The language of business

2008/2009

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

CERTIFIED GENERAL ACCOUNTANTS OF CANADA

NOTES __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________

CONTENT INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................................1

Welcome Message from the Association What Changes to Expect in 2008/2009 Course Profiles Update

CGA PROGRAM OF STUDIES – STANDARDS AND STRUCTURE ......................................................................................4

Professional Certification Standards Academic Requirements (for students first enrolled in 2006/2007 academic year or later) Academic Requirements (for students first enrolled prior to 2006/2007 academic year) Practical Experience Requirement University Degree Requirement and Degree Opportunities

CGA Program Structure Overview (course sequence diagrams) Program Level Descriptions Course Prerequisites

GENERAL INFORMATION, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES .................................................................................................8

Application for Transfer Credits Application for Enrolment (New Students Only) Application for Re-Enrolment (Existing Students Only) Important Information for Enrolling and Re-enrolling Student Student Number - ID Basic Tuition Fee Inactive Status Fee Course Fee Structure Payment of Fees Course Withdrawal/Refund Policy Program Withdrawal/Readmission Policy

Voluntary Withdrawals Compulsory Withdrawals

Number of Examination Attempts Policy Time Limit Policy Official and Unofficial Transcripts of Marks Students Appeals Code of Ethical Principles and Rules of Conduct Address Change / Student Transfers Regional Chapter/Exam Centre Codes

COURSE COMPONENT INFORMATION ..............................................................................................................................12

Computer Integration Computer System Access Internet Service and Security Software

Minimum and Recommended Computer System Computer Tutorials. Microsoft Software Sage AccPac ERP 5.3A CICA Handbooks Software Other Educational Software Requirements Technical Assistance for Software and Online Problems

Miscellaneous Course Materials Calculators Electronic Ethics Readings Handbook Study Guide Math Reference Handbook

ASSIGNMENTS AND OTHER COURSE WORK ...................................................................................................................15

Plagiarism Assignment Copying Regulations

Course Work Delivery Using Online Technology Assignment Submission and Due Dates Online Quizzes and Integrative Assignments Due Dates ( Levels 1, 2, 3 only) Marks for Course Work BC1 and BC2 - Accounting Business Case and Public Practice Audit Case

EXAMINATIONS.....................................................................................................................................................................17 Overview of the Education Examinations Process Examination Development and Review Examination Marking and Mark Release to Students Professional Applications PA1 and PA2 Examination Process

Integration of Knowledge Application of Core Knowledge Demonstration of Professional Competencies Major Features of the PA Examinations Format of the PA Examinations Competency-Based Versus Issue-Based Marking PA Examination Marking and Reporting

Exam Mark Appeals Re-grade Critique PA Administrative Review

Preparing for Exams Examination Blueprints Past Examinations

Qualifying to Write an Exam Multiple Choice Exams Examination Types/Classifications

Sessional Supplemental Deferred Challenge Exam Withdrawal Status Codes

Course/ Enrolment Types Course Enrolment Type Course Withdrawal Status Codes

Exam Room Procedures Allowable Exam Room Materials Examination Room Violation Change of Exam Venue to a Regular Exam Centre Exam Supervision in Regular and Special* Exam Centres

CERTIFICATION ....................................................................................................................................................................24

Application for Membership Diplomas, Awards and Scholarships

Foundation Studies in Accounting Diploma International Awards National Awards and Scholarships

FEES AND FORMS (see website) INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM OFFICES

CGA-Canada International 100-4200 North Fraser Way Burnaby, BC Canada V5J 5K7 T 604.669.3555 / F 604.689.5845 E internationalinquiries@cga-canada.org W www.cga-international.org

CGA-Hong Kong Unit A, 10 F, 211 Johnston Road Wanchai, Hong Kong T 852.2858.1712 / F 852.2559.4536 E info@cgahk.org.hk

CGA-Caribbean Suite 23, In One Accord Plaza Warrens, St.Michael, Barbados T 246.424.8617 / 424.8596 / F 246.424.8496 E students@cga-caribbean.org.bb

Shanghai Representation Office 7H, Apong Mansion, 585 Ling Ling Road Shanghai 200030, P.R.China T 8621.6468.6541 / F 8621.6439.3298 E edush@cga-china.org

Beijing Representation Office Room 304, Tower B, Jia Li Building 180 Beiyuanlu, Chaoyang District Beijing 100101, P.R.China T 8610.6491.6570 / F 8610.6492.1279 E edubj@cga-china.org

Guangzhou Representation Office Room 609, Jun Yuan Building 155 Tianhedonglu Guangzhou 590620, P.R.China T 8620.3880.5544 / F 8620.3880.3598 E edugz@cga-china.org

Bermuda students and members are administered by CGA-Nova Scotia and program delivery in Bermuda is provided by the CGA-Maritime Student Services office

CGA-Nova Scotia 230-1801 Hollis Street Halifax, NS Canada B3J 3N4 T 902.425.4923 / F 902 .425.4983 E office@cga-ns.org / W www.cga-ns.org

CGA Maritime Student Services 403-236 St. George Street Moncton, NB Canada E1C 8R2 T 506.857.2204 / F 506.852.4450 E general@cga-maritime.org / W www.cga-maritime.org

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INTRODUCTION This Student Handbook contains academic and administrative policies for the Certified General Accountants’ Program of Professional Studies in International regions. These policies are determined by the National Education Committee and are administered by International offices and/or CGA Affiliates located in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Hong Kong and China. Association policies are designed to provide fair, consistent and efficient treatment of all students. Where students find themselves at odds with the policies, they should communicate their concerns and circumstances to the staff at their regional or representation CGA office. Students are responsible for being familiar with the information contained in the Student Handbook in order to be able to succeed with their studies. The Association welcomes written comments on its contents. The Association makes every effort to ensure that the policies, schedules and other information contained in this Handbook are accurate; however, the Association reserves the right to change any information in this Handbook without prior notice, and disclaims liability to any person who may suffer loss as a result of reliance upon the information.

Welcome Message from the Association We are pleased to provide you with this 2008/2009 Student Handbook. This important guide is designed for all new and re-enrolling students. It will help you understand many of the academic processes and timelines of the CGA Program for the 2008/2009 academic year. We also encourage you to access the complete version of the Handbook on the CGA-Canada website under your respective region. As part of our continuing efforts to put more resources online, some of the detailed information you will need may only be available online. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome new students to the CGA Program. The CGA designation is clearly the choice for today’s finance and accounting students. And, it is clearly the most respected and recognized accounting designation by businesses and employers. Completing the CGA Program takes hard work, discipline and commitment. As our many graduates can attest to, the rewards, both professional and personal, are many. On behalf of the Association’s staff, we wish you all the best for a fulfilling academic year. What Changes to Expect in 2008/2009 Online Course Enrolment In 2008/2009 re-enrolling students must pay their annual Basic Tuition Fee and enrol in their courses online regardless of how they are paying for their enrolment (e.g., credit card or cheque). Students should ensure that they follow the enrolment deadlines (see Calendar or Important Dates Schedule). In China, students must re-enrol through the CGA representation office in the jurisdiction of their residence. BlackBoard OLE - Blackboard Online Learning Environment As of September 2008, all CGA distance courses are delivered using the Blackboard Online Learning Environment. The new course delivery platform offers students a more efficient and effective learning experience. Become familiar with the new learning resource, and take advantage of such a dynamic new application. Services on Blackboard include mini tutorials, automated course updates and comprehensive course reviews. Students may customize the Blackboard interface and use the built in tools to effectively organize your student schedule for the academic year. Students who are familiar with the edNET learning management system will note some differences between the two systems:

• OLE supports ‘virtualization’ – live or on-demand interaction using Web-conferencing. • Upon every login students will have access to all new course updates, threads, activities that have occurred since the last

login via a new feature of the system “What’s New”. • OLE provides students with peer-to-peer tutoring services and a Course Director who monitors these forums. • OLE contains the course content and assignment submissions in different areas of the Website so learning how to

navigate efficiently and effectively is of essence. • Quizzes completed on OLE must be completed in a single sitting.

Assignment submission in OLE will be staggered for some Level 4 and PACE courses. In other words, the pattern of submission days will change. Unlike in the past when submission due dates were restricted to Tuesday Noon Pacific Time, now the submission days for some courses will be on Tuesday, for some courses on Wednesday, and on Thursday at noon local time.

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Foundation Studies/Levels 1-3 There are no major changes to report. Students will continue earning marks towards the final grade (30%) by completing online course work such as multiple-choice quizzes and integrative assignments. EM1, QU1, LW1 and MS1 courses will only have 5 online, multiple-choice quizzes; each quiz will earn 6% of the final course grade (for a total of 30%). The EM1, QU1 and LW1 3-hour final exams will be in a multiple-choice format and the content of these exams will be non-disclosed. It is mandatory for all students to complete a Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to commencing the examination. If a student does not submit the course work of quizzes and/or integrative assignments, which accounts for 30% of the final grade, only 70% of the actual exam mark (i.e., exam mark x 0.70) will be assigned as the final course grade. In other words, if a student receives 0 marks on the course work, the exam mark must be 93% in order to reflect a passing final course grade of 65%. Advanced Studies/Level 4 Even though currently assignment and other course work marks determine if a student qualifies to write the final exam, plans for adopting the marking scheme where term work will earn marks towards the final course grade are under way. This new type of marking scheme (similar to the scheme used in the Foundation Studies/Levels 1-3) will commence next academic year. Capstone Courses/Examinations Requirement In addition to two career elective courses, there are now two final capstone courses in the PACE level of the Program.

PA1 - Issues in Professional Practice - where students work in online groups while they complete real-world business simulations from the perspective of the professional accountant external to the organization. PA2 - Strategic Financial Management - which integrates new and previously learned concepts. Using business simulations and online teams, students are required to take on the role of an internal financial manager, solving problems and addressing corresponding issues.

