The New CPA Education Program in 2027

The New CPA Education Program in 2027

Although full details are still being finalized, everything below summarizes what we currently know about the CPA program changes. More information will be released throughout 2026.

Competency Map 2.0: The New CPA Topic Areas (2027)

Under the new CPA program, the six traditional competencies are being replaced by 10 updated Topic Areas that better reflect the skills modern CPAs need — especially in data analytics, technology, governance, and strategic decision-making.

The 10 CPA Topic Areas (Competency Map 2.0)

1. Assurance and Trust
2. Big Data and Data Analytics
3. Ethical Decision-Making and Organizational/Data Governance (including privacy and security)
4. Finance
5. Financial Reporting
6. Management Decision-Making and Information/Technology Systems
7. Non-Financial Reporting
8. Strategy, Risk Management and Innovation
9. Tax
10. Value Creation

New CPA Modules and Exam Structure (Starting 2027)

In the updated CPA program, students complete 4–5 exams, each preceded by a short (likely six-week) module. These redesigned CPA exams will be offered three times per year, except in 2027 when there will be a single exam sitting in September during the transition.

Below is a breakdown of each exam in the new CPA pathway.

1. CPA Knowledge Assessment Exam

This exam is part of the new CPA entrance requirements, except in Quebec.

Who is exempt?

Students with 45 credit hours in accounting and business coursework.

Who must write it?

Students from unrelated fields (e.g., Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science) will need this assessment before entering the new CPA program.

2. CPA Foundational Exam

After completing the Foundational Development Module, all candidates write the Foundational Exam.

Topics typically included:

• Financial reporting
• Assurance
• Data analytics
• Sustainability / non-financial reporting
• Tax

This stage ensures students have a common knowledge base before moving into the Core pathway

 

3. CPA Core Exam (Professional Final Exam – Part 1)

The CPA Core Exam is split into two pathways, depending on whether candidates pursue public accounting licensure.

Common Pathway (Non-Public Accounting)

For students who do not intend to become public accountants.

You will:

• Complete the Common Module
• Write the Common Core Exam

Topics usually tested:

• Financial reporting
• Assurance
• Big data and data analytics
• Tax

Licensure Pathway (Public Accounting)

For students who plan to pursue public accounting licensure.

You will:

• Complete the Licensure Module
• Write an extended, more in-depth Core Exam

Tested at greater depth:

• Financial and non-financial reporting
• Assurance
• Tax
• Data analytics

4. CPA Leadership Exam (Professional Final Exam – Part 2)

All candidates, regardless of pathway, must write this exam.

Focus areas include:

• Ethical and professional judgment
• Critical thinking
• CPA leadership and advanced professional competencies

5. CPA Professional Readiness Exam (Professional Final Exam – Part 3)

After completing the CPA Practical Experience Requirement (PER), students will write the final exam in the new CPA education system.

The encouraging news:
It is expected that almost everyone will pass — this exam is designed to confirm readiness, not eliminate candidates.

What’s Next? More CPA Program Details Coming in 2026

CPA Canada will continue releasing updates on the 2027 CPA program changes, including:

• module format details
• exam blueprints
• provincial variations
• transition timelines

Students should follow updates posted by:

• CPA Ontario
• Western School of Business
• Atlantic School of Business
• PASS resources and blogs

You may also want to read:

• “Help — I’m in Transition. What Do I Do?”
• “Should I Switch to the New CPA Program or Stay in the Current One?”

Final Thoughts

Whether you're entering the CPA program now or waiting for the updated pathway, understanding these CPA program changes will help you make informed decisions about your future.

 

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