1. Overview of the CPA Certification Path



WelcomeThis student handbook is the definitive resource for all eligibility, registration, and program details related to the CPA Prerequisite Education Program (CPA PREP) as offered by CPA Atlantic School of Business for students in Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Bermuda. It offers a thorough and complete overview of what you will need for success throughout your CPA PREP studies.Please note that policies contained within this document are focused primarily on the CPA Prerequisite Education Program (CPA PREP) and are in effect for a limited time. In the near future, the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) will also be introduced in Atlantic Canada and Bermuda resulting in the handbook being updated to reflect the addition of the CPA PEP program details. Prices, locations, and dates are subject to change, so please ensure you are reviewing the current version of the document. If you have questions, please contact the person in our office who can best address your concern(s), as listed below: General office number: (902) 429-4442 Program information for prospective students:Newfoundland and Labrador, and other provinces/countries not listed):Courtney Barnhill, cbarnhill@cpaatlantic.ca, 709-753-7566New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island:Annie Martin, amartin@cpaatlantic.ca, 506-830-3300Nova Scotia and Bermuda: Meghan Cadue, mcadue@cpaatlantic.ca, 902-334-1174Admissions and registration information:Theresa Theriault, ttheriault@cpaatlantic.ca, 902-334-1173Program information for registered students: Leslie Murphy, lmurphy@cpaatlantic.ca, 902-334-1172Table of ContentsContents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u 1. Overview of the CPA Certification Path PAGEREF _Toc389660512 \h 32. Overview of the CPA PREP PAGEREF _Toc389660513 \h 43. Description of CPA PREP Modules PAGEREF _Toc389660514 \h 54. Program Policies PAGEREF _Toc389660515 \h 115.Prerequisite Courses (Modules 1-4) PAGEREF _Toc389660516 \h 206.CPA PREP Module Materials PAGEREF _Toc389660517 \h 227.CPA PREP – Technology: Learning Websites and Technical Requirements PAGEREF _Toc389660518 \h 248.CPA PREP – Fee Schedule PAGEREF _Toc389660518 \h 241. Overview of the CPA Certification PathThe CPA designation is the pre-eminent, internationally recognized Canadian accounting and business credential that best protects and serves the public interest. The new CPA certification path builds on the best of existing education programs and creates a challenging and rigorous certification process that meets the needs of large and small organizations in business, public practice, not-for-profit and government.Elements of the CPA Certification Path:The nationally developed, regionally delivered CPA certification path consists of:A university degree in any disciplineSubject area coverage, taken through approved university courses or the CPA Prerequisite Education Program (CPA PREP)Graduate-level CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) Relevant practical work experienceA common final examination.A university degree and prerequisite subject area coverage is required before starting the CPA Professional Education Program. Specific courses will vary by post-secondary institution, but candidates will be required to have coverage in the areas of: Financial AccountingManagement AccountingEconomicsStatisticsFinanceAudit and AssuranceCanadian TaxStrategy and GovernanceCanadian Business LawInformation SystemsThe subject area coverage can be met through approved university courses or the CPA Prerequisite Education Program (CPA PREP). For more information on whether your courses are transferrable, please contact your local program administrator or view the CPA Prerequisite Equivalency Chart.2. Overview of the CPA PREP CPA Prerequisite Education Program (CPA PREP) is an intensive accelerated bridging program designed for those who have a university degree and lack some or all of the necessary prerequisite courses required for admission to the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP). Delivered on a part-time basis to offer students maximum flexibility and accessibility, CPA PREP uses a blend of online learning, self-study and webinar learning. A modularized program, students complete only those modules they require.The only academic prerequisite for admission to the CPA PREP program will be a university degree from a recognized post-secondary institution. The degree may be in any discipline.The specific subject matter areas covered in each of the modules have been developed to meet the prerequisite requirements defined in the CPA Competency Map and related CPA Competency Map Knowledge Supplement.3. Description of CPA PREP ModulesModule 1: Introductory Financial Accounting An overview of the nature and purpose of accounting is provided, covering: basic financial analysis; financial statements; the accounting cycle; accounting for cash; receivables; inventories; capital assets; short- and long-term liabilities; bonds and investments.Study time: Depends on the student’s comfort level with the material; 10 - 20 hours per week is typical. Students will likely require more study time when advanced materials/concepts are covered.Length/format: self-study; average time to completion is 12 weeksFrequency: Students may register and begin at anytimePrerequisite: University degree in any disciplineEvaluation: Final exam with passing grade of 60%Testing location: Arrange with CPA Atlantic School of BusinessPlease note that Module 1 will be launched by CPA in September 2014. A CMA equivalency course for Module 1 will be offered until it is available.Module 2: Introductory Management AccountingThis module covers: cost-volume-profit relationships; job-order and process costing; activity-based and direct and absorption costing. Budgeting for standard costs, such as material usage, labour, overhead, is