The Institute is responsible for establishing the qualifications necessary to obtain a CA designation. To ensure the greatest degree of harmonization between other jurisdictions, which greatly assists in providing CAs with mobility throughout their careers, and for efficiency, these qualifications are agreed to throughout Canada. In addition, the Bermuda Institute, together with New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, has agreed to offer academic instruction on a cooperative basis through the Atlantic School of Chartered Accountancy (ASCA).
Academic Requirements
Individuals seeking entry into the professional program must first have acquired an educational background deemed to be the equivalent of a university undergraduate degree. Most students obtain a Business, Commerce or Management degree that provides the majority of the required courses. Other degrees can be accommodated, but must be supplemented with the required courses completed through ASCA.
A list of course requirements and the universities where these courses can be taken as part of a bachelor's degree can be obtained from ASCA. ASCA provides the academic courses that must be completed in order to qualify to write the UFE (Uniform Evaluation). Individuals must successfully complete the ASCA program to be eligible to write the UFE.
To register as a student in the ASCA Professional Program requires employment with a firm of chartered accountants approved to train CA students. Many of these firms recruit on university campuses in the fall for jobs commencing the following summer or fall. This means you should arrange your employment before you graduate.
UFE (Uniform Evaluation)
The UFE is a national uniform evaluation and is the final academic step completed by students to earn their CA designation. The objective of the UFE is to determine whether candidates demonstrate competence by responding to simulations - business scenarios that represent the kinds of challenges faced during their work experience, or will soon be facing in their professional career as a CA.
View additional information about the UFE.
Practical Experience
All students must complete 30 months of practical experience with an approved training office of a CA firm. Approved student training offices come in all shapes and sizes, throughout the province and the rest of Canada.
A training office may be a large branch of an international partnership, a medium-sized local firm, or a sole proprietorship. Each approved office must have a client base able to provide rich and diversified training experience for CA students. The strength of the CA program is that it provides a high level of conceptual, technical, and practical knowledge and skills for success in business. In a CA firm, students further develop technical, professional, communication and administration skills, reinforcing the foundation acquired in the classroom. Employers provide study leaves from the office for scheduled ASCA courses and exams.
During the 30-month experience requirement with a firm, the student is exposed to a wide range of businesses, organizations and individuals. In working with clients, the student learns first hand about different business sectors, organizations within each sector, and what makes each successful. As well, students are working with CAs interested in ensuring their progress as a young professional.
Click here for a listing of CA Firms that are approved to train students.
Future CA Opportunities
Upon the successful completion of all requirements, a Chartered Accountant has a wide range of potential career opportunities. They may choose to remain in public practice, either looking after the general needs of their clients, or choosing to focus their career in a wide range of specialty areas. They may also pursue a career in the private or government sector. Working closely with other key decision makers, CAs are business leaders capable of dealing with business and financial problems, solutions and opportunities in any industry.
Who to Contact
Atlantic School of Chartered Accountancy
Suite 706, 2000 Barrington Street
Halifax, NS B3J 2R2
Phone: (902) 425-7974
Fax: (902) 423-9784
Email: theschool@asca.ns.ca