Graduate Chartered Professional Accountancy (CPA) Programs
Prepare to become a CPA through collaborative, hands-on graduate study designed around Quebec’s new CPA professional program.
Program overview
Rooted in academic excellence, John Molson’s Chartered Professional Accountancy (CPA) programs support Quebec’s new CPA curriculum and prepare students for the changing demands of the accounting profession.
You’ll develop competencies in financial and non-financial reporting, taxation, assurance, analytics, professional judgment and leadership while preparing for the professional examinations administered by the Ordre des CPA du Québec.
Choose the CPA program option that aligns with your professional goals — from the most direct path to the CPA designation, to additional specialized study, to preparation for a career in audit and public accounting.
Application deadlines
| Starting term | Deadline to apply |
|---|---|
| Fall (September) | June 1 |
| Winter (January) | October 1 |
| Summer (May) | February 1 |
International applicants must hold a valid Canadian work permit.
Why study CPA at John Molson?
Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business is one of 11 university graduate programs accredited by the Order.
A long and proud tradition of excellence in graduate accounting education.
Dedicated instructors with years of audit, consulting and accounting experience and strong industry connections.
Enriching in-person learning that fosters collaboration and helps you build a strong professional network.
Designed for working professionals with evening classes and flexible ways to progress through your studies.
Three intakes per year with fall, winter and summer term admission.
Excellent first-time writer pass rates on professional examinations.
Accelerated study pace means you'll reach part 1 of the Professional Order Exam after only two terms.
Compare the three CPA programs
The path you choose affects your credential, coursework and professional opportunities. You'll also have the flexibility to change your program during the course of your CPA studies.
| CPA certificate | CPA diploma | CPA auditor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credential | Graduate certificate | Graduate diploma | Graduate diploma |
| Typical career direction | Corporate accounting, finance, consulting, government | Similar CPA careers with additional areas of expertise | Audit, assurance and public accounting |
| Credits breakdown |
|
|
|
| Total credits | 22.5 | 30 | 30 |
| Professional outcome | CPA | CPA + additional competencies | CPA + pathway toward auditor licensure |
| Public accounting licence | No | No | Yes |
| Best fit | You want the most direct route to becoming a CPA. You’re interested in careers in areas such as corporate accounting, finance, consulting or government and don’t plan to pursue a public accountancy permit.* | You want to become a CPA while adding greater depth or breadth to your professional skill set. | You intend to pursue audit, assurance or other professional activities requiring a public accountancy permit. |
See the definitions of different CPA designations.
Your choice will impact which courses you follow. Read more about the CPA Auditor designation.
Choose a study schedule that works for you
Once you’ve chosen the CPA program that fits your career goals, you can decide how to organize your studies around work and other commitments.
Programs begin in fall, winter and summer terms, with Regular evening, Accelerated or a combination of both study options available depending on the term and course sequence.
The fastest completion path prepares you in two terms for Professional Final Exam, part 1, followed by one additional term for preparing for Professional Final Exam, part 2.
Regular evening schedule
- Evening and weekend courses over 11 weeks and workshops completed within two weeks.
- Take one or two courses per term, with classes held on Monday through Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Accelerated daytime schedule
- Take condensed daytime courses between May and September to accelerate your studies.
- Classes are held four days per week over an intensive three-week period, with students taking two classes per day.
Combine Regular and Accelerated study
Depending on your program and course requirements, you may be able to combine the regular evening and the accelerated daytime schedule to adjust your pace and completion timeline.
Admissions
Apply for fall, winter or summer intake.
Review the academic prerequisites and admission requirements before applying.
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall GPA of 3.00/4.30 (B or equivalent)
- Completion of all prerequisite courses before beginning the CPA program
- Completion of the Technical Course Requirements with a minimum overall GPA of 2.80/4.30. ACCO courses may be repeated to obtain the required ACCO GPA. Students with the fewest number of repeats will have the strongest chance for admission
- Meet the English Language proficiency requirement
Tuition & funding
Tuition varies by residency status, credential and course load. Funding opportunities and tax benefits may be available to support your studies.
Estimated total tuition
| Quebec residents | Canadian, rest of Canada (non-Quebec) residents | |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma | $8,000 | $17,700 |
| Graduate Certificate | $6,000 | $13,400 |
Approximate total program costs, subject to change. The University reserves the right to modify the published tuition scale and other student fees, without prior notice, at any time before the beginning of an academic term.
Have questions?
Connect with a recruiter
Not sure which CPA program is right for you? Get personalized guidance based on your academic background, career goals and preferred study pace.
Attend an information session
Learn about the three CPA programs, professional pathways, study options and admissions.