also featured. Study time: Depends on the student’s comfort level with the material; 10 - 20 hours per week is typical. Students will likely require more study time when advanced materials/concepts are covered.Length/format: self-study; average time to completion is 12 weeks Frequency: Students may register and begin at anytimePrerequisite: University degree in any discipline and Module 1 (or equivalent)Evaluation: Final exam with passing grade of 60%Testing location: Arrange with CPA Atlantic School of BusinessPlease note that Module 2 will be launched by CPA in September 2014. A CMA equivalency course for Module 2 will be offered until it is available.Module 3: EconomicsBasic microeconomic principles, such as supply and demand, pricing and resource use are covered, as well as macroeconomic principles such as unemployment determinants, inflation, interest rates, GDP and fiscal and monetary policy.Study time: Depends on the student’s comfort level with the material; 10 - 20 hours per week is typical. Students will likely require more study time when advanced materials/concepts are covered.Length/format: self-study; average time to completion is 12 weeks Frequency: Students may register and begin at anytimePrerequisite: University degree in any disciplineEvaluation: Final exam with passing grade of 60%Testing location: Arrange with CPA Atlantic School of BusinessPlease note that Module 3 will be launched by CPA in September 2014. A CMA equivalency course for Module 3 will be offered until it is available.Module 4: StatisticsThe focus is on statistical principles used in business, including: probability and decision theory; statistical sampling; hypothesis testing; simple and multiple linear regression and forecasting.Study time: Depends on the student’s comfort level with the material; 10 - 20 hours per week is typical. Students will likely require more study time when advanced materials/concepts are covered.Length/format: self-study; average time to completion is 12 weeksFrequency: Students may register and begin at anytimePrerequisite: University degree in any disciplineEvaluation: Final exam with passing grade of 60%Testing location: Arrange with CPA Atlantic School of BusinessPlease note that Module 4 will be launched by CPA in September 2014. A CMA equivalency course for Module 4 will be offered until it is available.Module 5: Intermediate and Advanced Financial AccountingAs wide-ranging as it is intensive, this module covers everything from measuring and reporting on financial information to financial statement analysis. Topics include: cash; receivables; inventories; capital and intangible assets; investments; short and long-term liabilities; shareholders’ equity; earnings per share; revenue recognition; note disclosures; accounting for income taxes; pensions; leases; consolidations; foreign currency; not-for-profit and public sector accounting.The module includes streaming lectures/videos, practice problems, weekly lecture notes, instructor support, a weekly tutorial by webinar, and a practice/sample exam. Study time: Depends on the student’s comfort level with the material; 15 - 25 hours per week is typical. Students will likely require more study time when advanced materials/concepts are covered.Length/format: 12 weeks + testingFrequency: Offered twice per yearPrerequisite: University degree in any discipline, plus modules 1-4 (or equivalent exemptions) Evaluation: Quizzes, mid-term exam, a project, final summative exam with passing grade of 60%.Testing locations: Halifax & Sydney (NS), Charlottetown (PEI), St. John’s and locations where MUN or CNA have campuses (NFLD), Moncton, Saint John, & Fredericton (NB), and Bermuda. Other centres may be arranged at additional cost and subject to approval. Module 6: Corporate FinanceSecurities valuations for stocks, bonds and options are covered, along with the time value of money, capital budgeting, investment decisions, weighted average cost of capital, optimal capital structure, working-capital management and dividend policies.The module includes: streaming lectures/videos; practice problems; weekly lecture notes; instructor support; a weekly tutorial by webinar and a practice/sample exam. Study time: Depends on the student’s comfort level with the material; 15 - 25 hours per week is typical. Students will likely require more study time when advanced materials/concepts are covered.Length/format: 4 weeks + testingFrequency: Offered twice per yearPrerequisite: University degree in any discipline, plus modules 1-4 (or equivalent exemptions)Evaluation: Quizzes, mid-term exam, final summative exam with passing grade of 60%Testing locations: Halifax & Sydney (NS), Charlottetown (PEI), St. John’s and locations where MUN or CNA have campuses (NFLD), Moncton, Saint John, & Fredericton (NB) and Bermuda. Other centres may be arranged at additional cost and subject to approval. Module 7: Audit and AssuranceExplored at length here are the nature and purpose of audit and assurance engagements, the principles behind these engagements, planning, methodology, standards, documentation, evidence, materiality, risk, internal controls, audit testing, audit reports and current standards.The module includes: streaming lectures/videos; practice problems; weekly lecture notes; instructor support; a weekly tutorial by webinar and a practice/sample exam. Study time: Depends on the student’s comfort level with the material; 15 - 25 hours per week is typical. Students will likely require more study time when advanced materials/concepts are covered.Length/format: 6 weeks + testingFrequency: Offered twice per yearPrerequisite: University degree in any discipline, plus modules 1-5 (or equivalent exemptions).Evaluation: Quizzes, mid-term exam, final summative exam with passing grade of 60%Testing locations: Halifax &Sydney (NS), Charlottetown (PEI), St. John’s and locations where MUN or CNA have campuses (NFLD), Moncton, Saint John, & Fredericton (NB), and Bermuda. Other centres may be arranged at additional cost and subject to approval. Module 8: Canadian Tax An introduction to both personal and corporate tax principles, this module covers the computation of taxable, employment, business and property income, eligible deductions, capital cost allowance, capital gains and taxes payable.The module includes: streaming lectures/videos; practice problems; weekly lecture notes; instructor support; a weekly tutorial by webinar and a practice/sample exam. Study time: Depends on the student’s comfort level with the material; 15 - 25 hours per week is typical. Students will likely require more study time when advanced materials/concepts are covered.Length/format: 4 weeks + testingFrequency: Offered twice per yearPrerequisite: University degree in any discipline, plus modules 1-5 (or equivalent exemptions).Evaluation: Quizzes, mid-term exam, final summative exam with passing grade of 60%Testing locations: Halifax &Sydney (NS), Charlottetown (PEI), St. John’s and locations where MUN or CNA have campuses (NFLD), Moncton, Saint John, & Fredericton (NB), and Bermuda. Other centres may be arranged at additional cost and subject to approval. Module 9: Intermediate and Advanced Management AccountingPricing decision practices, cost behaviours, relevant costing, cost allocations, inventory and product mix using linear programming, regression and variance analysis, transfer pricing and budgeting are among the topics covered in this module.The module includes: streaming lectures/videos; practice problems; weekly lecture notes; instructor support; a weekly tutorial by webinar and a practice/sample exam. Study time: Depends on the student’s comfort level with the material; 15 - 25 hours per week is typical. Students will likely require more study time when advanced materials/concepts are covered.Length/format: 8 weeks + testingFrequency: Offered twice per yearPrerequisite: University degree in any discipline, plus Modules 1-4 and 6 (or equivalent exemptions). Please note Module 5 is strongly recommended.Evaluation: Quizzes, mid-term exam, a project, final summative exam with passing grade of 60%Testing locations: Halifax &Sydney (NS), Charlottetown (PEI), St. John’s and locations where MUN or CNA have campuses (NFLD), Moncton, Saint John, & Fredericton (NB), and Bermuda. Other centres may be arranged at additional cost and subject to approval. Module 10: Strategy and GovernanceLearn about the crucial role governance plays in an organization, shaping its corporate mission, vision, values and objectives, from implementing and evaluating strategy and managing risks to conducting environmental analyses.The module includes: streaming lectures/videos; practice problems; weekly lecture notes; instructor support; a weekly tutorial by webinar and a practice/sample exam. Study time: Depends on the student’s comfort level with the material; 15 - 25 hours per week is typical. Students will likely require more study time when advanced materials/concepts are covered.Length/format: 4 weeks + testingFrequency: Offered twice per yearPrerequisite: University degree in any discipline plus Modules 1-4 or equivalent university level equivalent exemptions Evaluation: Quizzes, mid-term exam, final summative exam with passing grade of 60%Testing locations: Halifax &Sydney (NS), Charlottetown (PEI), St. John’s and locations where MUN or CNA have campuses (NFLD), Moncton, Saint John, & Fredericton (NB), and Bermuda. Other centres may be arranged at additional cost and subject to approval. Module 11: Canadian Business Law An overview of both tort and contract law, this module covers specific contractual situations arising in real estate, business and securities transactions. Canadian court procedures and laws governing insurance/guarantees, agency relationships, negotiable instruments, partnerships and incorporated businesses are addressed as well.Module 11 is self-study with an instructor moderated discussion board to address any questions that arise. Lesson notes are broken down into 6 units with a self-assessed quiz for the student to monitor progress.? Students are evaluated on a 2 hour, in person, final exam.Length/format: Average time to completion is 10-20 hoursFrequency: Offered twice per year (this may increase)Prerequisite: University degree in any discipline and Modules 1-4Evaluation: Final multiple-choice exam (in-person)Testing locations: Halifax & Sydney (NS), Charlottetown (PEI), St. John’s and locations where MUN or CNA have campuses (NFLD), Moncton, Saint John, & Fredericton (NB and Bermuda. Other centres may be arranged at additional cost and subject to approval. Module 12: Information TechnologyAn introduction to understanding the valuable role information systems (IS) play in business operations and management decision making. Topics covered include: IS and IT concepts; e-business fundamentals; system planning; development; implementation and management.Module 12 is self-study with an instructor moderated discussion board to address any questions that arise. Lesson notes are broken down into 6 units with a self-assessed quiz for the student to monitor progress.? Students are evaluated during a two-hour, in class, final exam.Length/format: Average time to completion 10 – 20 hoursFrequency: Offered twice per year (this may increase)Prerequisite: University degree in any discipline and Modules 1-4Evaluation: Final multiple-choice exam (in-person)Testing locations: Halifax & Sydney (NS), Charlottetown (PEI), St. John’s and locations where MUN or CNA have campuses (NFLD), Moncton, Saint John, & Fredericton (NB), and Bermuda. Other centres may be arranged at additional cost and subject to approval. 