CA firms seeking to train students in the traditional audit-based career path
The practice of public accounting is defined and controlled by statute in most jurisdictions in Canada. In all cases, the requirements for the practice of public accounting are expressed in terms of Chargeable Hours. The CA profession’s practical experience requirements are designed to fulfill all provincial requirements, ensure reciprocity of the CA designation and practice rights across the country, meet international requirements, and meet the requirements for reciprocity with all those international accounting bodies with which the Chartered Accountants of Canada have Mutual Recognition Agreements.
CA firms seeking to train students in public accounting must:
- Provide CA Students with the ability to select the Assurance competency as their area of depth
- Meet the specific Chargeable Hour requirements of their Provincial Institute/Ordre, which generally include:
- At least 2,500 Chargeable Hours of practical experience, of which at least 1,250 Chargeable Hours must be in Assurance Services assignments, of which at least 625 Chargeable Hours must be specifically on Audit Engagements
- An additional minimum of 100 Chargeable Hours in Taxation Services
Qualifying experience for the practice of public accounting can only be provided by a CA firm.
Only CA Students in training programs that meet these requirements may practice public accounting once they obtain their CA designation.
If you are interested in training CA Student(s) in the traditional audit-based career path, specific provincial regulations require that you apply through your Provincial Institute/Ordre.
Note that these are general requirements. The specific regulations and bylaws of the Provincial Institutes/Ordrefor CA Qualification and the specific licensing regime or authority within each province to control public accounting take precedence.