To become a CGA, you must complete at least 36 months of full-time work experience in accounting and/or financial management. Twelve months of your work experience must be in Canada and must be at a senior level requiring a high degree of knowledge and responsibility.

CGA Ontario recommends that you already be working in a full-time position when you begin your program of CGA professional studies. Ideally, you should be working in a job that will allow you to acquire sufficient experience in accounting and finance to meet the practical work experience requirement.

Normally, students in the CGA program meet the practical work experience requirement at the same time as they are completing the CGA program of professional studies. However, you can take up to three more years to gain acceptable work experience after you have met the academic requirement.

When you have completed all but five of the courses in the CGA professional program, you can submit a Practical Experience Assessment Questionnaire (PEAQ). This is an online form. It must be verified by your current employer, who must hold a recognized professional accounting designation (CGA, CA, or CMA). At that time, you will also submit confirmation of your non-Canadian work experience in the form of letters from your previous employers,written on company letterhead, confirming:

• Your experience, including your major responsibilities and accomplishments
• Your position title
• The start and end dates of your employment

If letters from your previous employers are not in English or French, you must provide CGA with certified translations. Visit the website for the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO) to find a certified translator.

Learn more about the practical experience requirement by reading the CGA's Frequently Asking Questions [PDF].

Finding a Job

Students in the CGA program are required to find their own employment to satisfy the practical work experience requirement. As a student, you will have access to the CGA online employment referral service. This service allows you to view job postings from employers as well as to post your résumé for employers to review.

Review information about community employment programs for newcomers to Ontario.

Learn about bridge-to-work programs that help internationally educated accountants gain the skills and information they need to practise in Ontario.