4. Program PoliciesAdmissions and RegistrationEligibility for CPA PREPTo be eligible to begin the CPA PREP, applicants must possess:an undergraduate degree (or recognized Canadian equivalent) or higher90 credit-hours or equivalent of educationgood character (criminal record and/or credit check may be requested)Eligibility for CPA PEPTo be eligible to begin the CPA PEP, applicants require:an undergraduate degree or higher120 credit-hours or equivalent of education (30 credit hours per academic year)good character (criminal record and/or credit check may be requested)completion of prescribed prerequisite learning:The required prerequisite learning subject areas are:Introductory Financial AccountingIntroductory Management AccountingEconomicsStatisticsIntermediate and Advanced Financial AccountingCorporate FinanceAudit and AssuranceCanadian TaxIntermediate and Advanced Management AccountingStrategy and GovernanceBusiness LawInformation TechnologyThe prerequisite learning may be completed through: pre-approved university coursesthrough the CPA PREP modulescombination of university courses and CPA PREP modules. Attain a minimum grade of 60% (or equivalent) in each of the courses listed in (i). If the student has taken two or more courses for exemption from a module, the student must have received a mark of at least 60% for each course taken. Applicable university course(s) in the following areas need to have been completed within the last 10 years: Intermediate and Advanced Financial Accounting Corporate Finance Audit and Assurance Tax Intermediate and Advanced Management Accounting Strategy and Governance CPA PREP Module Prerequisites Modules 1-4 are prerequisites for all other modules.Students must meet the following sequencing requirements, as appropriate:Module 1 is a prerequisite for Module 2.Module 5, Intermediate and Advanced Financial Accounting, is required for Module 7 -Audit and Assurance, and Module 8 -Tax, and Module 9 - Intermediate and Advanced Management Accounting.Module 6 - Corporate Finance, is required for Module 9 - Intermediate and Advanced Management Accounting.Modules 11 and 12 are self-study. Conditional AdmissionCPA PREP applicants must satisfy all admission requirements for the respective program before starting the program. Conditional admission will be granted to applicants who have satisfied the requirements to complete the undergraduate degree, but have not been formally granted the degree. CPA PREP students admitted conditionally will not receive module results or be able to enroll in subsequent modules until they provide proof that the degree was granted.Eligibility may be reviewed and conditional admission may also be granted on the basis of unofficial transcripts. However, official transcripts are required to finalize eligibility and registration. “Official transcripts” are transcripts that are sent directly from the institution to our office via mail. Students will not be eligible to write the midterm or final exam in a module if official transcripts are not received by the date of the exam. Internationally Educated ApplicantsDegrees from post-secondary institutions recognized as the equivalent of Canadian degrees are accepted. Applicants who were educated outside of Canada, the United States and Bermuda, are required to submit official transcripts and provide detailed course syllabi to our admissions staff. Further details will follow after a preliminary evaluation of all transcripts once they are received. Please contact your local CPA office for more information.Internationally educated applicants may be exempt from a module if they have completed an equivalent course(s) through an accredited educational institution. Coverage will have to be verified that it meets the required CPA knowledge level. Contact your local CPA office for more information. At the present time a module waiver(s) can be granted for internationally educated students for modules 1 to 4 where:A specific equivalency standard cannot be determined, but it is deemed the student should have sufficient coverage in the foundation topic area as related to the CPA requirementsTranscripts are submitted that indicate completion of applicable courses at a minimum 60% international grade conversion.If an international student can provide detailed course syllabi for a possible exemption for CPA Modules 5-12, but the depth of coverage of topics at the required CPA knowledge level cannot be determined or verified, the student may be granted one opportunity to challenge the module’s final examination. If unsuccessful the student must complete the entire module.To be successful, internationally educated students should have a high/professional level of proficiency in English. This means that individuals are able to articulate ideas orally and in written form with detailed descriptions, opinions and explanations (preferably at Canadian Benchmark Level 8 in reading/comprehension and listening skills). While this describes the minimum requirements, it is strongly recommended that participants are currently employed in a business position or have two years relevant work experience.Mature StudentsIn exceptional circumstances, applicants who do not possess a university degree may be admitted to the CPA PREP on the basis of prior education and employment. Please contact your program advisor for more details. Program Deregistration or SuspensionStudents may be deregistered from CPA PREP for:non-payment of feesfailure to comply with the By-laws, Code of Ethics, or policies of the provincial bodyexhausting attempts at CPA PREP modules failure to complete the program within the established time limits (as referenced on page 19)failure to submit official documents (in the case of conditional admission)academic misconduct (as identified on page 15).Withdrawals, Deferrals and RefundsVoluntary module withdrawal requests must be made in writing to the registration coordinator. Refunds, less a 10% administrative fee, are issued if the written request is received prior to the official module start date. No refunds are issued for requests received on or after the official module start. Please note that the official module start