These capstone courses are competency-based and the final exams are marked out of eight competency groupings. All competencies must be passed in order to receive a course pass. As opposed to prior years when a student was unsuccessful on their first attempt and had to repeat the course in its entirety, one supplemental attempt at the exam only will be available to those who pass six of the eight competency groupings. The eight competency groupings are:

Financial accounting and reporting Management accounting Taxation Finance and financial planning, Assurance, General business and Information technology Ethics and trust Communications Integrative approach and problem solving Planning, Client focus, and Organizational and strategic leadership

Business Cases BC1 – Accounting Business Case and BC2 - Public Practice Audit Case will be deployed through the CGA Online Learning Management System. BC1 will be available in all 4 Sessions and BC2 in Sessions 2, 3, and 4. Direct submission to the regional program office – by mail or courier – will be due on the Friday of the week following the exam week of the applicable Session. CGA Education Material Changes EM1, FA1, CM1, MS1, MA2, FN2, MS2, PF1 will have a new textbooks or new text editions CT1, CT2, BC1, BC2, TX1, MS2, PA1, PA2 will have new resources applicable for the current year Partner University Degree Education Material Changes Laurentian MBA – GM2, RM2 will have new textbooks or editions SAIT – NM1, OB1 will have a new textbooks or edition

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Foundation Studies in Accounting Diploma CGA International has introduced a new intermediate level diploma that recognizes student’s academic achievement in the Foundations Studies of the CGA Program. The Foundation Studies in Accounting Diploma verifies achievement of an intermediate level of the CGA Program only; and does not in any way signify membership in the CGA Association, nor does it entitle the holder to any rights to use the designation CGA. CGA students may apply for the diploma upon completion of all the Program requirements in the Foundation Studies by CGA examination or transfer credit. The application can be found online in the Forms section or from their regional office indicating the minimum residency requirement. Course Profiles and Course Work Assessment Recently, the course work assessments started to move in a new, exciting direction. Courses no longer have the rigid 10-assignments-per-course schedule. Assignments, quizzes, integrative and collaborative work submissions, and discussions now form the schedule of a 10-week course. A table depicting the most recent updates to the course profiles can be obtained from the regional office (see also below). CGA COURSE PROFILES AND ASSIGNMENT/QUIZ MARKS DETAILS – 2008/2009

Session Enrolment Periods 08/09 Course Enrolment Deadline Course Start Date Assignment Submission Exam Week

Session 1 – Fall (Sep-Nov) Jun 23, 2008 – Aug 13, 2008 August 13, 2008 September 8, 2008 Dec 2 – Dec 6, 2008 Session 2 – Winter (Dec-Feb) Sep15, 2008 – Nov 12, 2008 November 12, 2008 December 8, 2008 Mar 10 – Mar 14, 2009 Session 3 – Spring (Mar-May) Dec 15, 2008 – Feb 18, 2009 February 23, 2009 March 16, 2009 Jun 9 – Jun 13, 2009 Session 4 – Summer (Jun-Aug) Mar 23, 2009 – May 20, 2009 May 20, 2009 June 15, 2009

Submission deadline is 12 noon in the student’s region. Some assignments are due Tuesday, some Wednesday or Thursday. Sep 2 – Sep 4, 2009

Foundation Studies – assignment and/or quiz marks total accounts for 30 % of the final course grade; exam mark accounts for 70 % of the final course grade

FA1 5 quizzes –3 marks each (available in weeks 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10); 1 integrative assignment - 15 marks (due in week 8)

EM1 5 quizzes – 6 marks each (available in weeks 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10)

LW1 5 quizzes – 6 marks each (available in weeks 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10)

FA2 5 quizzes – 3 marks each (available in weeks 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10); 1 integrative assignment - 15 marks (due in week 8)

QU1 5 quizzes – 6 marks each (available in weeks 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10)

MS1 5 quizzes – 3 marks each (available in weeks 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10)

CM1 3 assignments – 5 marks each (due in week 1, 4, 6); 1 integrative assignment – 15 marks (due in week 8)

FN1 5 quizzes – 3 marks each (available in weeks 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10); 1 integrative assignment - 15 marks (due in week 8)

MA1 5 quizzes – 3 marks each (available in weeks 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10); 1 integrative assignment - 15 marks (due in week 8)

FA3 5 quizzes – 3 marks each (available in weeks 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10); 1 integrative assignment - 15 marks (due in week 8)

BC1 1 business case assignment – 100 marks (due Friday following the exam week of the enrolled session); BC1 has no exam

Advanced and Pace Studies – assignment and/or discussion marks determine qualification to write the final exam but are not included in the final course grade Less than 65 % of total assignment/quiz marks disqualifies a student from writing the final exam; final exam = 100 % final course grade

MA2 5 qualifying assignments – 100 marks each (due in week 2, 4, 6, 8, 9)

AT1 5 qualifying assignments – 100 marks each (due in week 2, 4, 6, 8, 9)

FA4 6 qualifying assignments – 100 marks each due in week 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9); 2 qualifying discussions – 25 marks each (week 3, 7)

TX1 5 qualifying assignments – 100 marks each (due in week 2, 4, 6, 8, 9)

AU1 5 qualifying assignments – 100 marks each (due in week 2, 4, 6, 8, 9)

BC2 1 business case assignment (due Friday following the exam week of the enrolled session) – 100 marks; BC2 has no exam

FN2 5 qualifying assignments – 100 marks each (due in week 2, 4, 6, 8, 9)

AU2 5 qualifying assignments – 100 marks each (due in week 2, 4, 6, 8, 9)

MU1 5 qualifying assignments – 100 marks each (due in week 2, 4, 6, 8, 9)

TX2 5 qualifying assignments – 100 marks each (due in week 2, 4, 6, 8, 9)

MS2 4 qualifying assignments – 100 marks each (due in week 2, 5, 8, 9); 5 qualifying discussions – 20 marks each (week 1, 3, 4, 6, 7)

PF1 3 qualifying assignments – 100 marks ( week 3) / 150 marks (week 5) / 50 marks (week 9); 1 qualifying discussion – 50 marks (week 1); 1 collaborative assignment – 150 marks ( week 7)

Capstone Courses – overall, competency based assignment mark of Pass qualifies one to write the exam Exam performance is reported as an overall grade of: Pass with Honours, Pass, Fail, or Entitled to a Supplemental Exam Attempt

PA1/PA2 2 individual cases (due in week 2, 4); 1 collaborative case (due in week 7); 1 practice exam assignment (due in week 8); 3 discussions (week 1, 3, 4);

NOTE: The quiz/assignment/discussion submission due dates are available in the “Assignment Info” section in the “Student Centre” on our website. . Also available on the Learning Management System OLE or on the International Website.

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CGA PROGRAM OF STUDIES – STANDARDS AND STRUCTURE

Professional Certification Standards Prior to CGA certification, students must satisfy both academic and practical experience requirements. Academic Requirements (for students first enrolled in 2006/2007 academic year or later)

Pass by CGA examination or be granted transfer credits in the Foundation Studies and Advanced Studies Level 4 of the Program (as outlined by the following applicable Course Sequence Diagram)

Pass by CGA examination one PACE Level Career Option (each career option comprising two elective courses) - Corporate and Small-Medium Enterprise Career Option (FN2 and MS2 or MU1) - Information Technology Career Option (MS2 and MU1) - Government and Not-for-Profit Career Option (PF1 and MS2 or MU1) - Public Practice Career Option (TX2 and AU2) - Choose your own combination of two PACE elective courses, which may only include one advanced auditing course

Pass by CGA examination two PACE Level Capstone Courses - Issues in Professional Practice (PA1) - Strategic Financial Management (PA2)

Have a degree from a recognized degree-granting institution Satisfy the Practical Experience Requirement

Academic Requirements (for students first enrolled prior to 2006/2007 academic year)

Pass by CGA examination or be granted transfer credits in the Foundation Studies and Advanced Studies of the Program (as outlined by the following applicable Course Sequence Diagram)

Pass FA4 by CGA examination Pass by CGA examination the PACE Level requirements

- Two career option electives, of which only one may be advanced auditing - Professional Applications 1 (PA1)

Have a degree from a recognized degree-granting institution Satisfy the Practical Experience Requirement

Practical Experience Requirement As an integral component of their professional preparation, CGA students must demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge and skills gained from their formal education to a workplace environment. Students are expected to assume successively higher levels of financial management responsibilities as they advance to the PACE Level of the CGA Program. For certification, students must provide proof that they have progressed to an employment position that requires a well-rounded knowledge and professional level of responsibility in such areas as accounting, finance, audit, taxation, strategic planning, and the management of knowledge, human resources, projects, and other organizational resources. Students not achieving the prescribed competencies will have their certification delayed. Practical experience is assessed on the basis of professional competencies. To qualify for certification, all candidates must attain a specific set of competencies through approved work experience. The minimum period of practical experience is 36 months. Of the total experience, all students must have a minimum of 1 year of accounting/financial experience at a professional level. Students registered with a Canadian affiliate must attain a minimum of 1 year of Canadian experience, whereas students registered with an International affiliate or CGA-Canada, International may gain practical experience outside of Canada. Students are required to report the practical experience they have achieved starting at the time they first enrol in a PACE Level course. Some regional offices may require students to report prior to the PACE Level. Experience gained by a student will be evaluated by means of a Practical Experience Assessment Questionnaire (PEAQ) verified by a qualified supervisor. The supervisor must be a professional who is familiar with the student’s experience and is acceptable to the Association. The Association will review the PEAQ and related documents submitted by the student to the regional office to determine if the student has satisfied the Association’s requirement standards, and will advise the student in writing. Examples of Practical Experience Profiles:

(1) Students enrolled at the Foundation Studies Level 3 are normally employed full time in entry level or higher accounting and/or financial activities, e.g. accounts payable/accounts receivable clerk, junior accountant, etc.

(2) Students enrolled at the Advanced Studies Level 4 are normally employed full time in accounting or financial management activities at an increasingly responsible, intermediate level. Students at this level may be involved in financial statement development and/or interpretation, financial analysis, budgeting, investment management, tax planning, audits, and systems analysis.

(3) Students enrolled at the PACE Level are employed full time in accounting, financial or managerial functions that require a professional level of responsibility and decision-making. Typical experiences may include complex financial analysis, forecasts, strategic planning, policy recommendations, project leadership, business re-engineering, client relations, corporate audits, etc.

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Tips to Consider when Completing the Practical Experience Assessment Questionnaire:

(1) Keep a copy of the last questionnaire. This will help you to complete the next questionnaire. Each year you should indicate more experience as your career grows. The best way to ensure you are progressing is to compare the current year experience to the previously reported one.

(2) Take your time. Do not rush when completing the questionnaire and read the instructions carefully. This form is important as it will impact when you graduate from the CGA Program. Students who do not take the necessary time to complete the form often end up under-reporting their experience.

