Cpa Program Guide Professional Level

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CPA Program Guide

professional level

2014

CPA Australia 2014
http://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/


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iiCPA PROGRAM GUIDEPROFESSIONAL LEVEL

General information 1

Contacts 2

Important dates2014 3

CPA Program professional level

education component 4

Overview 4

Objectives 4

Distance learning and independent study 4

Content and materials 5

Internet access 5

Assessment 5

Additional learning resources 6

Current CPA Program structure from Semester 2 2009 6

Structure 6

Admission policy 6

Elective exemptions 7

Deadline to complete the CPA Program and

advance to CPA status 7

Candidates admitted from 1 July 2007 onwards 7

Candidates admitted from 1 January 2004

up to and including 30 June 2007 7

Enrolment 9

Enrolment regulations 9

Enrolment procedure 9

CPD enrolment 9

Enrolment fee 9

CPA Australia scholarships 10

Confirmation of enrolment 10

Exam enrolment 10

Changing enrolment to an alternative segment 10

Cancellation of segment enrolment 10

Refund of enrolment fee upon cancellation

of segment enrolment 11

Cancellation of workshop and webinarregistration upon cancellation of enrolment 11

Delivery of segment study materials 11

Study material in accessible formats 11

Replacement materials 11

Exams 12

Exam scheduling 12

Special exam arrangements 12

Exam structure 13

Past exam papers 13

Attending exams 13

Exam deferral 14

Cancellation of workshop and webinar

registration upon deferral of exam 14

Deferral fees 14

Applying for an exam deferral 14

Special consideration for exams 15

Applying for special consideration 15

Exam results 18

Release dates and access 18

Grades 18

Failresults and queries 18

CPA Program professional level

practical experience requirement 19

Contents


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1CPA PROGRAM GUIDEPROFESSIONAL LEVEL

General informationSince 1986, the CPA Program has undergone many changes to maintain its relevance to

the business world and to ensure CPAs are equipped to be strategic business leaders.

The CPA Program continues to be recognised as a leading professional program and receives

strong endorsement by employers.

The CPA Program is offered globally and last year there were almost 60 000 professionallevel segment enrolments world-wide. CPA Australia has over 144 000 members across

127 countries. Collectively, around 17 per cent of our members hold senior leadership roles,

including more than 12 000 members at CEO or CFO level or in business ownership roles.

The CPA program will ensure you develop the appropriate skills, knowledge and values of a

CPA through your exposure to a combination of accounting knowledge with strategic thinking

and practical experience. Once you complete the CPA program, you will be joining one of

the most globally recognised accountancy designations.

The CPA Program Guideprofessional level(the Guide) contains information you need

about the structure of the CPA Program professional level, its administrative arrangements,

contact details and other important features.

The Guide has been divided into sections to make it easier to find information relevant to you.

Please use the bookmarks and the links included throughout the Guide to click through to the

relevant section of information.

As a CPA Program candidate, it is essential that you familiarise yourself with the contents of this

Guide and keep it handy at all times.

Best wishes with your studies.


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Contacts

Use the links below to access information about each point in the relevant section of the Guide. If you have any

questions after reading this information, please contact CPA Australia as detailed below.

For queries about:

Confirmation of enrolment

Delivery of segment study materials

Exam scheduling and rescheduling

Special exam arrangements

Cancellation of enrolment

Exam deferral

Special consideration

Accessing exam results

All other matters

Contact:

CPA Australias local divisional offices

Australian members can call 1300 73 73 73 to be

automatically directed to their local divisional office.

Email:[email protected]

For queries about the practical experience

requirement


Scan and email, fax, or mailapplications for:

Enrolment

Cancellation of enrolment

Exam deferral

Special consideration

Application forms for Enrolment, Cancellation of

enrolment, Exam deferral and Special considerationcan be found on the CPA Australia website. Links to

these forms are also provided in the relevant sections

of this guide

Contact:

Member Administration

CPA Australia

GPO Box 2820

MELBOURNE VIC 3001

Email: [email protected]

Facsimile:1300 78 76 73 (within Australia)

or +61 3 9606 9844 (outside Australia)

If you have misplaced your materials or require

replacement materialsfor another reason


To cancel your workshop/webinar registration if

you cancelor deferyour enrolment prior to the

workshop/webinar


For queries about My Online Learning Contact:

Member AdvisoryPhone: 1300 73 73 73 (within Australia),

+61 3 9606 9677 (international)

Hours of operation:

8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (AEST) Monday to Friday

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Important dates2014

These dates are correct at the time of publication (December 2013) but are subject to change.

