Schedule and study options
Choose a study pace that fits your work and other commitments.
The CPA programs offer regular evening study throughout the year and accelerated daytime study from May to September. You may also be able to combine the two to adjust your pace as you progress.
Programs begin in fall, winter and summer terms.
Compare study options
Your study option determines how frequently you attend class and how quickly you progress through your coursework.
| Regular evening schedule | Accelerated daytime schedule | |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited for | Students balancing work and CPA studies | Students able to commit to intensive, condensed study |
| When offered | Fall, winter and summer | Summer |
| Schedule |
|
Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.* |
| Course length |
|
3 weeks |
| Work commitment | Designed to accommodate continued employment | Require reduced work commitments |
*Friday classes may be scheduled if required.
Combine Regular and Accelerated study
Depending on your program and course sequence, you may be able to complete some terms through Regular study and use the Accelerated summer option to progress more quickly.
You do not need to commit to the same study pace for your entire program.
Time commitment outside of class
Regardless of the study option you choose, expect significant preparation outside scheduled class hours.
Coursework may include:
- Readings
- Case preparation and analysis
- Assignments
- Group work
- Independent study
The amount of preparation required will vary by course and stage of the program.
Plan for intensive periods
Some stages of the CPA program require a greater time commitment than the Regular evening schedule.
- Integrated courses and preparation for the CPA professional examinations involve periods of intensive study.
- Students should plan ahead for these periods and may need to reduce their work commitments or take leave from work, depending on the requirements and schedule.
How long will it take?
The fastest completion paths may take two terms before writing Professional Final Exam, part 1 and one additional term before writing Professional Final Exam, part 2, while students have up to four years to complete their Concordia program requirements.
Your completion time depends on:
- When you start
- Whether you study Regular, Accelerated or combine the two
- Your course load and sequence
- Your CPA program: General, General Plus or Auditor
- The timing of the CPA Order's professional examinations
Note: The timelines below show examples of faster course sequences. Your individual timeline may vary.
Starting in summer
Regular evening schedule
- Summer → fall with professional exam preparation → take January Professional Final Exam, part 1
- Complete the initial coursework over approximately two terms before progressing to the leadership module of the program.
Starting in fall
Regular evening schedule
- Fall → winter → summer with professional exam preparation → take September Professional Final Exam, part 1
- Complete the initial coursework over approximately three terms before progressing to the leadership module.
Starting in winter
Regular evening schedule
- Winter → summer → fall with professional exam preparation → take January Professional Final Exam, part 1
- Complete the initial coursework over approximately three terms before progressing to the leadership module.
Regular evening schedule + Accelerated summer daytime schedule
- Winter → Accelerated summer with professional exam preparation → take September Professional Final Exam, part 1
- Using the Accelerated summer option may allow you to complete the initial coursework in approximately two terms.
Note for international students
The structure of the program may include periods of intensive study or required leave that can affect work and study authorization.
International students should contact Concordia's International Students Office to confirm that their planned study option and work arrangements meet immigration requirements.