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Preparatory Schedules

CPA Ontario offers preparatory courses with four semester terms available each year. You only need to complete the courses you require and each course is delivered on a part-time basis for maximum flexibility and accessibility. For more information on what courses you require to enter the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP), please consult your transcript evaluation.

On average, students should spend 15 to 20 hours studying each week to succeed in the preparatory courses. Keep in mind that while non-core courses are self-study and do not have specific start dates, core courses do have deadlines for the required course activities. Your course examination takes place at the end of each respective term. If you are unable to make your examination attempt at the end of a term, you have the option to defer your examination.

If you are ready to enrol, visit the Preparatory Course Enrolment Portal.

Please note: The new CPA Professional Program launches in January 2027. We encourage you to continue your path towards completion of prerequisite requirements before the deadline of Semester 4, 2026 (October – December).

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Key information

View preparatory fees and policies for courses.
Understand preparatory examination policies.
Review the CPA Harmonized Education Policies Vol. 3 and CPA Preparatory Courses Student Guide policies for admission, administration and course evaluation.
Explore the CPA preparatory course syllabus for each preparatory course.

Core vs non-core

Non-core CPA preparatory courses are self-study and are comprised of a variety of online learning materials.

Core CPA preparatory courses are comprised of a variety of online learning materials along with mandatory course assignments and practice problems. The core courses are condensed to be completed with an accelerated time frame of six weeks.

Semester Schedules

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Use our dropdown to view dates, including deadlines, workshops, examinations and results.

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2025 Semester 4
November start
2026 Semester 1
February start
2026 Semester 2
May start
2026 Semester 3
August start
2026 Semester 4
October Start

+Students must write the examination within 12 months of enrolling in a course.
*Dates & times subject to change. Students must ensure they do not enrol in conflicting examinations (on the same day at the same time).
^IFA is a prerequisite for IMA, however these courses may be taken together.