(3) Work together with a fellow CGA student and /or member or your employer. This can be extremely beneficial, especially if you are a new student. New students tend to miss elements of their jobs which are important. Because of this, having that second person contribute another perspective may identify other areas you may have not considered.

(4) In anticipation of your certification, your employer needs to take a pro-active approach and assist with expanding your duties and performance to supervisory and/or managerial level. Please discuss your options of advancement with your employer as you progress at the academic level.

University Degree Requirement and Degree Opportunities The CGA Association implemented a degree requirement for students entering the CGA Program in 1998/99 and subsequent academic years. CGA's degree policy maintains the Association’s longstanding tradition of open access to professional education. The degree is a CGA certification requirement, not an entrance requirement. This means that students must have or attain a university degree prior to certification but not to enter the CGA Program. To accommodate students who enter the CGA Program without a degree, the Association is committed to offering integrated degree opportunities. Students in the CGA Program are currently provided the choice of completing the Laurentian University Online Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree or Masters Degree, or a Bachelor of Applied Business and Administration in Accounting and Information Technology Degree through the Southern Alberta Institute of technology (SAIT). The degrees are offered by part-time distance learning. These exclusive and innovative arrangements provide students an excellent and very efficient means to meet the CGA degree standard. The curriculum of the degrees has been integrated into the CGA Program of Professional Studies. Laurentian University – the Honours Bachelor of Commerce (H.B.Com) online distance-education program will be of interest to students wanting to develop strong business and management skills. Available nationally and internationally, this university degree provides a solid grounding in business administration. Most students will be able to complete the degree concurrently with CGA studies over an additional five sessions of part-time study. Laurentian University – Master of Business Administration (MBA) for senior CGA students or CGA members was developed in order to provide easy access to an affordable MBA degree that can be completed in as little as 15 months. The unique feature of this MBA program is that there is no on-campus requirement. All courses are delivered online - using the most advanced technology - giving CGA students and members the flexibility to complete coursework wherever and whenever they choose. SAIT – the Bachelor of Applied Business Administration, with majors in accounting and information technology provides CGAs with the skills necessary to keep up with changes in technology, the globalization of business and industry, and an increasing focus on business ethics in the modern workplace. The technology courses are taught from an accounting/financial management perspective. Merging advanced accounting skills with the use of technology enables the graduates of this Program to incorporate technology into the business decision-making process. Steps to Follow When Applying for Admission and Enrolling in Partner University Courses Laurentian University (LU)

1. Ensure that you are an active CGA Student or a CGA Member in good standing 2. Obtain an application for admission from the LU website www.cga.laurentian.ca 3. Fill out the application for admission and send two copies to CGA-Canada International for processing along with the

required documents and references, application fee payable to LU (by money order or credit card), and the application checklist

4. CGA will forward your application to LU by the closest sessional due date, and if approved, LU will notify you directly approximately 2 months from the time of receipt

5. After acceptance, obtain a course enrolment form and course Fee Schedule from CGA-Canada International - ajetelina@cga-canada.org

6. Send the filled out course enrolment form to CGA-Canada International along with course fee payable to CGA-Canada International (by money order or credit card) for processing

7. Contact LU for information about course assignments, class lists, marks, graduation, etc. Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Due to the conclusion of the partnership between CGA and SAIT, applications for admission are no longer accepted effective 2008/2009 academic year.

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CGA Program Structure Overview (course sequence diagrams)

Program Level Descriptions Foundation Studies are the first three levels of the CGA Program. The courses of the Foundation Studies provide a solid understanding of full-cycle financial accounting, economics, law, statistical analysis for business, management accounting, business communications, and management information systems. Advanced Studies, namely Level 4, represents advanced professional education. The courses at this level provide instruction and preparation in advanced financial accounting, advanced management accounting, individual and corporate taxation, auditing, and accounting theory.

CGA Program - Prior to 2006/2007 Current CGA Program

Level 1 Level 1

Financial Accounting 1 FA1 Financial Accounting Fundamentals FA1

Economics1 EM1 Micro & Macro Economics EM1

Law 1 LW1 Business Law LW1

Level 2 Level 2

Financial Accounting 2 FA2 Financial Accounting: Assets FA2

Quantitative Methods 1 QU1 Business Quantitative Analysis QU1

Management Accounting 1 MA1 Management Accounting Fundamentals MA1

Communications 1 CM1 Business Communication CM1

Level 3 Level 3

Finance 1 FN1 Corporate Finance Fundamentals FN1

Management Info Systems 1 MS1 Managing Information Systems MS1

Financial Accounting 3 FA3 Financial Accounting: Liabilities & Equities FA3

Business Case 1 BC1 Accounting Business Case BC1

Level 4 Level 4

Accounting Theory AT1 Accounting Theory & Contemporary Issues AT1

Management Accounting 2 MA2 Financial Accounting: Consolidations & Advanced Issues FA4

Taxation 1 TX1 Advanced Management Accounting MA2

Auditing 1 AU1 Personal & Corporate Taxation TX1

Business Case 2 BC2 External Auditing AU1

PACE Level –Two of Six Career Electives Public Practice Audit Case BC2

Finance 2 FN2 PACE Level – Two of Six Career Electives

Taxation 2 TX2 Advanced Corporate Finance FN2

Auditing 2 or Management Auditing 1 AU2 or MU1 Advanced Personal & Corporate Taxation TX2

Management Info Systems 2 MS2 Advanced External Auditing or Internal Auditing Controls AU2 or MU1

Public Sector Finance 1 PF1 Information Systems Strategy MS2

Public Sector Financial Management PF1 Compulsory Capstone Courses

Compulsory Capstone Courses

Financial Accounting 4 FA4 Issues in Professional Practice PA1

Professional Applications 1 PA1

FOUNDATION

STUDIES

ADVANCED

STUDIES

Strategic Financial Management PA2

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The Business Cases are an integral part of the CGA Program. They are designed to help students learn to apply financial management concepts in a practical and professional manner. Students complete two computer based case studies to gain experience in applying business management skills using the industry’s most advanced business and financial software. The Professional Applications and Competence Evaluations (PACE) Level comprises professional courses and their examinations leading to CGA certification. At the PACE Level, students choose one of four different career options. Each option contains two elective courses with 4-hour certification exams. The PACE courses include online teamwork, business simulations, and in-depth case studies. They are designed to provide students with technical, ethical, leadership, and general management competencies required of a newly certified CGA. The final two course examinations of the PACE Level are the capstone Professional Applications examinations PA1: Issues in Professional Practice and PA2: Strategic Financial Management. Two courses were designed to prepare candidates to write the PA examinations by developing students’ competencies in the application and integration of knowledge in two separate but related professional contexts.

Course Prerequisites The CGA Program structure is designed for each course level to build upon the knowledge gained in prior levels. Though a student may have completed the prerequisites for a course in a higher level, it is recommended that he/she not register for courses beyond two levels of the highest completed level. Students granted transfer credits are responsible for understanding all prerequisite course content. Level 1 FA1 / EM1 /LW1 no prerequisites Level 2 FA2 FA1 QU1 no prerequisites MA1 FA1 course work CM1 no prerequisites Level 3 FN1 FA1, EM1 MS1 FA1 FA3 FA2 course work BC1 CM1, MS1, FN1, MA1, and FA3 course work Level 4 AT1 FA3, FN1 MA2 MA1, QU1 FA4 FA3 TX1 FA3 course work AU1 FA3, MS1, QU1 BC2 MS1, FA3, QU1, and AU1 course work PACE TX2 TX1 FN2 FN1 MS2 MS1 AU2 AU1 MU1 AU1 PF1 FA2, MA2, AU1 CAPSTONE PA1 Level 4 and 2 PACE electives

PA2 Level 4 and 2 PACE electives Note: Enrolment in most courses requires completion of other course work plus exam passes except where specified.

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GENERAL INFORMATION, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Application for Transfer Credits The Association may grant transfer credits for examinations written at recognized universities, colleges and other professional associations providing the course content and standards are considered equivalent to a course in the CGA Program of Professional Studies. University or college education is not an entrance requirement; however, a university degree must be attained prior to CGA certification. To accommodate students who enter the CGA Program without a degree, the Association offers integrated degree opportunities via distance or online studies through partner universities such as the Laurentian University and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Students with accounting academic background or a university degree should first apply for transfer credits to determine their standing in the CGA Program. The application for advanced standing must be filled in and sent to the regional or representation CGA office for assessment, along with original transcripts (photocopies of transcripts must be certified by a notary public) by the specified deadline. Assessments may take anywhere from two to four weeks and are valid for the academic year in which they were provided. In some cases, a challenge examination will be granted if there is any doubt as to whether or not a full transfer credit is justified. A challenge examination exempts students from submitting weekly assignments; however, the CGA examination in that subject must be written within 12 months from the time of enrolment.

Application for Enrolment (New Students Only) Students with confirmed advanced standing or those without accounting academic background may fill out an application for enrolment in detail by following the instructions on the form, and send it to the regional or representation CGA office along with a Basic Tuition Fee, course fees, transfer credit fees, etc. New students can enrol any time of the academic year by the applicable due dates for the 4 sessions. New student is also assessed a one-time entrance fee to cover a portion of the student’s start-up cost. The fee contributes to the cost of academic assessment, if any, set-up of a regional student file, and distribution of a Mathematics Reference Handbook (optional), access to an electronic copy of the Ethics Readings Handbook, Study Guide, and Student Handbook.

Application for Re-Enrolment (Existing Students Only) Existing students must enrol online. Go to: www-cga-international.org; select your region; enter your web user information (e.g., user ID and password); select the online enrolment link from the left navigation pane for further instructions. In China, students must re-enrol through the CGA representation office in the jurisdiction of their residence.

Important Information for Enrolling and Re-enrolling Student Links to all forms required for enrolment, re-enrolment, and status changes can be found on the CGA website. All students should register with their offices as early as possible to facilitate delivery of course materials (see Important Dates schedule on the CGA website). Course/Exam Selection and Fees. When filling out the first-time enrolment and/or annual re-enrolment forms, see course prerequisites in the Student Handbook as well as the Course Offerings, Exam Timetable, and Fee Schedule on the CGA website. Status/Address Changes, Course Additions, Withdrawals, Exam Deferrals, etc. To request any changes to your current demographic or enrolment status, use relevant forms found online in the Forms section.

Student Number All students are assigned a permanent student number. This number will normally remain with the student throughout the CGA Program and will also be carried forward after the student is admitted into CGA membership. It is of great importance that all assignments, correspondence, and payments to the Association bear this number.

Basic Tuition Fee All students are required to pay the non-refundable Basic Tuition Fee annually. New students have an option to pay a pro-rated Basic Tuition Fee depending on the session they first enrol in (see Application for Advanced Standing and Fee Schedule on the CGA website). Re-enrolling students pay the full Basic Tuition Fee annually regardless of the session they enrol in.

Inactive Status Fee Students may take a maximum of two years off from their CGA studies whenever they choose, provided they register annually as ‘Inactive’ CGA students by paying the annual Inactive Student Fee. The two years will not be counted as part of their time limit. Inactive students may change their status to ‘Active’ during the academic year. When a student changes his/her status to active, the full academic year will be counted as part of the maximum number of years allowed on the Program.

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Outstanding university degree and practical experience requirements may cause a delay in completion of the CGA Program and certification. If a student enrols in a university degree Program required for CGA certification, the Inactive Status fee must be paid to retain current status. If extra time is needed to satisfy the practical experience and/or the university degree requirements, the Inactive Status must be maintained. Up to two additional years for each of the two requirements (practical and degree) will be permitted.

Course Fee Structure Course fees are generally structured to include the costs of textbooks, lesson materials, educational software, assignment marking and course examination fees. Course fees are divided into two categories:

1. Regular course fee for students progressing in the Program from one course to another. These fees normally include textbooks and software, except where provided in prerequisite courses.

2. Repeat course fee for students who repeat a course and have been issued the textbook and course materials previously. The repeat fee only applies if the student repeats the course in subsequent sessions where the textbook remains the same as previously issued. If the course is revised and a new/updated textbook is required, the regular course fee applies.

Course fees do not include the following materials:

Microsoft Office software CICA Accounting, Assurance, and Public Sector Accounting Handbooks required for FA4, AT1, AU1, AU2, and PF1

respectively (the CICA Handbooks usage licenses are available on a CD at special educational pricing when students register in these courses)

Supplemental or deferred examination fees Late assignment submission fees Textbook for a challenge examination enrolment is not included; textbooks may be purchased from CGA at cost plus shipping

fee

Payment of Fees Students may forward all payments to their regional or representation CGA office by the following options; where applicable:

1. Online (existing students only; first time enrolment applications are processed by the regional office) 2. By Fax or e-mail – VISA or MasterCard credit card payment 3. In Person or mail – Bank draft or credit card payment

Course Withdrawal/Refund Policy Full course refund applies if Program entry is rejected. If a student withdraws from a course two weeks prior to the course start date a full refund or credit may be applicable if the textbook was not sent by the regional office. A refund will not be processed if notice of withdrawal from a course reaches the regional or representation CGA office after the course starts. An academic penalty may apply depending when the withdrawal request is submitted. Refund for inadvertent overpayment applies if the overpayment is $150 or more. Miscellaneous overpayments, which are less than $150, will be held as credit in the student’s account for future enrolment purposes unless payment was paid by a credit card, in which case the payment will be reversed.

Program Withdrawal/Readmission Policy Voluntary Withdrawals Students who do not register and/or renew their student status for one or more complete academic years will be considered voluntary withdrawals and will be required to apply for readmission into the Program. Students requesting readmission are required to submit a written request and a re-evaluation fee to their regional or representation CGA office. All students seeking readmission will have their CGA academic records re-evaluated to current standards of the CGA Program (see Inactive Status). Compulsory Withdrawals Students who have been required to withdraw from the CGA Program due to academic performance may apply in writing for reinstatements two years after their compulsory withdrawal. A re-evaluation of all CGA courses completed in the past will be required in order to conform to current CGA Program standards. Examples of possible causes for compulsory withdrawal from the CGA Program are:

Maximum number of attempts at any one course/exam Expired time limit Disciplinary action

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Number of Examination Attempts Policy Students are permitted a maximum of four attempts at any one CGA course and/or exam. Failure to obtain the required grade on a course exam or supplemental exam, or disqualification from writing an exam (status mark DNQ) due to unsatisfactory assignment submission are considered attempts. Should the students be unsuccessful after four attempts, they will be required to withdraw from the CGA Program. At the discretion of the Association, an additional attempt may be granted upon written request.

Time Limit Policy There is a time limit for all students to complete the CGA Program. While the Program is designed so that a student can finish in six years, the Association recognizes that students will progress at different rates. Students enrolling in the first year without any transfer credits must complete the Program within ten years of initial registration. Extension of two years is granted to students without a university degree or to students who choose to complete another CGA sponsored degree through a partner university. Additional extension of three years will be considered for completion of the required practical experience. Time Limit Calculation

Number of Transfer Credits

Maximum Number of Years Allowed on the

Program

Number of Exams Required at Admission

Maximum Number of Years Allowed in the

Program 0 – 2 10 4 – 5 3 3 – 4 9 6 4 5 – 6 8 7 – 8 5 7 – 8 7 9 – 10 6

9 – 10 6 11 – 12 7 11 – 12 5 13 – 14 8

13 4

OR

15 – 16 9 14 – 15 3 17 – 19 10

Students who reach the end of their time limit will be required to withdraw (see Compulsory Withdrawal) from the CGA Program. At the discretion of the Association, an extension may be granted upon written request.

Official and Unofficial Transcripts of Marks At the end of each academic year, following the June examination results release, each student registered during the academic year can print an updated unofficial transcript of their CGA student history from the website account. The transcript includes a detailed list of the results of all course registrations along with any approved transfer credits. The information on the transcript is the basis by which the student’s eligibility for graduation is determined. It is of utmost importance that all transfer credits and course marks are accurately listed. If there are any discrepancies, errors or omissions, the regional office should be notified immediately. A student may request an official transcript to be sent to another institute or employer. There is a fee associated with this request and must be paid prior to the release of the transcript. To order an unofficial or official transcript, students must submit a written request and fee (or use the order form found online in the Forms section).

Student Appeals A student who believes that a rule or regulation has been unfairly applied may appeal to the regional or representation CGA office. Rules and regulations exist, in part, to ensure that all students are treated equally and fairly. They will not, therefore, be waived or modified for personal, employment or study problems that are the result of what is generally accepted as common or normal circumstances. The regional or representation CGA office may consider waiving or modifying rules or regulations in exceptional or unusual circumstances, or when, in the opinion of the respective CGA office, the rule or regulation has been unfairly applied. Appeals should be submitted to the regional or representation CGA office within two weeks of the date on which the rule or regulation was applied. The appeal should:

state which rule or regulation is in question state why the appellant believes the rule or regulation has been unfairly applied include all pertinent details, stated clearly and concisely, that have a bearing on the matter be accompanied by supporting documents where applicable be signed by the appellant

Code of Ethical Principles and Rules of Conduct The Code of Ethical Principles and Rules of Conduct provides standards of acceptable behaviour of Association members. They apply to all members of the Association, and extend to students (except where the wording of any Rule makes it clear that it specifically relates to graduate members only). The Code provides members (students and graduate members) a positive guide to carrying out their

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career related activities in a professionally acceptable and ethical manner. The Code also provides a basis for enforcing a minimum level of acceptable behaviour. The Code of Ethics can be found on the CGA website.

Address Change As we move towards increasing reliance on electronic communication with students and members, it is crucial that our records remain current. To ensure that you continue to receive communications, changes to your contact information must be done as soon as possible by using the address change form found in this Handbook. Students must notify their regional or representation CGA office immediately upon any change of personal contact information. The notice should include your name and student number, along with any revised contact information, such as: residence address, employer name and address, apartment and/or office number; residence/business telephone; e-mail address, and preferential mailing address for correspondence and/or shipping.

Student Transfers Students who move out of their jurisdiction where they started the CGA Program may continue the studies with other provincial or regional affiliate offices. Transfers of records between affiliates are made at the end of an academic year after the results of the June examinations are released. Students moving during the academic year will be required to complete their current year's studies with the region they started the academic year with. If these students are scheduled to write exams, arrangements will be made with the Associations in the new jurisdiction to accommodate them at their exam sitting locations (see Exam Venue in the Exams Section and online in the Forms section). A transfer form is available online in the Forms section. It should be returned – duly filled in and signed - to the regional or representation CGA office from where the student is transferring from. If a student is transferring from one of the International regions to Canada, documented proof of permanent Canadian residency is required. At the end of the academic year, student transfers are processed without problems, however, the students may need to skip a session as transfers may take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks.

Regional Chapter/Exam Centres

Caribbean Program Office Exam Centres - Region 40 Student administration by CGA Student Services Inc. / Member administration by CGA-Caribbean - located in Barbados

Regular Centres Remote or Special Centres Antigua and Barbuda Bahamas Barbados Dominica Grenada

Jamaica Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago

Anguilla Belize Cayman Islands Guyana Montserrat

Netherlands Antilles Saint Kitts and Nevis Turks and Caicos Islands Virgin Islands, (UK and US)

China Exam Centres/Chapters - Region 34

Students administered by TPEI representation offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou Members administered by CGA-Canada International with the assistance of local member chapters

Beijing Representation Office – Member Chapter 100 Guangzhou Representation Office – Member Chapter 200 Guangzhou (JNU) Chengdu (SWUFE) Wuhan (HUST)

282 283 284

Shanghai Representation Office – Member Chapter 400

Tianjin (NKU) Changchun (JLU) Harbin (HUC) Dalian (DUFE) Beijing (TSU)

172 173 174 175 179

Shanghai (SUFE) Nanjing (NAU) Suzhou (SZU) Hangzhou (ZUFE)

484 485 486 487

Exam Centre in Hong Kong is administered independently by CGA-Hong Kong Exam Centre in Bermuda is administered by CGA-Nova Scotia via the CGA Maritime Region Member administration in Bermuda is provided by CGA-Nova Scotia Member administration in International/Others is provided by CGA-Canada International located in British Columbia

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COURSE COMPONENT INFORMATION

