Your CPA Career Path

The next step after DAP for students interested in pursuing the Chartered Professional Accounting (CPA) designation is to take the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP). While in the CPA PEP, you must complete the CPA Practical Experience Requirement (PER) of 30 months of work experience in relevant accounting or finance positions. Please review CPABC’s CPA Certification Program Overview for more information.

There are two routes to fulfill the CPA practical experience requirement: Pre-Approved Program Route (PPR) or Experience Verification Route (EVR).

Experience Verification Route (EVR)

The Experience Verification route allows you to demonstrate competence and have relevant experience recognized through an employer of your choice. Students are required to complete detailed experience reports that are assessed by the profession at key milestones. This route is available to small and medium-sized businesses and departments of larger organizations that do not train substantial number of CPA candidates.

Pre-Approved Program Route (PPR)

The Pre-Approved route is used by small or large CPA firms, government or industry employers who plan to train CPA candidates on an ongoing basis. These employers have sought pre-approval for their practical experience positions from the profession. Many of these positions are hired through Spring and Fall CPA Recruit.

We encourage you to take full advantage of our career planning resources and recruitment events to find employment that either fulfills CPA’s PER or other career goals.