FAQs for Provincial Registration for CPA members
These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are intended to provide general guidance for when registration as a member with a Provincial CPA Body* is required. These FAQs are not exhaustive.
*References herein to “Provincial CPA Body” and “Province” include the CPA bodies and provinces in each of the ten Canadian provinces and CPA Yukon, CPA Northwest Territories/Nunavut and CPA Bermuda.
In general, registration as a member with the Provincial CPA Body(ies) is required in every Province where you are using the CPA designation, and in most cases in your Province of residence.
For more specific guidance contact the appropriate Provincial CPA Body. See list of contact information at the end of this document.
I am registered as a member of Province A, am I able to use the CPA designation in Province B without registering as a member in Province B?
If you use the CPA designation in Province B, you must be registered as a member in Province B. The CPA profession is regulated provincially, and failure to register would be in contravention of provincial law.
When am I considered to be using the CPA designation in a Province?
In general, you are considered to be using the CPA designation in a Province when you represent or imply that you are entitled to use the CPA designation in that Province. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
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You work in the Province (physically or remotely).
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You reside in the Province.
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You use an address in the Province on your business cards or letterhead (hard copy or electronic), e-mail signature, website, social media, etc.
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You are involved in the community in the Province such as serving on a volunteer board, etc.
If you are using the CPA designation in a Province, you must be registered as a member of the Provincial CPA Body in that Province.
Am I able to tag my Province of registration (Province A) to my designation? For example, “Chris Doe, CPA (Province A).”
Tagging the Province is not permitted.
I am registered as a member with the Provincial CPA Body of Province A and I visit Province B for the purpose of making presentations, attending meetings and conferences. Am I required to register as a member in Province B?
You are not required to register as a member of Province B if you are visiting Province B for the purpose of making presentations, attending meetings and conferences(see also public practice questions 8. & 9. below). While you may describe yourself as being a CPA member of Province A, you must not represent or imply that you are a member of Province B.
If in doubt, please contact the appropriate CPA Provincial Body.
I live in Province A; however, I work remotely for an organization located in Province B. Where do I register as a member?
Register as a member with the Provincial CPA Body in Province B, and with the Provincial CPA Body in Province A if you are also considered to be using the CPA designation in Province A (see FAQs 1 and 2).
I live in Province A; however, I work remotely for an organization that has no physical (bricks and mortar) office anywhere. Where do I register as a member?
Register as a member with the Provincial CPA Body in Province A and in every province where you are using the CPA designation (see FAQ 1 and 2).
I live and work abroad (outside of Canada and Bermuda), what do I need to do to retain my CPA designation?
To retain your CPA designation, you must maintain your membership in at least one Provincial CPA Body. You should also contact the international accounting regulatory body where you live/work to determine the registration requirements of that jurisdiction.
Additional guidance for members who offer/provide public practice services
Note that for purposes of the following FAQs, an Engagement Lead is a CPA in public practice who is responsible for the engagement. This could be a partner, partner equivalent or authorized individual.
For information on additional firm and/or licensure registration requirements, please contact the Provincial CPA Body where your client is located.
I am an Engagement Lead offering/providing services to clients in multiple Provinces. Where do I register as a member?
Register as a member of the Provincial CPA Body in every Province where you are offering/providing services to clients. You must also consider licensure requirements.
I am an employee (not an Engagement Lead) of a firm offering/providing services to clients in multiple Provinces. Where do I register as a member?
In general, registration as a member is required with the Provincial CPA Body in every Province where you are using the CPA designation. You must also consider licensure requirements.
If your assignment for a client in another Province (physically or remotely) is temporary, contact the Provincial CPA Body where your client is located to confirm member registration requirements.
Contact for Information on Provincial Registration for CPA Members:
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CPA Provincial Body |
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Alternate Contact |
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Alberta |
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Bermuda |
info@cpabermuda.bm |
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British Columbia |
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Manitoba |
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New Brunswick |
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Newfoundland & Labrador |
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Northwest Territories/Nunavut |
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Nova Scotia |
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Ontario |
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Prince Edward Island |
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Quebec |
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Saskatchewan |
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Yukon |