined as being able to perform a work role to a defined standard with reference to real working environments. Statements of competence should specify the roles and tasks to be undertaken by professional accountants so the professional body can assess whether candidates have carried them out to the required standard. The maintenance of professional competence in the face of constant change makes it imperative that accountants adopt the concept of learning to learn.
The CGA Program of Professional Studies provides a foundation of knowledge, skills and professional values that enables CGA students to continue to learn and adapt to changes throughout their professional lives. This foundation of learning includes:
- professional expertise in accounting and related areas
- effective communication, management and leadership skills
- interpretive, judgmental and analytical skills
- use of the computer as a management and accounting tool
- management of change in the technologies, processes and structures of organizations
- use of information systems in decision making
- adherence to a set of professional values
- commitment to the concept of lifelong learning
These competencies are validated from time to time through an analysis of professional practice. Through the use of surveys, CGA members from various accounting/business-related occupations were asked to validate the importance and necessity of each competency. The results of the practice analysis have enabled the Association to develop a profile of competencies required of a newly certified CGA that extends over areas of technical knowledge, general management, leadership and professionalism.
