Print this page       Adjust text size

Applying for Registration

You must apply to be registered in public accounting if you wish to perform one or more of the following services to a third party (as a sole proprietor or partner in a firm): 

  • Assurance Engagements (Audit & Review)
  • Non-Assurance Engagements (Compilation / Notice to Reader)
  • Specified Auditing Procedures Engagements
  • Accounting Services (defined as summarization, analysis, advice, counsel or interpretation of)
  • Forensic Accounting, Financial Investigation or Financial Litigation support services
  • Advice, counsel or interpretation with respect to taxation matters
  • Personal or Corporate Tax Return Preparation 
  • Other Statutory filings

To determine what type of registration is required (and if need be), in order for us to assess your work experience, course requirements, etc, we ask that you complete the Application Form - Registering in Public Accounting and submit to our office by scan/email or fax. Once we have had an opportunity to review, we will contact you with regards to next steps in the process. Please allow 30 days to process your application.

Remember that your application and registration must be approved by CGA Alberta BEFORE you can advertise, offer or conduct an aspect of public accounting, as defined by the Regulated Accounting Profession Act, section 46(1). CGA Members conducting an aspect of a public accounting practice must adhere to National Public Practice Entrance and Continuance Standards and be registered to offer full or a limited list of services. Requirements must be met at the time of registration.

Prior to the approval of registration, you may have to attend the following course requirements within the last 2 years:

and within the last 5 years, you may have to have passed or have taken:

  • TX2 (Advanced Personal & Corporate Taxation, TAXATION2)
  • AU2 (Advanced External Auditing)

Requests for course exemptions must be accompanied with support documentation, and will be determined by the Association after application has been assessed.

Registrants offering full accounting services are also required to show proof of their own subscription to the following:

Applicants must adhere to R510 Name of Firm of the Code of Ethical Principles and Rules of Conduct  and if offering assurance services, members must develop and maintain a personalized Quality Control Manual (GSF-QC).

Without the required hours of practical experience, you may need to Engage a Mentor as a condition of your registration (a list of approved mentors will be provided). Prior to the approval of your registration, the Registration Form confirming your firm's new profile and request for payment will be sent to you. Securing the required Professional Liability Insurance is the final step in the process.

  • Students enrolled in the CGA Program of Professional Studies may register to offer services as a Professional Service Provider
  • Sub-Contractors with only 1 client (who are acting as an employee) are not required to register in public accounting
  • Registrants must notify the Association of any changes to the firm's registration (i.e. Dissolving or Deleting your firm, or registration of a New CGA Partner Application Form or New CA or CMA Partner Application Form )