date takes place up to a week before the first class. Students may defer to the next offering of the module. Only one deferral per module may be granted, and the deferral requests must be made in writing. A fee equal to 25% of the module cost will apply.Please note that annual student membership fees are 100% non-refundable. Re-registrationsStudents in CPA PREP who leave the program voluntarily can re-register based on the requirements at the time of re-entry. Prerequisite courses and professional education program modules previously completed will be evaluated for current relevance. Additional module requirements must be met. Module Evaluation PoliciesFormatAll CPA PREP modules end with a final exam that covers all material in the module. Longer modules will also have a mid-term evaluation. Some may also include short quizzes and projects. All quizzes, mid-term, projects, and final exams will be developed nationally and marked regionally/provincially. Exams may include multiple choice, and short and long answer questions.Students must present government approved photo identification for the in person exams.Late Assignments, Quizzes, and ProjectsNo late assignments, quizzes or projects will be accepted. Passing a ModuleTo pass a CPA PREP module, students must achieve a passing grade of 60%. The final mark on the module, which may be based on various assessments, determines whether the passing grade requirement has been met.Repeating a ModuleStudents in the CPA PREP have up to a maximum of three attempts to pass each module. An attempt at a final exam, including a challenge exam, constitutes an attempt.A student who fails the first attempt at a module with a final mark above 50% can rewrite the final exam, which will constitute an overall attempt at a module. If the student fails the second attempt, the student is required to retake the module in order to have a third and final attempt at the exam.A student who fails the first attempt with a final mark less than 50% must retake the module before a second attempt at the exam is permitted.Students who exhaust the three module attempts may receive credit for the module if they earn 60 % or higher on equivalent prerequisite courses at a recognized post-secondary institution. Academic MisconductAcademic misconduct may include plagiarism, the enabling of plagiarism, theft of another or former student or candidate's work, or unethical behaviour such as lying or cheating. CPA Atlantic uses plagiarism detection software. Penalties may include:a finesuspension or deregistration from the programrequired completion of an ethics courseCPA PREP Examination PoliciesExams are to be written at the scheduled dates and times. It is mandatory for students to attend exams at their scheduled times. Extensions will only be given under exceptional and documented medical circumstances. All exams will be four hours in length. Exams may contain multiple choice, short answer, and long answer questions. Students are allowed to make use of the following permissible supplies:a) official examination supplies provided by the presiding officerb) a permitted calculator (TI BAII Plus or TI BA II Plus Professional Model only)c) pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers and rulers.Students are expected to act as professionals at all times during the CPA PREP exams. Please note the following instructions regarding exam writing conduct: All program exams are closed-book exams. Textbooks, notes, cell phones and programmable electronic devices are prohibited. Students are permitted to use a calculator during exams. Any form of collaboration between parties related to cheating including, but not limited to, copying from another paper, allowing copying from a test paper or a student having a cheat sheet will result in an automatic mark of zero on the test for all parties involved. Students are not permitted to keep the exam question booklet as it is the intellectual property of CPA Canada. If an exam question booklet is removed from the exam envelope and not returned, the student will receive a zero on their exam paper. During the exam, students must refrain from communicating with each other; any concerns that may arise during the exam must be conveyed directly to the invigilators. Students may leave the exam venue after they have completed the exam up until fifteen minutes before the end of the exam; at that point, all students should remain seated and refrain from any activities that can disrupt other exam writers. Students are obliged to follow the instructions given by the invigilators. In case of a breach of this rule, CPA reserves the right to provide a mark of zero for the exam, as well as the right to exercise further discipline as warranted.At the completion of the examination, or when stop time is announced, all students must stop writing immediately. Additional time for the purpose of filling in answer sheets or the exam booklet cover will NOT be allowed.In consideration of others, if you wish to bring food into the exam room, avoid anything with wrappers. Students may also consider use of ear plugs (but not ear buds) and dressing in layers in case the exam room is cold.CPA has a no-tolerance policy towards cheating and plagiarism. Students who violate the integrity of the examination procedure through dishonest or other unprofessional conduct will be given a mark of zero. Disciplinary measures will be imposed and the student may be asked to withdraw from CPA PREP.Students will not be permitted to view their completed exams. Grades will be posted on the program’s portal within ten business days of the examination date unless stated otherwise by the CPA programs coordinator. Exam ContentExaminations may contain multiple choice and short and long answer questions. Exam Accommodations Students with disabilities including learning issues who require evaluation testing accommodations must submit a formal request, in writing, to the