CA Student Registration FAQS

1. How long does the CA Student application process take?

The application process takes an average of four to six weeks depending on the time of year and the student providing all required supporting documentation.

2. What documentation has to be attached with my application?

Please send the following to the Institute:

• Proof of your legal name and age (copy of Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Residence card, or Canadian citizenship card).
• University graduates must send in an official transcript showing completion of the Institute’s four-year, 120 credit-hour university degree or equivalent as well as a certified transcript from each university and/or each educational institution at which courses have been completed.  The following should be included, as applicable: CÉGEP/A Levels/college transcripts. 
• Co-op students must send a letter from the university verifying enrolment in an Institute-recognized co-operative degree program.

3. When can I apply as a CA Student?

Once an offer of employment with a CA training office (CATO) is confirmed and you have completed the degree requirements or you are employed as part of a recognized co-op degree program.

4. Can I register while I am working as a summer student completing my undergraduate degree requirements?

Yes, if you meet one of the following criteria:

• you are attending a degree-granting institution in a program leading to a 4-year, 120 credit hour university degree on a part time basis, while employed in a CA training office on a full time basis, or
• you are attending a degree-granting institution in a program leading to a 4-year, 120 credit hour university degree on a full time basis, while employed in a CA training office on a part time basis.

5. If I register as CA Student will I automatically be signed up for the ICAO Professional Program?

No, registration for the CKE, SOA and UFE is completed separately by the CA Student. Online registration instructions will be sent to all CA Students when exam registrations are available.

6. When can I attempt the examinations?

In order to be eligible to attempt the first examination, the Core-Knowledge Exam (CKE), students must have met the Institute’s 51 credit-hour and minimum 70% grade point average in the courses included in the credit-hour requirement.   See the listing of courses offered at Ontario universities that are recognized by the Institute for credit towards the credit-hour requirement.

7. What are the 51 credit hour courses?

The degree-credit courses that make up the 51 credit hours are as follows:

Financial accounting (introductory, intermediate and advanced) – 15 credits

Cost and management accounting – 6 credits

Advanced accounting elective – 3 credits

Auditing – 9 credits

Taxation – 6 credits

Business information systems – 3 credits

Finance/Financial management – 3 credits

Economics – 3 credits

Business Law – 3 credits

8. I haven’t completed the 51 credit hour requirement yet can I still register?

Yes, registration is permitted if you have met the Institute’s four-year, 120 credit-hour university degree or equivalent and have an offer of employment at a CA training office.

9. Can I e-mail or fax in my application?

No, only original documentation is accepted, faxes and photocopies will not be processed and will be returned.

10. Can I fill out the CA student application myself or does my CATO fill out the application?

You can complete the application yourself; however if employed in a CA training office, a training principal must sign the form. 

11. Will I receive a confirmation after I have sent my application?

Yes, you will receive an acknowledgement by e-mail one to two weeks after the application has been received. You will receive an official confirmation, via mail, after your registration has been approved and you are registered as a student.

12. What happens if I pass the UFE but secure employment in an organization that is not a CA Training Office (CATO)?

You should consider asking your manager and/or the Human Resources department about the feasibility of the company becoming accredited as a CA Training Office once you’ve established yourself within the organization.  Many companies already provide support for employees to pursue designations that will add value to the company and have a vested interest in retaining top talent.  Implementing a CA Training Program is an extension of that policy.  In fact, several existing CA Training Offices in the corporate sector were initiated by employees that had a desire to pursue and/or complete the requirements to become a CA through their employer. 

13. If I register as a CA student without employment am I exempt from the practical experience?

No, ultimately to apply for admission to membership as a CA, any applicant or student who has been granted exemption by the Registrar under the employment exemption provision must obtain employment in a CATO, fulfill the experience requirements, and successfully complete or comply with all other requirements of Regulation 6-1.

14. What is the maximum period of registration?

The maximum period of registration is the maximum time a student may be registered in the program leading to the CA designation.   The maximum registration period is ten years.

For further questions, please contact Customer Service.

Printed on Wed, May 16, 2012 - 3:24:57 EDT
http://www.icao.on.ca/Admissions/RegistrationOverview/1008page11213.aspx

© 2012 Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario