CPA competencies assessed during the practical experience
New Professional Program
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This page provides information on the practical experience competencies for candidates enrolled in the new CPA Professional Program, which will be offered from 2027.
If you’re registered in the current CPA Professional Education Program or plan to register between now and December 2026, refer to the practical experience competencies page for that program.
A competency refers to your ability to apply your knowledge, judgment, and skills in a real-world professional setting.
CPA practical experience lets you gradually develop the competencies expected of future CPAs so that you can analyze situations of increasing complexity and effectively communicate your findings and recommendations.
During your practical experience, you may develop CPA competencies across eight training areas. Learn more >
How are CPA competencies assessed?
The development of your competencies will be assessed at two key points: at the beginning of your practical experience in your work plan and in your practical experience report.
6 competency categories
The CPA competencies that you’ll develop during your practical experience are organized into six categories.
Each category includes a certain number of tasks that define how competencies should be demonstrated in practice in your work.
To conclude that you’ve developed the competencies in a category, the Order will verify that you’ve completed the required number of tasks for that category. For example, for the Financial Reporting category, you must complete at least two of the four listed tasks for that competency to be considered sufficiently developed.
Note that the categories of competencies to develop differ depending on the designation you wish to obtain (CPA designation or CPA auditor designation).
5 levels of proficiency
Each task statement (TS) is associated with a level of proficiency on a scale of one to five for the competency in question. The action word used in each statement reflects the proficiency level and clearly establishes the expected level for each task. The more complex the action, the higher the expected proficiency level.
Your proficiency level itself is not assessed, but rather your ability to successfully complete the task outlined in the statemen.
Example
Here’s an example to help explain how the practical experience competency assessment grid below is designed:
Recognition and requirements of practical experience
When analyzing your work plan, the Order will determine whether your practical experience constitutes foundational work experience or professional work experience.
The type of work experience is determined based on:
- when it was acquired,
- the responsibilities associated with your role,
- the level of complexity of the situations you plan to encounter,
- the competencies you will be expected to develop.
Foundational work experience
A maximum of 8 months of practical experience may be recognized by the Order as foundational work experience (for practical experience completed before or after registering with the Order) if it has allowed, or will allow you to carry out all the following tasks:
TS1: Prepare(2) or explain(2) information for input into internal or external reporting (e.g. financial statements, financial forecasts, financial budgets, management reports).
TS2: Identify(1) the user's needs and prepare(2) practical alternatives or variance analyses that consider the impact on user's needs.
TS3: Explain(2) your analyses and findings in a transparent, understandable and professional manner.
Professional work experience
A minimum of 16 months of practical experience may be recognized by the Order as professional work experience (only for practical experience completed after registering with the Order). At the completion of your practical experience, the Order’s analysis of your practical experience report will confirm whether you’ve properly developed the competencies needed to join the profession.
The competencies in which you must become proficient at the completion of your practical experience will differ depending on whether you wish to obtain a public accountancy permit (CPA auditor designation).
Practical experience leading to CPA designation
If you wish to obtain the CPA designation, you must demonstrate your competencies in the following categories:
Depending on the nature of your role, you may develop competencies in both Financial Reporting AND Management Accounting. However, at a minimum, you must meet the requirements of one of these two categories, in addition to the broad competency requirements, for the Order to consider your practical experience a success.
For detailed requirements for each competency category and the tasks to complete, see the practical experience competency assessment grid.
Practical experience leading to the CPA auditor designation
If you wish to obtain a public accountancy permit, you must demonstrate your competencies in the following categories:
For detailed requirements for each competency category and the tasks to complete, see the practical experience competency assessment grid.
FINANCIAL REPORTING
To meet the Financial Reporting competency, you must successfully complete two of the four task statements (TS1 to TS4). A task statement is considered successfully completed only when you can answer “Yes” to all the questions associated with that statement.
TS1: Assess(4) decision makers’ needs and actively design(5) the development or modification of reporting requirements or financial-reporting systems to meet external user needs, such as an MD&A or financing needs (a large, complex example or several smaller ones).
Questions associated with this task statement
- Did you have to assess external users’ information needs (e.g., lenders requiring covenants, investors requiring MD&A clarity)? Yes or no
- Did you have to critically evaluate areas where financial reporting processes could be improved for accuracy or compliance (e.g., manual schedules, unclear disclosures, inefficiencies)? Yes or no
- Did you have to design or modify reporting requirements or financial-reporting systems that address external user needs? Yes or no
Examples of tasks that meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
Examples of tasks that do not meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
TS2: Critically evaluate(5) and reach a preliminary conclusion on three distinct GAAP (or equivalent) transactions based on management requests, using the CPA Canada Handbook (or equivalent) as guidance.
Questions associated with this task statement
- Did you have to evaluate and formulate well-supported preliminary conclusions on non-routine and/or complex transactions using the CPA Canada Handbook (or equivalent) as guidance? Examples could include: equity accounting, impairment, purchase accounting, development cost and wind-ups, financial instruments, complex tax provisions, etc. Yes or no
- Through the work above, did you have to demonstrate in-depth understanding of THREE distinct GAAP (or equivalent) guidance? Yes or no
Examples of tasks that meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
Examples of tasks that do not meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
TS3: Prepare(2) and critically evaluate(5) financial statements and notes in accordance with GAAP or equivalent over two business periods (at least one of which is year-end).
Questions associated with this task statement
- Did you have to critically evaluate at least one major financial statement area in accordance with GAAP (Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Statement of Cash Flows, Statement of Changes in Equity, or Notes) for a complex company or the majority of the financial statement and applicable notes for a smaller company? Yes or no
- Did you have to participate in two business periods, including at least one year-end cycle? Yes or no
- Did you have to critically evaluate financial information for accuracy and completeness, including identifying possible GAAP-related adjustments considering presentation and disclosure requirements? Yes or no
Examples of tasks that meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
Examples of tasks that do not meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
TS4: Critically evaluate(5) variances on historical, year-over-year financial statements and interpret(5) root causes, including the interconnectivity of multiple line items (over two business periods, at least one of which is year-end).
Questions associated with this task statement
- Did you have to interpret variance analyses on financial results, including identifying significant fluctuations involving at least two reporting periods, including at least one year-end financial statement cycle? Yes or no
- Did you have to critically evaluate and explain root causes of variances using supporting schedules to communicate variance insights supporting strategic decision making? Yes or no
- Did you have to critically evaluate interconnectivity of multiple line items (how movements in one financial statement line item affect others)? Yes or no
Examples of tasks that meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
Examples of tasks that do not meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING
To meet the Management Accounting competency, you must successfully complete two of the four task statements (TS1 to TS4). A task statement is considered successfully completed only when you can answer “Yes” to all the questions associated with that statement.
TS1: Assess(4) decision makers’ needs and critically evaluate(5) the development or modification of information data systems required to meet management-reporting needs (a large, complex project, or several smaller ones).
Questions associated with this task statement
- Did you have to collaborate with key decision makers to understand management-reporting needs and the context in which information is used? Yes or no
- Did you have to critically evaluate the existing data systems to identify how well they support management-reporting needs? Yes or no
- Did you have to design and create modifications or provide recommendations for enhancements to information data systems that align with managements-reporting needs, within the scope of a large, complex project or several smaller ones? Yes or no
Examples of tasks that meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
Examples of tasks that do not meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
TS2: Design(5) forecasts or a budget for an entity with multiple and changing input variables across more than two business cycles.
Questions associated with this task statement
- Did you have to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to evaluate assumptions, constraints, and key drivers affecting the forecast or budget across more than two business cycles? Yes or no
- Did you have to create and design a forecast or budget that incorporates multiple changing input variables (e.g., pricing, volume, exchange rates, costs)? Yes or no
- Did you have to design sensitivity or scenario analyses to assess how changes in underlying assumptions may affect forecast or budget outcomes? Yes or no
Examples of tasks that meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
Examples of tasks that do not meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
TS3: Critically evaluate(5) cost management or revenue management or profitability management for a minimum of two business quarters (proficiency level 5).
Questions associated with this task statement
- Did you have to create and design costing and pricing methodologies to inform complex management decisions (e.g., make-or-buy, sourcing, pricing alternatives)? Yes or no
- Did you have to interpret and evaluate key drivers of financial performance, such as volume, pricing, and resource utilization? Yes or no
- Did you have to critically evaluate the financial and strategic impacts of cost and revenue decisions using both quantitative and qualitative methods (such as sensitivity and breakeven scenarios) over at least two business quarters? Yes or no
- Did you have to formulate strategies to enhance efficiency or performance, including improved cost tracking, process improvements, or optimization of revenue streams? Yes or no
Examples of tasks that meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
Examples of tasks that do not meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
TS4: Interpret(5) variance analyses, either with key performance indicators or budget forecasts, with explanations and/or recommendations (over two business periods, at least one of which needs to be year-end).
Questions associated with this task statement
- Did you have to interpret complex variance results and evaluate their implications for financial performance and operational effectiveness over two business periods, at least one of which needs to be year end? Yes or no
- Did you have to formulate meaningful explanations for variances and develop actionable recommendations to address key issues? Yes or no
- Did you have to critically evaluate quantitative results (e.g., KPI trends, budget variances) alongside qualitative insights to support strategic decision making? Yes or no
- Did you have to assess how key internal or external factors contributed to variances and evaluate their impact on future performance? Yes or no
Examples of tasks that meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
Examples of tasks that do not meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
ASSURANCE & TRUST
To meet the Assurance & Trust competency, you must successfully complete all the following task statements. A task statement is considered successfully completed only when you can answer “Yes” to all the questions associated with that statement.