Computer Integration Computer System Access All CGA students must have access to, and the familiarity to use the appropriate computer hardware, operating system software, and the Internet. The Internet technology helps students learn more efficiently; offering them access to a variety of on-line services, including course tutor assistance, on-line lectures, technology support, and assignment submission. Internet Service and Security Software All students must have ready access to a reliable Internet Service Provider. CGA-Canada has been constantly moving in a direction to online course delivery. In fact, students in both the foundation and Advanced Studies may now require extended use of Internet time for some of the course offerings. Because viruses are getting more rampant, anti-virus software with regular update service is a mandatory component of student computer systems. An electronic purchase of security software Trend Micro Systems antivirus software is available to students through CGA-Canada. This security bundle includes the following key features:

Comprehensive virus protection Enhanced spyware detection and removal Anti-phishing Home network control (including wireless networks) Wi-Fi intrusion detection Improved spam filtering Personal firewall

Required software and minimum computer configuration for 2008/2009 Required operating system and software The following are the required operating system and software applications for students in the CGA Program of Professional Studies:

Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista — 32 bit editions only Internet Explorer 7 Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint — Versions XP/2002, 2003, or 2007 (students using version 2007 must save and

submit assignments as Word 95-2003 .doc format only) Acrobat Reader 8.x RealPlayer 10.x Windows Media Player 11.x

Versions released after this document was published may not be fully supported. Students are strongly advised to have up-to-date antivirus software or an Internet security package. Minimum student computer hardware The following is the minimum computer system required for running the above applications and the software provided for use with specific courses in the CGA Program of Professional Studies, and for interaction through Blackboard Academic Suite™ Online Learning Environment:

1.4 GHz Pentium 4 or equivalent processor 512 MB Memory 2 GB unused hard drive space DVD/CD-ROM drive Video card with 64 MB onboard memory and DirectX technology SVGA colour monitor Sound card and speakers Broadband (high speed) Internet connection Any Windows-compatible printer

This configuration may not be adequate in future years or for other applications.

Computer Tutorials. To ensure students are prepared to use their computer system and required software applications, the Association has prepared self-study computer tutorials. Satisfactory completion of the tutorial set may require approximately 30-50 hours, though students with previous computer knowledge and experience should require less time. The tutorials are designed to introduce students to the set-up and operation of: a computer system and the effective use of the basic features of Windows Basics (CT1); spreadsheet using Microsoft Excel (CT2); and accounting using Sage AccPac ERP 5.3 (CT3).

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The computer skills demonstrated within the tutorials are prerequisite knowledge for all CGA courses. As the CGA lesson notes will reference the tutorials, students are strongly recommended to complete them prior to beginning their CGA studies. Students who choose not to complete the computer tutorials should be aware of the following:

skills covered in the tutorials and not mastered in previous training are the responsibility of the student CGA course materials may periodically reference applicable sections of the computer tutorials

Microsoft Software*. For 2008/2009, students must have access to Microsoft Office 2000, XP or 2003 Professional Edition, all of which include Excel, Word, Power Point and Internet Explorer. The following software access options are available for enrolling students:

own purchased software, or employer's copy on their computer system, or colleague's copy on their computer system

CGA’s contractual agreement with Microsoft Corporation requires that all students confirm on the Application for Enrolment form that they have access to a legal licensed copy of Microsoft Office. Sage AccPac ERP 5.3A*. Sage AccPac ERP 5.3A for Windows – educational version (ACP) – can be purchased at the regional or representation CGA office. Students may also purchase CT3, a computer tutorial – Accounting Using AccPac – if they are not familiar with the software. Student upgrading from GPD may be able to obtain ACP at a reduced price provided they return the GPD software. CICA Handbooks Software*. Access to CICA Handbooks is available online. They are required for the following courses:

FA4/AT1 (Accounting Handbook) AU1/AU2 (Assurance Handbook) PF1 (Public Sector Accounting Handbook)

A supplemental CD – updated to the most current CICA revision release – is provided with each of the above courses. Through the CD, students can purchase an online license to link to the latest version of the electronic copy of the Handbook for that academic year. The Handbook license always expires in December following the academic year it is purchased in. Students should plan to enrol in both accounting courses in the same academic year so they can make use of the respective Handbook for both. The same applies to the two auditing courses. Other Educational Software Requirements*

ACL for Windows distributed with AU2 and MU1 – Auditing courses CANTAX for Windows distributed with TX1 – Taxation course CaseWare for Windows distributed with BC2 – Public Practice Audit Case

*All software is protected by copyright laws Technical Assistance for Software and Online Problems Students requiring assistance loading or operating the required CGA educational software should refer to the Computer Tutorials CT1 (basic features of Windows), CT2 (spreadsheets using Excel), CT3 (Sage AccPac ERP 5.3A); or refer to the Support Section of the online User Desktop. FAQ’s should also be checked frequently or should be used to send new inquiries.

Miscellaneous Course Materials Calculators Students are permitted to use the calculator of their choice for CGA examinations provided it is a non-printing, silent calculator that has no more than one line of display and no alpha keys. The following is a detailed list of the minimum calculator functions recommended: - On/Off/Clear - turns calculator on - off and clears display - Mode - there are three different modes - statistics, financial and profit margin - Display is a maximum of 12 digits - Store – stores the displayed numeric value in the memory - Recall memory – Displays the number stored in memory - Arithmetic keys: =, +, -, x, ÷, +/-(change sign) - Math operations = 1/x (reciprocal), x2 , yx, y1/x ,lnx (Natural Logarithm), ex (Natural Antilogarithm), square root - Percentage - add-on percentage, discount, percentage ratio and percentage change

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- Margin and mark-up - Compound interest - present value and future value - Annuity compound - present value of annuity and annuity due and future value of an annuity and an annuity due. - Special monthly compounding or payment periods for annuities. - APR and EFF - Annual percentage rate and Annual effective rate - Balance, interest and principal for a single payment and for a range - Statistics - Data mean standard deviation, population standard deviation, sample standard deviation, intercept/slope,

correlation and predicted value. Electronic Ethics Readings Handbook Ethics are an integral component of a CGA's professional responsibilities. Accordingly, ethics studies have been integrated into courses throughout the CGA Program. All students will be able to access the electronic version of the CGA Ethics Readings Handbook through the online link in the ‘Resources’ tab of their course material. Study Guide Students can access a Study Guide through the learning management system. Some of the topics are: how to keep interested and motivated, how to budget your time; making the most of your memory; preparing for examinations; etc. This guide was prepared especially for CGA students and should be read in its entirety. Math Reference Handbook CGA students may receive a Mathematics Reference Handbook upon entry into the CGA Program. This reference text will cover topics from basic arithmetic operations to algebraic concepts, simple and compound interest, annuities, and statistics, etc.

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ASSIGNMENTS AND OTHER COURSE WORK

Plagiarism Plagiarism is the copying of published material without acknowledging the source. Markers who identify plagiarized work will inform students of the need to acknowledge source material and that plagiarism is both unethical and a violation of CGA's professional code of ethics and educational policy. Assignment Copying Regulations The Association has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for students who violate Assignment Copying Regulations. All work submitted by a student for any assignment or Business Case must be original work done by that student during that session for that course. The internet has made plagiarism easier than ever before; therefore, CGA-Canada uses the ‘Turnitin’ plagiarism prevention system to help identify students who submit unoriginal work. All work submitted to ‘Turnitin’ is checked against three databases of content, which currently contain more than 4.5 billion pages of and grow at a rate of 40 million pages each day. Students who violate Assignment Copying Regulations do not prepare themselves properly for examinations. More importantly, they act in a manner that is both unprofessional and unethical. Markers are required by the Association to report any potential violations of the Regulations. Any work copied from another source is considered a violation of assignment copying regulations. It is considered a violation of the regulations if a student's assignment includes:

Material copied directly from a course text or lesson notes. Material copied from another student's assignment. Material copied from a previously graded assignment Material copied from a marker's comment sheet, suggested solution or any other source.

Proven cases of violations of the Assignment Copying Regulations will result in one or more of the following actions being taken:

1. A mark of "0" (zero) for the assignment in question 2. An official letter of reprimand from the Association, which will be recorded and maintained in the student's permanent file. 3. A failure in that course 4. Mandatory and permanent withdrawal from the CGA Program

Course Work Delivery Using Online Technology As of September 2008, all CGA distance courses are delivered using the Blackboard Online Learning Environment. The new course delivery platform offers students a more efficient and effective learning experience. Become familiar with the new learning resource, and take advantage of such a dynamic new application. Services on Blackboard include mini tutorials, automated course updates and comprehensive course reviews. Students may customize the Blackboard interface and use the built in tools to effectively organize your student schedule for the academic year. Students who are familiar with the edNET learning management system will note some differences between the two systems:

• OLE supports ‘virtualization’ – live or on-demand interaction using Web-conferencing. • Upon every login students will have access to all new course updates, threads, activities that have occurred since the last

login via a new feature of the system “What’s New”. • OLE provides students with peer-to-peer tutoring services and a Course Director who monitors these forums. • OLE contains the course content and assignment submissions in different areas of the Website so learning how to

navigate efficiently and effectively is of essence. • Quizzes completed on OLE must be completed in a single sitting.

Assignment submission. In OLE the assignment submission will be staggered for some Level 4 and PACE courses. In other words, the pattern of submission days will change. Unlike in the past when submission due dates were restricted to Tuesday Noon Pacific Time, now the submission days for some courses will be on Tuesday, for some courses on Wednesday, and on Thursday at noon local time. Online quizzes and integrative assignment in levels 1, 2, and 3. In some courses, an online integrative assignment is submitted with course module 8, and is marked by a regional marker. Quizzes are submitted with modules 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 in all Levels 1, 2, 3 courses except for the CM1 course. The online quizzes which are composed of multiple-choice questions are generated randomly from a bank of questions applicable to the module, and are marked immediately after submission. Through online assignments and quizzes, students accumulate marks towards their final grade. Since marks for quizzes and assignments in the Foundation Studies courses count toward the final course grade, the course tutor is not permitted to answer questions that deal directly with the assignment. Assignment mark appeals will be accepted; but not until the final grade is released. Students should complete the online quizzes once they have studied the associated module material. Each online quiz will be available only for a limited period (approximately 2 weeks). Students will not be able to access the online questions outside the availability period.