CPA programs coordinator outlining the nature of the disability and the required accommodation. Detailed supporting documentation from a medical/health professional will be required and additional information may be requested. Request for accommodations due to disability are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. For students with disabilities or those demonstrating learning challenges, accommodations can range from additional writing time to a separate writing location. In order to allow an appropriate time for assessment of all disability requests, students must submit their request for accommodation no later than one month prior to the first program exam.Exam No ShowsStudents are required to write their exams on the scheduled exam date. We understand that serious circumstances can arise. In these cases, students should contact the CPA programs coordinator to make alternate arrangements. If a student does not write an exam during its scheduled time without obtaining permission beforehand, they will receive a mark of zero for the exam. Those students will have a ‘Fail’ notation placed on their transcript and will not be refunded any program fees. A no-show fee may be applied. Exam RewritesRewrites are scheduled two weeks after the final exam. A fee applies. Students should contact the CPA PREP coordinator to confirm the time to rewrite the exam. A student’s exam score will be whichever mark is the highest between the original score and the rewrite score. Exam RemarkOnly the module midterm and final exam results are subject to a remark. A fee will be applied to remarks. Students must appeal within five days of exam marks being released. Contact the CPA programs coordinator for further details.Module Repeat Students in CPA PREP have up to a maximum of three attempts to pass each module. A student who fails the first attempt at a module with a mark above 50% can rewrite the final exam. If the student fails the second attempt, the student is required to retake the module in order to have a third and final attempt at the exam unless they have already completed the module twice in which case they may choose a rewrite opportunity only. A student who fails the first attempt with a mark less than 50% must retake the module before a second attempt at the exam is permitted. Should a student fail a third time, the student should consider taking courses from post-secondary institutions. Offsite Exam InvigilatorsOffsite exam invigilators can be used when students are not located near an approved exam centre. The selected invigilator must be a qualified person who is nominated by the student to oversee the student’s examination. Students must contact the CPA Programs Coordinator well in advance of the exam to make the necessary arrangements. Additional costs may apply. The following requirements may be used to appoint an offsite invigilator:An acceptable examination invigilator must be a registered Canadian CPA, CMA, CGA, CA, or an individual holding a current professional designation or role (i.e. doctor, lawyer, professional engineer, professor, examinations coordinator at a local university or college).The invigilator must not be a relative, personal friend or a co-worker; nor should there be any other factor present that may influence or appear to have the ability to influence the invigilator’s objectivity. The invigilator generally must not share a common postal address with the student (business or personal).Students must choose an invigilator whom they trust to return their written examination to the CPA Atlantic School of Business office in a prompt and suitable manner. The individual’s professional qualifications and ability to act as an invigilator will be checked by CPA Atlantic School of Business. The person must be willing and available to respond to correspondence from CPA Atlantic School of Business. Students are responsible for the performance of their invigilators and should appoint invigilators with care.Students must provide the name and address of their invigilator and complete the information regarding his or her professional qualifications. CPA Atlantic School of Business reserves the right to refuse the invigilator chosen by the student; in this case the student will need to find another invigilator. Other PoliciesCompletion Time Limit – CPA PREPStudents in CPA PREP have six years to complete the entire CPA PREP program. Membership DuesStudents must pay annual membership dues. If membership lapses, a student will be required to be reassessed and reinstated based on provincial/regional rules in order to continue with the program.Travel CostsCosts associated with travel to any applicable exams or classroom sessions in the CPA PREP or CPA PEP are the responsibility of the student. Privacy PolicyAll applicants and students are subject to their provincial body’s privacy policy. Bylaws and Code of EthicsStudents admitted to the CPA PREP are subject to the Bylaws and code of conduct of their provincial body.Module CancellationsCPA Atlantic School of Business reserves the right to cancel courses due to insufficient enrollment. Registering well ahead of the registration deadline may avoid cancellations of programs. In the event that the course will need to be cancelled, all students will be notified and a full refund will be issued. Prerequisite Courses (Modules 1-4)Until CPA PREP courses for modules 1-4 are launched in September 2014, equivalent courses offered by CMA will continue to be offered. The following policies relate to these courses only. I. ModulesIntroductory Financial Accounting Evaluation is based on: chapter quizzes that are submitted online representing 40% of the final grade, and a comprehensive three hour final exam, written in person. To be successful in the Introductory Financial Accounting course, students must obtain a final overall grade of 60% or higher in the course. Students will be provided with a textbook covering all