TS1: Through multiple external assurance engagements including high-risk or complex sections of the file:
TS1.1: Design(5) the planning and risk assessment of the assurance engagement (including calculating materiality and assessing the control environment).
Questions associated with this task statement
- Did you have to formulate the assurance plan, including critically evaluating key financial statement areas and related risks (e.g., revenue recognition, inventory existence, estimates), to understand how planning decisions influence the assurance approach and scope? Yes or no
- Did you have to calculate materiality and critically evaluate performance materiality thresholds (e.g., based on revenue, assets, or net income benchmarks)? Yes or no
- Did you have to assess the control environment and areas where reliance on controls may be appropriate? Yes or no
Examples of tasks that meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
Examples of tasks that do not meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
TS1.2: Design(5) appropriate planned procedures that meet the objective of the engagement.
Questions associated with this task statement
- Did you have to interpret materiality thresholds and consider sampling factors when designing the nature, timing, and extent of assurance procedures that align with identified risks and relevant assertions? Yes or no
- Did you have to collaborate with senior team members when formulating or designing assurance procedures to ensure procedures are appropriate for client circumstances? Yes or no
Examples of tasks that meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
Examples of tasks that do not meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
TS1.3: Critically evaluate(5) supporting information and results of analysis to draw conclusions and communicate results.
Questions associated with this task statement
- Did you have to critically evaluate whether supporting information obtained is sufficient and appropriate to support well-reasoned conclusion or communicate potential inconsistencies or gaps to senior team members? Yes or no
- Did you have to formulate and communicate conclusions (e.g., assurance memos, management letter points) that are clearly supported by assurance proof? Yes or no
Examples of tasks that meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
Examples of tasks that do not meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
PROFESSIONAL SKEPTICISM
To meet the Professional Skepticism competency, you must successfully complete all the following task statements. A task statement is considered successfully completed only when you can answer “Yes” to all the questions associated with that statement.
TS1: Critically evaluate(5) actions and decisions by consistently demonstrating:
Questions associated with this task statement
- Did you have to critically evaluate information by applying a questioning mindset, by probing/challenging assumptions, and seeking explanations when results appear inconsistent or unusual? Yes or no
- Did you have to interpret new information, trends, and irregularities to determine whether they may indicate error, bias, or potential fraud, and formulate explanations or follow-up actions? Yes or no
- Did you have to formulate conclusions by assessing contradictory evidence, reflecting on conscious/unconscious biases, and ensuring interpretations are fair? Yes or no
Examples of tasks that meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
Examples of tasks that do not meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
ETHICAL DECISION MAKING
To meet the Ethical Decision Making competency, you must successfully complete all the following task statements. A task statement is considered successfully completed only when you can answer “Yes” to all the questions associated with that statement.
TS1: Critically evaluate(5) a decision by consistently demonstrating:
Questions associated with this task statement
- Did you have to critically evaluate decisions and actions by applying the CPA profession’s higher level of accountability to ensure that choices reflect integrity, due care, and the public interest? Yes or no
- Did you have to interpret the CPA Code of Professional Conduct to identify risks to objectivity (e.g., conflicts of interest, undue influence, bias) and formulate actions that preserve independence and uphold the profession’s reputation? Yes or no
- Did you have to formulate ethical responses by recognizing potential breaches of laws, regulations, organizational policies, or societal norms, and collaborating with appropriate stakeholders to raise or address unethical behavior? Yes or no
Examples of tasks that meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
Examples of tasks that do not meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
COMMUNICATION
To meet Communication competency, you must successfully complete all the following task statements. A task statement is considered successfully completed only when you can answer “Yes” to all the questions associated with that statement.
TS1: Demonstrate ability to consistently:
TS1.1: Communicate(4) analyses, findings, decisions, and next steps in a transparent, understandable, and professional manner with appropriate communication channels/tools.
TS1.2: Assesses(4) that all communications fairly reflect underlying substance without bias.
Questions associated with this task statement
- Did you have to prioritize clear, audience-appropriate communications that convey analysis, findings, decisions and next steps in a transparent, understandable, and professional manner, adapting tone and channels to the audience? Yes or no
- Did you have to assess whether communications accurately represent the underlying substance, free from bias or misleading framing? Yes or no
- Did you have to reflect on the impact of communication choices, adjusting approach when needed to strengthen clarity, professionalism, and trust? Yes or no
Examples of tasks that meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
Examples of tasks that do not meet the success criteria for this task statement
Coming soon
Questions?
Please feel free to contact us at stages@cpaquebec.ca to discuss your situation with our team. We will be happy to guide you.