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Marks for Course Work (see course profiles in the Introduction section)

Foundation Studies Courses / Levels 1 to 3 - All Foundation Studies courses are delivered online, and all consist of 10 modules (lessons). The final course grade comprises 30% course work (i.e., marks obtained for the course module quizzes and/or assignments for a maximum of 30 marks), plus 70% of the exam mark. In other words, the blended mark is 70% of the raw exam mark plus the total marks received for quizzes and assignments. To illustrate, if a student does not submit the course work, the final course grade will be 70% of the raw exam mark, where the student needs to receive 100% on the exam to attain 70% final course grade. Students who defer the writing of their exam to the next available session will be unable to carry forward their current quiz and assignment marks, and the deferred exam mark alone will determine the final course grade. Courses with 1 integrative assignment (15 marks) and 5 quizzes (3 marks each) A student scores a total of 12 marks (out of 15) on the online quizzes, 11 marks (out of 15) on the integrative assignment, and 60 (out of 100) on the final examination. In this case, the calculation is: Raw examination mark: 60 Combined grade: First, the raw examination mark of 60 is converted into a mark out of 70, resulting in a scaled mark of 42. Then

this scaled examination mark is added to the combined online quiz and integrative assignment marks: 60/70 + 12/15 + 11/15 = 65 (course pass)

Courses with 5 quizzes (6 marks each) A student scores a total of 15 marks (out of 30) and 65 (out of 100) on the final exam. In this case, the calculation is: Raw examination mark: 65 Combined grade: First, the raw examination mark of 65 is converted into a mark out of 70, resulting in a scaled mark of 46.

Then this scaled examination mark is added to the combined online quiz marks: 65/70 + 15/30 = 61 (course failure) Notice that even though this student attained a raw pass mark on the examination, the low online quiz marks resulted in a failing final grade. If a student defers an exam to the following session, the course work marks gained from the quizzes and/or integrative assignments will not be transferable to the session when the exam is actually written, and will not be part of the final grade. The deferred exam mark will solely determine the final course grade. Advanced Studies Courses / Levels 4 and PACE - All Advanced Studies courses are delivered online and span a 10-week period. A minimum of 65% for combined course work (i.e., marks obtained for course module assignments and discussions) determines if a student qualifies to write the exam. The exam mark alone determines the final grade.

BC1 and BC2 - Accounting Business Case and Public Practice Audit Case Business Cases are designed to help a student apply financial management concepts in a practical and professional manner. BC1 is completed following the Foundation Studies, while BC2 is completed in conjunction with or following the Auditing 1 course. Resources for BC1 and BC2 are deployed online via the learning management system; however, both are paper based projects so they must be submitted to the CGA office in person, by mail, or a reliable courier. They are due on Friday of the week following the exam week. There is no examination involved; the cases are marked out of 100% where 65% is a passing grade. It is recommended that students keep copies of their work in the event a Business Case is lost in transit. A late submission of up to 1 week will be permitted upon payment of corresponding late fees (see Fee Schedule). Rescheduling from one session to the next is unavailable. If students cannot complete the Case in the session when enrolled, they must retake it in its entirety.

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EXAMINATIONS

Overview of the Education Examinations Process CGA examinations have the purpose of evaluating whether a student has demonstrated the core competencies required of a newly certified CGA or required to continue in higher level courses of the Program at an appropriate performance level.

Examination Development and Review Each year a complete examination set and the corresponding suggested solutions are prepared by a CGA course examiner. Each CGA examiner is a highly qualified academic from the university community or a well-recognized practitioner in the discipline of study. In some cases, the examiner is also the course author. In collaboration with the course author, the examiner will prepare a practice examination for the current academic year. Once an examiner has prepared the complete examination set (that is, all examinations required for a course throughout the year) and the corresponding suggested solutions, they are reviewed by subject matter experts. These reviews include independent content and quality control reviews by CGA-Canada staff. In addition, reviews of certification examinations are performed by two separate committees of subject matter experts administered by regional associations. The purpose of these reviews is to ensure each examination has appropriate content coverage, relationship to course material, form, accuracy, and clarity. A designated committee chair is responsible for resolving any difficulties directly with the examiner.

Examination Marking and Mark Release to Students In the Foundation Studies Levels of the Program, the exam mark does not determine the final course grade. Combined marks from course work plus weighted exam mark are the final grade. The mark required to pass an exam in the Advanced Studies and PACE Levels of the Program is 65% or higher, with the exception of the PA exams which do not receive percentile marks. A mark of P (pass), F (fail), or H (honours) is assigned to PA writers based on assessment of competencies covered in AU1, FA4, FN1, TX1, and MA2. After the examinations are written, the papers are sent to the examiner for marking. If a large number of papers must be marked, the examiner selects and supervises a marking team. When a marking team is required, one marker marks the same question on each paper. This process is designed to ensure fairness and uniformity in the marking. After all the papers have been marked, the examiner reviews all examination papers in which the final course mark is in the range of 63% and 64%. Finally, CGA-Canada conducts quality control checks on each failing examination paper through a RE-ADD process to eliminate the occurrence of clerical errors. This process focuses on the following types of errors:

incorrect addition of marks omission of marks for a question or part of a question credit not given for a correct answer

The final course marks results are reviewed by the National Education Committee. The regional or representation CGA office releases the marks online on the same day that they are received from the National Office. On that day, students can also view their exam marks in their online grade book. Students with any concerns regarding a question(s) on an examination, which they have written, should e-mail their regional or representation or representation CGA office immediately with an explanation of the concern.

Professional Applications PA1 and PA2 Examination Process The capstone examinations of the CGA Program of Studies are two integrative, competency-based examinations called Issues in Professional Practice (PA1) and Strategic Financial Management (PA2). The purposes of these examinations are as follows:

The PA exams assess candidates’ proficiency in the areas of academic and technical knowledge as well as ethics and information technology. That is, they assess the knowledge, skills, and professional values of the major subject areas in the professional accounting curriculum, namely Auditing 1 (AU1), Finance 1 (FN1), Taxation 1 (TX1), Management Accounting 2 (MA2), and Financial Accounting 4 (FA4).

The PA examinations are competency-based, finalist examinations of the Program of Professional Studies. Passing these examinations is an essential step in the process leading to the professional designation of Certified General Accountant (CGA). The examinations assess the integration of knowledge and decision making in the context of the work of the professional accountant. More specifically, PA1 deals with current issues in professional practice. Students solve problems and address issues from the perspective of the accountant external to the organization providing business advisory services. In contrast, PA2 provides an overview of strategic financial management. Students take on the role of the strategic financial manager within the organization.

Integration of Knowledge

PA examinations emphasize the integration of knowledge from more than one subject area or topic. You may be required to combine knowledge of topics from different subject areas, or knowledge of different topics within the same subject area. You will be

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assessed on how well you apply that knowledge as a whole to the solution of problems. If, for example, a question on a financial statement has financial accounting, audit, and tax implications, you are expected to deal with all three subject areas in your response unless specifically instructed otherwise.

In addition to integration of knowledge from more than one subject area or topic, a PA question may contain a number of issues that must be considered in relation to one another and as a whole. Do not treat a question as though it contains a series of separate, unrelated problems arbitrarily put together. For effective decision making, you need to consider not only the separate issues but their interrelationship and, therefore, the integration of issues.

Application of Core Knowledge

The PA examinations consist of a series of questions designed primarily to simulate engagements and projects that CGAs are likely to encounter in their professional experience. The purpose of the PA examinations is to evaluate your ability to draw on relevant core knowledge and to apply this knowledge to the specific facts and requirements presented in each question. Responding solely with memorized information is not sufficient to constitute a satisfactory professional response.

Demonstration of Professional Competencies

PA candidates must possess a broad understanding of the economic, legal, and business environment in which professional accountants work. You are required to draw on this background knowledge in formulating a professional response. You must demonstrate professional competencies to produce a professional response to comprehensive, multi-subject, and single subject questions. Current knowledge of professional material, such as the CICA Handbook, is also required.

Major Features of the PA Examinations

The PA examinations are written four-hour finalist examinations. These examinations assess the competencies required for a newly certified CGA, such as integrating and applying

academic and technical knowledge as well as ethics to the professional practice of accounting and related fields of management activity.

Technical knowledge already examined in the subject examinations will not be re-examined in specific detail in the PA examinations; however, the examinations will test the integration and application of that knowledge.

Performance on the PA examinations will be reported on the statement of marks as Honours, Pass, or Fail. Numeric information will not be provided.

To meet widely accepted standards of professional certification examinations and to provide a report to candidates who fail, CGA-Canada will supply information on their performance to individual candidates. This information includes identifying the competencies and the candidate's performance on them.

The overall CGA Program of Professional Studies is designed to help you develop these competencies. The PA examinations are designed for you to demonstrate competencies in the technical knowledge domain that you have developed in earlier courses: financial accounting and reporting, management accounting, finance and financial planning, general business, and information technology. Furthermore and of particular importance, in the PA examinations you will strengthen and demonstrate core competencies in the domains of general management, leadership, and professionalism.

In keeping with your roles as a manager and a professional, your ability to communicate effectively is a core competency that you are expected to demonstrate in all of your assignments, whether for study or for work. Clear, purposeful communicative writing is an essential component of this competency, and you must demonstrate it consistently. In the PA examinations, you will analyze problems and cases where you must demonstrate your competence as a professional to focus on the interests of your clients, both internal and external. In the area of ethics and trust, you must demonstrate your competence as a professional to act and provide advice with concern for ethical standards and protection of the public interest. The PA course materials require you to consider diverse aspects of many problems and to propose solutions. In doing so, you will be expected to demonstrate other critical core competencies: your ability as a professional to take an integrated approach to problem solving and to apply a systematic method of defining, analyzing, considering, and solving a wide range of problems and scenarios.

Thus, the candidate should not just focus on the technical competencies, as the general management and professionalism competencies are equally important. In fact, on the exam, the split will be roughly fifty-fifty.

Format of the PA Examinations 20 to 25% multiple-choice questions, with emphasis on higher-order skills 30 to 40% short-answer questions 40 to 50% case analysis, but no single case question to exceed 40%

Multiple-choice questions require that candidates select from a set of given options; these questions are marked objectively, without requiring the subjective judgment of the marker. Higher-order skills require analysis, synthesis, evaluation, or application of professional judgment. On the exam, the multiple-choice questions will be a series of questions based on a short case.

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Short-answer questions are those for which candidates must construct an individual response. In some cases, there may be no single "right" answer or approach.

Case analysis questions can be of various lengths and levels of complexity. It is expected that there will be at least one case analysis of significant length and complexity, and that there may be others. There may be different types of case questions.

Competency-Based Versus Issue-Based Assessment

The PA examinations are competency-based. In other words, they are designed to examine your ability to apply or perform specific competencies in the context of professional accounting, rather than "just know about them."

