Frequently Asked Questions

Become a CGA FAQ's

• Q: What sets CGA apart from the other accounting designations?

  A: Access to the CGA Program is open to individuals with a variety of educational backgrounds- - business or non-business bachelors or master's degree graduates, college graduates, or high school graduates. Other designations require you complete a Degree prior to enrolling into their program. CGA also holds a degree standard, however it is an exit, not an entrance, requirement.  The CGA Program of Professional Studies allows students to obtain a degree concurrently with their CGA studies.  CGA students enrolling into the program without a Bachelors degree may work towards an Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree concurrently with their CGA studies through CGA's integrated degree program.
  
  One of the most crucial differences is that the CGA program offers students the flexibility to choose their professional studies path. The CGA program allows for flexible areas of study in the PACE-level. PACE (Professional Applications and Competence Evaluations) prepares CGAs to lead the finance and accounting world and sets the CGA designation apart from its competition. PACE provides a unique and innovative blend of sector specific education coupled with two comprehensive capstone courses and assessments, providing students the opportunity to refine and demonstrate their abilities to apply the wide range of professional competencies expected of a newly designated CGA.
  
  Further, the freedom to obtain experience in a variety of accounting and financial management positions is one of the major advantages of CGA's certification process. CGA students can work in any business sector they want; they choose the real-world experience that best matches their career aspirations

• Q: Does CGA have many career options?

  A: Absolutely. CGAs are in high demand; many of our members reach the top rung on the corporate ladder and the highest pay scales in Canada and around the world. Enrollment in the CGA program can get you into the job markets faster because you can start working right away in any sector, gaining valuable work experience while you earn your designation. Employers value this practical real-world experience. This is one of the reasons CGA is the fastest growing accounting designation in the country.

• Q: What can I expect to earn as a CGA?

  A: CGAs rank in the top five percent of income earners in Canada, holding the most senior financial executive positions as Presidents, CEOs, CFOs, Directors and Partners. As in any profession, salary is commensurate with your experience. For specific salaries, refer to the most recent copy of the CGA Saskatchewan Program of Professional Studies.

• Q: Where will my CGA Designation be recognized?

  A: CGAs are recognized throughout Canada and around the world. Through our mutual recognition agreements with two of the worlds leading accounting bodies, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Certified Public Accountants of Australia (CPA) mark the beginning of a new era of worldwide recognition and co-operation, CGA students can look forward to a challenging and rewarding career-anywhere in the world.

• Q: Can I get financial help?

  A: Students requiring financial assistance may apply for the CGA Student line of Credit through Bank of Montreal. As part of their financial services package for CGAs, the Bank of Montreal offer special lines of credit and personal loans to CGA students, as well as other money-saving benefits. For more information, call the Bank of Montreal at 1-877-CALL-BMO.

  CGA Saskatchewan awards several academic excellence scholarship awards to current and graduating post-secondary students. In addition, many CGA students receive assistance from their employer towards the cost of the program; in fact, some students have all of their courses fees paid entirely by their employer.

• Q: What else do I need?

  A: All students in the CGA program must have access to, and the ability to use the appropriate computer hardware, operating system software and the Internet (preferably a high-speed connection).

• Q: Can I get any other kinds of Help from CGA?

  A: Yes. The CGA Association provides many services to support your success during your studies and work experience, examples including:

  • Education program and counseling 
  • E-mail notification of news and alerts about your course and student events 
  • On-line course directors 
  • In-class Exam Reviews 
  • Student Services Handbook 
  • On-Line Employment Referral Service and Networking Events 
  • Subscription to CGA-Canada Magazine and E-Connections 

• Q: Is it true I can complete an MBA through CGA?

  A: Yes, Students enrolling in the CGA Program with a Bachelors degree may be interested in taking advantage of CGAs unique partnership with Laurentian University to obtain an MBA degree concurrently with your CGA studies. For further details of this exceptional educational opportunity, please visit www.cga.laurentian.ca.

• Q: I already have an international degree, what`s my next step?

  A: If you have completed a degree outside of Canada, you must apply for Advanced Standing; provide proof of that degree, original transcripts and an English syllabus (if available) to confirm your degree satisfies the degree requirement.

• Q: What if I do not enroll in the CGA program within one year after submitting my Application for Advanced Standing?

  A: Evaluations are relevant for period of one year. If you still want to join the CGA program you will have to submit another Application for Advanced Standing.

• Q: Can I get my original International documents and transcripts back after I submit them to the Association?

  A: Yes, you can. Please make sure you request this in writing when you submit your documents.

• Q: I`m still not sure how long the program is going to take or at what level I begin the program. Whom should I talk to?

  A: Please keep in mind that before anyone at CGA Student Services can tell you definitively where you fit in the program; we need to assess your education and experience. That`s why completing the Application for Advanced Standing is key. Once you send it in to us, we`ll determine: what credits and exemptions you qualify for; and what courses you have left to complete your CGA Designation.
  
  You can call the Association office at (800) 667-4754 and ask to speak with someone on our Recruitment team or you can e-mail the Association at info@cga-saskatchewan.org.