the required material. The textbook also includes access to the Pearson Education website where students are to complete their chapter quizzes. Lesson notes outlining the objectives of each chapter and the solutions to the problems presented in the text will also be provided. Introductory Management Accounting Evaluation is based on: chapter quizzes that are submitted on-line representing 40% of the final grade, and a comprehensive three hour final exam, written in person. To be successful in the Introductory Management Accounting course, students must obtain a minimum of 50% or higher on the three hour final exam; and obtain a final overall grade of 60% or higher in the course. Students will be provided with a textbook covering all the required material. The textbook also includes access to the Pearson Education website where students are to complete their chapter quizzes. Lesson notes outlining the objectives of each chapter and the solutions to the problems presented in the text will also be provided. Prerequisite: Module 1: Introductory Financial Accounting.EconomicsEconomics is comprised of two components, Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Students who already have an exemption for one of the two components only need to complete the component for which they do not have an exemption. Microeconomics Evaluation for the course is based on 6 chapter quizzes that are submitted on-line representing 40% of the final grade; and a comprehensive 1.5 hour final exam to be scheduled, representing 60% of the final grade. This exam must be written in person. To be successful in the course, students must obtain a minimum of 50% or higher on the 1.5 hour final; and obtain a final overall grade of 60% or higher in the course.Students will be provided with a textbook covering all the required material. The textbook also includes access to the Pearson website where students are to complete their chapter quizzes. Lesson notes outlining the objectives of each chapter and the solutions to the problems presented in the text will also be provided. Macroeconomics Evaluation for the course is based on 6 chapter quizzes that are submitted on-line representing 40% of the final grade; and a comprehensive 1.5 hour final exam, written in person. To be successful in the course, students must obtain a minimum of 50% or higher on the 1.5 hour final; and obtain a final overall grade of 60% or higher in the course.Students will be provided with a textbook covering all the required material. The textbook also includes access to the Pearson website where students are to complete their chapter quizzes. Lesson notes outlining the objectives of each chapter and the solutions to the problems presented in the text will also be provided. Statistics Evaluation is based on 13 chapter quizzes that are submitted on-line representing 40% of the final grade; and a comprehensive three hour final exam, written in person. To be successful in the Statistics course, students must obtain a minimum of 50% or higher on the three hour final exam; and obtain a final overall grade of 60% or higher in the course. Students will be provided with a textbook covering all the required material. The textbook also includes access to the Pearson website where students are to complete their chapter quizzes. Lesson notes outlining the objectives of each chapter and the solutions to the problems presented in the text will also be provided. II. Pre-requisite module policies Scheduling a Final Exam for a Prerequisite Equivalency CourseFor courses that require in-person exams, students must contact the CPA Programs Coordinator to book a time to write the final exam. The exam can be written at the CPA Atlantic School of Business office during regular business hours, or students may arrange to have their own proctor for the final exam. Please note that should students choose to arrange their own proctor, they must be pre-approved by CPA Atlantic School of Business. Students are expected to incur the costs associated with arranging their own proctor. Students that are not successful in passing the course are eligible to rewrite a final exam. A rewrite fee will be assessed. Students that are still unsuccessful are advised to complete their outstanding prerequisite(s) through a post-secondary pletion Limit Students are advised that these courses are self-paced courses involving independent study that are appropriate for self-directed learners. The course must be completed within four months of registration. Students registering for multiple courses at one time should note that the four month completion limit starts from the date of approval of application. If a student cannot complete the course within four months of registration, a four month extension may be granted for a fee of $125. Please note that this is a one- time extension and those who are unable to complete the course within this time frame will receive a fail and be withdrawn from the course. Withdrawal Policy Students must notify their local CPA Programs Coordinator at CPA Atlantic School of Business in writing of their intention to withdraw. No refunds or deferrals will be provided for self-paced courses. CPA PREP Module Materials All module materials will be provided through the Desire2Learn.ca website. CalculatorsStudents must purchase an approved calculator at the beginning of the program. Approved calculators are: the Texas Instruments BA II Plus and the Texas Instruments BA II Plus Professional. Student NotesThese will be similar to chapters in a text book. Students will get an overview of the topic being covered for the week. They will be downloadable and students can print any materials as they choose.VideosThese will be provided via the Desire2Learn website and cover the module materials. These will be available for support in learning the weekly concepts.Module ProjectFor modules longer than 4 weeks, a small project will be included in the