In the courses you completed for the CGA Program, your examinations were marked according to an issue-based marking key, where marks were awarded for points identified. In contrast, the PA examinations are marked using a competency grid, where markers rate candidates on how successfully they demonstrate the competencies covered by the questions.

The competency grid summarizes:

the subject areas for each question (accounting, taxation, ethics, and so on) the competencies to be demonstrated within each subject area a scale that indicates the levels of performance that the candidate can demonstrate for the competencies

The scale of the competency grid ranges from 0 (fail) to 3 (satisfactory) to 5 (excellent). With each rating comes a statement that describes what a candidate needs to do to attain that particular rating for the competency. Successful PA candidates are expected to achieve a rating of 3 (satisfactory) or better.

For example, if the candidate is asked to "explain," there is an expectation that the candidate state "why" and "how," not just identify something. In this case, a 3-rating might say something like, "Identified three valid options but did not explain the options fully," whereas the corresponding 5-rating might say, "Identified three valid options and clearly explained how the options would work and what the implications of each would be."

PA Examination Assessment and Reporting

In order to pass the examination, candidates must meet the standard for all competency groups. The groups include the competencies the association considers to be essential qualifications for a newly certified professional accountant.

The PA examinations are criterion-referenced examinations—in other words, a candidate’s performance is compared to a standard set by the profession. Other examinations in the CGA Program of Professional Studies are marked using a total of 100 points; the PA examinations are evaluated by determining whether an answer to a question meets the standard defined for a competency. Candidates’ demonstration of a competency is evaluated on a scale of 0 to 5, the numbers describing an increasing level of performance. For example, for the financial accounting and reporting competency "evaluates and advises on accounting policies and procedures in accordance with professional standards," the following performance levels could be applied to the case presented in the question:

1. Demonstrates a general understanding of accounting policies and procedures. 2. Recognizes that accounting policies and procedures must be considered within professional standards. 3. Analyzes accounting policies and procedures so that professional standards are adhered to. 4. Analyzes and modifies accounting policies and procedures to meet professional standards. 5. Evaluates and modifies accounting policies and procedures to meet professional standards. Provides recommendations

on the impact of accounting policies and procedures on future operations.

To pass the examination, a candidate would have to demonstrate a performance level between 3 and 5 for each competency examined. Candidates must demonstrate this level of performance in all of the eight competency groups. However, for each of these competency groups, the questions give candidates multiple opportunities to show the required performance level. If a candidate fails the PA examinations, it is because the candidate has missed several opportunities to demonstrate the minimum performance level in one or more of the competency groups.

A standard-setting body used the numerical values of 0–5 associated with each competency to establish a cut-off score, called a minimum performance level (MPL), for each competency group. If a candidate’s score meets or exceeds the MPL for a particular competency group, the candidate has met the standard for that set of competencies. To pass the examination, a candidate must meet the MPL in each group of competencies. It is important to note that each competency group is reported separately and a candidate must achieve the MPL in all groups; the values for each group are not added to obtain an overall score. Also reported are the numerical values used to establish the Honors Performance Level (HPL) for each competency group.

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Exam Mark Appeals There are three types of exam mark reviews, which are available to students who failed their examination. Students can request the following if they feel the marking was unfair. A fee (see Fee Schedule on the CGA website) must accompany the request. Re-grade of the student’s examination paper is performed by an independent qualified marker. The student receives written confirmation of the re-grade mark from CGA-Canada, along with a detailed mark breakdown for each question. The Association cannot guarantee that a student will receive the results of a re-grade prior to the next exam sitting. The re-grade process usually takes about four to six weeks. Critique of the student’s examination paper is performed by the examiner, who provides a question-by-question critical analysis of where marks were lost along with a detailed marks breakdown. The critique process usually takes four to six weeks. PA Administrative Review. All failing PA exam papers are automatically reviewed by the marking team. All students who receive an “F” – Fail – will receive a report identifying how they scored on each of the expected competencies. Re-grades and critiques are not available for the PA examinations; however, students may request an independent administrative exam review to ensure all questions, pages, booklets were assessed, and that no error was made in the assessment of the paper.

Preparing for Exams Examination Blueprints Examination blueprints are available for Levels 1 – 4, PACE Level, and PA courses. The blueprint identifies the specifications of an examination in terms of: topic areas, relevant learning objectives, level of competence, proportion of weighting of marks assigned to each module, type of question (multiple choice or constructed response) and mode of delivery. Blueprints are provided on the CGA learning management system. Students should use the examination blueprints to prepare for the examinations. The blueprint may not include all topics listed in the course outline; however, students are responsible for acquiring a broad-based knowledge of all topics, including those not listed in the blueprint, since their understanding of these topics will be tested in assignment and quiz questions. The topics not listed in the blueprint will also provide a greater depth of understanding for the courses. Past Examinations Examinations written in the previous sessions (except Professional Applications examinations) may be accessed via a link on your course website and downloaded from the website. The most recent sessional examinations are available approximately two weeks after the exam results are posted. The Professional Applications examinations are non-disclosed examination, please consult your course materials for the practice examination and access additional practice materials for PA examinations via a link on your course website. The Examinations and Suggested Solutions are not intended to define the total body of knowledge that a CGA student is expected to have mastered or understood. This material is to provide students with an indication of the form and content of a CGA examination and is not necessarily representative of current content due to course changes and revisions that may have occurred. It is recommended that students use the practice examination provided with the course for a more accurate representation of current materials.

Qualifying to Write an Exam In Level 1 to 3 courses, students are required to complete assignments that count toward a maximum of 30% of the final course mark. In non-core courses (EM1, LW1, and QU1), students complete 5 multiple-choice quizzes. In core courses (FA1, FA2, MA1, CM1, FA3, FN1, and MS1), they complete a combination of multiple-choice quizzes, short-answer questions, and a longer integrative assignment. In contrast, in Level 4 and PACE, successful completion of the course assignments, including any online discussions, qualifies a student to write the examination. Students who fail to qualify to write an exam through the assignment/discussion process will be given a status mark DNQ (did not qualify), which constitutes a failure/unsuccessful attempt. A maximum of four attempts at any one CGA exam is allowed.

100% Multiple-Choice exams for LW1, QU1, and EM1 The implementation of a 3-hour multiple-choice examination for Business Law (LW1), Business Quantitative Analysis (QU1), and Micro & Macro Economics (EM1) commenced in 2007/08. The assessments for each of these courses now consists of 5 multiple-choice quizzes, one each in Modules 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, and the final examination, which is non-disclosed. The final course mark is the combined quiz mark and examination mark (30 for the quiz mark and 70 for the examination). The final examination is graded out of 100, and the raw examination mark is scaled into a mark out of 70. The quiz mark (with a maximum score of 30) is then added to the scaled examination mark.

Examination Types/Classifications SESSIONAL examinations are integral parts of regular or repeat CGA course enrolments, and are written by students who qualify as a result of completing the course work requirements (e.g., assignments, quizzes, discussions). The exam fees are included in the cost of the CGA course, and students are automatically registered to write the exam if they are enrolled in the corresponding course.

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SUPPLEMENTAL examinations are only granted to students who fail their sessional examination, but obtain a final course grade of at least 50%. Students who fail to obtain a mark of 65% or higher on the supplemental attempt must re-enrol in the course. Students who take advantage of the supplemental privilege must write the exam within the next two, scheduled examination sessions. They must notify their regional or representation CGA office within two weeks after release of their sessional exam mark if and when they intend to write the supplemental exam, or alternately, elect to re-enrol in the course (use Course/Exam Addition form available at the back of this Handbook). The supplemental exam fee is not included in the course fee (see Fee Schedule). Even though the updated online course material will be available to each student who is writing a supplemental exam, obtaining a new textbook, which may change from time to time, will be the student’s responsibility. DEFERRED examinations are written by students who have received permission by the CGA office to defer their sessional or supplemental exams, which they are qualified to write, to the next available exam session. Marks for assignments and other course work will not carry forward with a deferred exam to the new session. A request to defer an exam must be made by noon, on the day of the scheduled exam sitting. If a request to defer is received after this deferral deadline, a late deferral fee will apply. When requesting an exam deferral, students must pay an applicable fee and stipulate the exam session when the exam is next available (use forms found online in the Forms section). Students should be aware that course materials are subject to change each academic year. Even though the updated online course material will be available to each student who deferred an exam, obtaining a new textbook, which may change from time to time, will be the student’s responsibility. CHALLENGE examinations are written by students who have permission from the regional or representation CGA office based on an evaluation of a transcript of marks from another institution. A challenge examination may be granted when the student has taken a similar course elsewhere which does not warrant a full transfer credit. In other words, submission of assignments and other term work are not required, only the exam must be attended. A fee is payable for the challenge examination, and normally includes access to various online learning resources such as tutors, modules, examiner comments, past exams and solutions, etc. The textbook is not included, but may be obtained from the regional CGA office if the associated postage fee is paid. A student who fails a challenge examination must enrol in the course, submit online course work, and write a sessional exam. A challenge examination must be written within twelve months after being granted. Exam Withdrawal Status Code DNQ Status – (mandatory exam withdrawal / did not qualify to write the exam). The disqualification process applies to Levels 4 and PACE and confirms course work failure. If the student has not voluntarily withdrawn from the course by Monday of the 8th week, this status code indicates that the student did not achieve the minimum qualifying marks on the assignments, which are required to write an exam. The DNQ status is recorded in the student’s academic history and is considered one of the course attempts. DEF Status – (deferral of an exam), if a student is permitted to defer an exam, which he qualified to write, by the regional or representation CGA office, a status of DEF is recorded on the student’s transcript and the student is expected to write the exam at the next available session. If the student subsequently does not write the deferred exam, then an ETR grade will be assigned. ETR Status – (exam withdrawal / election to re-enrol in the course) applies if a student decides to retake the course instead of writing the exam which he/she qualified to write. This status is recorded on the student’s transcript of marks but does not constitute an academic penalty. Students are not required to notify the regional or representation CGA office (by not attending to write the exam, the students are agreeing that they have elected to re-enrol in the course).

Course Enrolment Types Regular – first time enrolment in a new course and exam – materials included Repeat – repeat enrolment in a course and exam – textbook not included Course Withdrawal Status Codes The duration of courses is 10 weeks/modules. Students must advise the regional or representation CGA office in writing before the official withdrawal deadlines (see Important Dates on the CGA website and fill out a course withdrawal form). DRP Status with a refund – (course drop) records the fact that the student enrolled in the course but dropped out of it at least two weeks prior to course start date. This status is used for internal purposes only. It is not recorded on the transcript of marks, and it does not constitute an academic penalty. A full refund less administrative charges is available if materials were not shipped. DRP Status with no refund – (course drop and/or rescheduling to the next available session within the academic year) records the fact that the student did enrol in the course but officially dropped out by Wednsday of the 2nd week of the course duration. This status is used for internal purposes only. It is not recorded on the transcript of marks, and it does not constitute an academic penalty. ETR Status – (course withdrawal) records the fact that the student was enrolled in the course but officially dropped out by Monday of the 8th week of the course duration in order to re-enrol in it in the future. This status is recorded on the transcript of marks, but does not constitute an academic penalty.

Exam Room Procedures

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1. CGA exam question papers may remain in the possession of students after the exam sitting, with the exception of those which are non-disclosed. Non-disclosed exams are CGA’s Professional Applications exams PA1 and PA2 as well as all Laurentian University partner degree exams (i.e., MM1, MM2, OR1, OR2, OM1, OM2, SP1, SP2, GM2, OL2, RM2, and HC1). The above, non-disclosed exams must be returned along with the written exam booklets to the regional or representation CGA office.

2. Each examination must be written on the dates and at the time shown on the Examination Schedule (see Exam Schedule on the CGA website). Exams are three or four hours long, and they are clearly marked on the Schedule to indicate which time frame applies. Late arrivals are not granted extra time.

3. If two scheduled exams are to be written by a student on the same day, the student must obtain permission to write one of the exams at a different time on that day. Both exams must be written consecutively on that day. The student may not leave the exam location until the last scheduled exam of the day is completed.

4. If extraordinary circumstances prevent the exams to be written in the hours when scheduled, the regional or representation CGA office Program administrator and/or exam supervisor must request CGA-Canada International in writing for adjustment of exam time at least two weeks prior to the exam. If adjustment of exam time is granted, the question paper (examination) will not be released to the student until the exam week is over, and the student must sign a non-disclosure agreement form provided by the regional or representation office.

5. One examination booklet is distributed to each student. Additional booklets will be available should they be required. Students must ensure that their student number and examination subject is clearly written in the spaces provided on each booklet they use.

6. The descriptive part of examinations must be written in ink. Calculations and rough work may be submitted in pencil. Students are to use the right-hand page of the booklet only and use the left-hand page for rough work. Each question must start on a new page.

7. Examination supervisors are prohibited from giving advice or making an interpretation of any examination question to the students.

8. Students are prohibited from communicating in any manner with other students while the examination is in progress. It is an equal offence to leave completed or partially completed answer papers exposed to the view of adjacent students.

9. Students must leave any materials, other than the ones specified on the “Allowable Exam Room Materials" below, at the supervisor's desk or in a closed briefcase/purse underneath their chairs.

10. In larger centres, students who finish the exam within the last fifteen minutes must remain seated until the end of the examination so as not to disturb the other writers.

11. Any student who leaves the examination room while more than 1 hour of exam time still remains must leave the question paper (examination) behind. If name and address is printed at top, the examination will be available to the student after the exam week is over.

12. Every student must submit an examination answer booklet, even if it remains blank.

13. Students in remote areas and small exam centres are advised to check with the supervisor one week in advance of the scheduled examination to ensure that the examination was received.

14. Students in remote areas and small exam centres must advise their supervisor if they don’t plan to attend the scheduled exam sitting. If this is not done, the students will be responsible for travel expenses incurred by the supervisor, as well as the honorarium payable to the supervisor for services, regardless of student attendance.

Allowable Exam Room Materials All necessary stationery will be provided. Students must supply their own pen, pencil, ruler, eraser, flowchart template, and allowable calculator (see list of functions below). No other mechanical, electronic, or other type of aid or material is permitted in the examination room. Taxation 1 (TX1) and Taxation 2 (TX2) examinations. Students writing Taxation 1 or Taxation 2 examinations will be allowed to bring into the examination room a copy of the Income Tax Act, which may be annotated and in which text may be underlined and highlighted. Annotations must be in the student’s own handwriting as follows: Annotations on permanent pages of the Act may be written in pencil or pen, and may include:

notes drawn from prior examinations, assignments or marker comment sheets tips and hints suggested by markers, lecturers, and/or reviewers notes drawn from textbook or lesson notes notes drawn from Income Tax Bulletins or other course materials cross-references to lesson notes, textbook, Income Tax Bulletins or other course materials

The Act may be tabbed with standard index sized tabs, or with post-it notes. Students using post-it notes for indexing may use none larger than 1-1/2” x 2”. Larger post-it notes, or post-it notes used for any other purposes, are considered page additions and are not permitted. Only one (1) index tab or post-it note per page is allowed. Multiple tabs, or multiple post-it notes on a page, will be considered a violation of Allowable Examination Room Materials.

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Communications 1 (CM1) and Laurentian University exams (MM1, MM2, OR1, OR2, OM1, OM2, SP1, SP2, GM2, OL2, RM2, and HC1). Students writing the above examinations may bring into the examination room an English dictionary, thesaurus, single bound combination English dictionary/thesaurus, or a translation dictionary. The reference document must be paper-baseds. No electronic version of dictionary/thesaurus is permitted. The reference document may not contain any study notes, lesson notes or loose papers; it may be highlighted or underlined. Calculators as Allowable Exam Room Material. Calculators, which comply with the Association’s standards, are non-printing and silent, with no more than one line of display, and no alpha keys. Complete list of the functions can be found in the Course Component Section of this Handbook.

Examination Room Violation Any student who violates the examination regulations, and does not give credible explanation of the circumstances, which led to the violation, will automatically be awarded a zero on the exam and may be required to withdraw from the CGA Program.

Change of Exam Venue to a Regular Exam Centre Students who are temporarily located in a jurisdiction of an exam centre other than their own at the time of their exam sitting may request their regional or representation CGA office – at least 4 weeks before the exam session – to arrange with that exam centre to write their exam. There is a fee associated with this service (see Fee Schedule).

Exam Supervision in Regular and Special* Exam Centres Students in regular exam centres will be advised of the name of their exam supervisor and of the exam centre location. Students in remote areas/special exam centres, or students who will be away from their exam centres (e.g., due to work assignment re-location) at the time of their exam sitting, will have the responsibility to find their own exam supervisors, if one cannot be assigned by the regional or representation CGA office. The students must apply in writing to the regional or representation CGA office for approval at least 4 weeks before the exam session. The Association’s criteria for approving special supervisors are:

cannot be personally acquainted with the candidate (e.g., members of family, friend, co-workers) may be a CGA member may be a professional person from a local educational institution, law office, or a member of clergy may be professional staff at a bona-fide exam invigilation centre must sign an arms-length declaration

* Special exam centre procedures may vary from region to region. Please confirm with your regional or representation CGA office of its validity.

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CERTIFICATION

Application for Membership The onus is on the finalist students to determine that they have satisfied all requirements of the CGA Program and apply for CGA membership. The necessary forms - Application for Membership can be found online in the Forms section. These must be filled out and returned with the Membership Entrance Fee to the regional or representation CGA office within 30 days after the release of the finalist’s last exam mark. (If payment is made by a credit card, a faxed submission of the above forms and payment authorization will be accepted.) Applications for Membership require the recommendation of a member of the Association. The sponsor is attesting to the suitability of the candidate for membership. Students are encouraged to attend chapter events such as annual conferences, or convocation ceremonies organized by the regional affiliate and/or representation or chapter office. These functions provide students with the opportunity to meet members who can act as sponsors when the time comes. Students residing in remote areas who don’t know any CGAs should contact their regional or representation office so that a potential sponsor may be found for them. The Application for Membership may be accompanied with the last, finalist-level Practical Experience Assessment Questionnaire, which can be found on the CGA website. Provided the assessment of the Questionnaire is favourable, the application will be processed without delay. A formal letter confirming admission is sent out to the newly certified CGA members.

Diplomas, Awards and Scholarships

Foundation Studies in Accounting Diploma CGA International has introduced a new intermediate level diploma that recognizes student’s academic achievement in the Foundations Studies of the CGA Program. The Foundation Studies in Accounting Diploma verifies achievement of an intermediate level of the CGA Program only; and does not in any way signify membership in the CGA Association, nor does it entitle the holder to any rights to use the designation Certified General Accountant (CGA). CGA students may apply for the diploma upon completion of all the Program requirements in the Foundation Studies by CGA examination or transfer credit. The application can be found in the back of this Student Handbook. The minimum residency requirement is as follows:

FA3 must be completed through CGA; however, where the student qualifies for a transfer credit in this course, either AT1 or FA4 must be completed through CGA in lieu of FA3.

BC1 or PS2 must be successfully completed through CGA even if a student qualifies for a transfer credit in either of these courses.

One other CGA course/exam from Foundation Studies must be completed through CGA. If all courses were completed by transfer credit, the ‘one other’ course/exam requirement may be satisfied by completing one of: MA2, TX1, AU1.

International Awards Students in international regions, who consistently achieved high marks in the Advanced Studies Level 4 and the PACE Level of the CGA Program may qualify for an award. Award winners are honoured at the convocation ceremonies and receive an award certificate. The criteria for determination of these award winners are as follows:

the highest average for courses with top marks in Advanced Studies Level 4 and the PACE Level (minimum of 4 exams must be written excluding the PA exam(s)

passed on their first attempt satisfied the practical experience and university degree (if applicable) requirements

Caribbean award winners are selected once every calendar year, thus March, June, September (where applicable) and December exam results will be considered for the award. In China award winners are selected once every academic year ending with the June exam results and include the previous September, December and March exam results. National Awards and Scholarships The national awards and scholarships are not only available for graduates. CGA Students in all provinces and international regions may attain them at different levels of the Program based on their performance. The national awards and scholarships are presented at the convocation ceremonies. CGA-Canada offers the following awards:

Awards of Excellence – Levels 1 through 4 Award of Excellence – Professional Level Carswell Award - to the student with the highest mark in Taxation 2 at the first time of writing Top Ten Recognition Award - An Association “Top Ten Recognition Award” shall be granted to honour newly certified

members that rank as the top ten performers.