required module course work. Information will be included in the module outline at the start of the class. The project will test students on how well they are able to apply and integrate the knowledge they have acquired throughout certain PREP modules. Projects must be submitted via Desire2Learn by the stated deadline. Submission of the project on time is mandatory to continue in the program. Practice QuestionsThese will be extra reinforcement questions at the end of each set of student notes. The answers are provided for all questions. QuizzesThere will be quizzes as part of the module materials. Webinars that review the quizzes once they have been submitted will be made available. For the 4 week modules, quizzes will be every week. For longer modules, quizzes will be every second week. Quizzes will contribute to the overall module mark. Submission of quizzes on time is mandatory to continue in the program.Sample ExamsThere will be sample midterm and final exams provided prior to an exam that will include answers to the sample questions. Students should not assume the actual exam will test the exact same topics as the sample exams.Primer Primers are available for some modules. The primer provides an overview of concepts and terminologies related to each module. For example, students who register for PREP Modules 5 and higher are expected to have taken an Introductory Financial Accounting and an Introductory Management Accounting course. Some students may have taken the Introductory Financial Accounting course a long time ago. The purpose of the primer is to make the start of each module run more smoothly for students. By working through the primer, students will find that they will be much better prepared for the module than they otherwise would be. It is recommended that students go through this primer to improve their chances of success in the program.Web Portal (Desire2Learn)An important component of PREP is the Web Portal. All students will be registered as Desire2Learn users before the start of the program, and will receive an email with their login name and password. Students will use the portal to access notes, videos and other program materials. Program updates and announcements may be posted on the portal. The portal also contains a discussion board, where students may communicate with each other to further their understanding of the module topics. Students are encouraged to check Desire2Learn frequently to make use of the online resources.Desire2Learn is available only to students for the duration of the program. Any student who withdraws from the program will have their access to Desire2Learn removed.The Desire2Learn Binder application is available through the Apple iTunes store and can be used by students on iPads to access Desire2Learn content.CPA members are expected to uphold high standards of professional conduct at all times. Students should bear this in mind when using electronic communication such as email or the Desire2Learn discussion board. If there is any doubt as to the appropriate use of these mediums, the CPA Programs Coordinator may be contacted.WebinarsThe weekly webinar is a tutorial that is designed to answer student questions and review program material where students require additional assistance. The webinar is not a substitute for the video lectures, and students must complete the videos and weekly lesson plans prior to these sessions. CPA PREP – Technology: Learning Websites and Technical Requirements To get the most from CPA PREP, it is recommended that your computer meets the following specifications:Operating System Browser VersionWindowsInternet Explorer 9, 10?Firefox 17, Newest?Chrome NewestRequired Software??Microsoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMicrosoft ExcelJavaScript- JavaScript is enabledCookies- Cookies are enabledAcrobat Reader- The Adobe Reader plug-in must be installed Adobe - You have Flash player installed **Some modules contain Flash content, this material is not accessible on an iOS (Apple) device.Required Hardware??1 Gb of RAM minimum100 Mb of free hard drive space (required to run application)A free USB portMicrosoft Windows Operating System Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8For CPA PREP only, a Mac computer could be used providing the student has MS applications loaded. Note that no technical problems with Desire2Learn can be supported. This will not work for the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) as the program content and exam requirements necessitate a PC based machine.???General Requirements??Sound- Sound card with speakers or headphones. Many courses contain audio which require sound.Internet- Internet access required. High speed strongly recommendedFee Schedule (2014) for CPA Atlantic School of Business (Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, and Bermuda)*ModuleFee *Module 1: Introductory Financial Accounting$575Module 2: Introductory Management Accounting$575Module 3: Economics$775Module 4: Statistics$575Module 5: Intermediate/Advanced Financial Accounting$925Module 6: Finance$725Module 7: Audit and Assurance$625Module 8: Tax - Canadian$775Module 9: Intermediate/Advanced Management Accounting$925Module 10: Strategy and Governance$575Module 11: Business Law - Canadian$575Module 12: Information Technology$575Related FeesFee *CPA PREP Annual Student Fee$350Due each year on anniversary dateTranscript Evaluation fee$100International Transcript evaluation fee$350Test re-write fee$250per testTest centre fee (for students requesting invigilation outside of regular locations)$300per testRefund fee (refunds are available prior to the module start date only – please see Refund policy)10%of the module fee Exam Challenge fee (for courses related to international transcripts)$250Per testModule Deferral Fee25%Of Module fee*All fees are in CDN$ and are subject to 15% HST. ................
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