Please refer to the websitefor current dates.

Semester 1 Semester 2

Enrolment opens 9 December 2013 16 June 2014

Early bird enrolment closing date 14 January 2014 8 July 2014

First cancellation date (cancellations made after this date

will not receive a refund). Last day to vary enrolment

and update postal address 14 January 2014 8 July 2014

Final enrolment closing date 28 January 2014 21 July 2014

Special exam arrangements application closing date 28 January 2014 21 July 2014

Semester begins 10 February 2014 4 August 2014

Study materials should be received by mail by 10 February 2014 4 August 2014

My Online Learning access available 10 February 2014 4 August 2014

Deferral closing date 3 March 2014 25 August 2014

Final cancellation date (last day to cancel enrolment) 3 March 2014 25 August 2014

Exam scheduling and rescheduling closing date 3 March 2014 25 August 2014

Global Strategy and Leadership exam pre-seen information

to be received by mail and available on My Online Learning 14 April 2014 6 October 2014

Exam dates for paper-based exams

Ethics and Governance 28 April 2014 20 October 2014

Global Strategy and Leadership 28 April 2014 20 October 2014

Financial Reporting 29 April 2014 21 October 2014

Strategic Management Accounting 29 April 2014 21 October 2014

Advanced Taxation 30 April 2014 22 October 2014

Singapore Taxation 30 April 2014 a.m. 22 October 2014 a.m.

Malaysia Taxation 30 April 2014 22 October 2014

Contemporary Business Issues 30 April 2014 22 October 2014

Advanced Audit and Assurance 2 May 2014 24 October 2014

Financial Risk Management 2 May 2014 24 October 2014

Exam dates for computer-based exams

Check availability when scheduling your exams 26 April 2014 to 18 October 2014 to

2 May 2014 24 October 2014

Special consideration application closing date 12 May 2014 3 November 2014

Exam results available online via the CPA Australia

website from 12.00 p.m. AEST/AEDT* 13 June 2014 5 December 2014Practical experience requirement enrolment Available all year Available all year

* AEST/AEDT refers to Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) or Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).

Please note that all closing dates end at midnight AEST or AEDT on the specified day.
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CPA Programprofessional level

education component

Overview

ObjectivesThe CPA Program professional level is a world class, internationally recognised designation.The content of the CPA Program professional level focuses on strategy, leadership and

international business. Content is globally relevant, with a focus on providing flexible learning

and delivery modes.

Along with a focus on the latest technical issues and developments in the profession,

the program is positioned within the broader context of contemporary business, including:

corporate governance, ethics and integrity

development and implementation of business strategy

decision-making and leadership.

The CPA Program professional level equips you with strong analytical and problem-solving

capabilities designed to add real value to your career.

Distance learning and independent studyThe CPA Program professional level is offered via distance learning mode. Distance education

provides:

a flexible and accessible approach

an opportunity for you to demonstrate greater self-discipline and responsibility for the

planning and assessment of your own learning which is in keeping with a professional

accountants responsibility for ongoing self-development.

To be prepared for the segment exam you are recommended to:

study at least 1015 hours per week (as a general guide)

study the segment materials thoroughly and rigorously, and work systematically througheach module in the study guide including any associated readings

complete the in-text questions

use the Semester Study Planner in your study guide and the calendar on My Online

Learningto assist you to plan a suitable study schedule.
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Each professional level segment is postgraduate equivalent and it is strongly recommended

that you undertake only one segment per semester if you are employed full time.

Content and materialsThe CPA Program professional level education component incorporates advanced content

and each segment has a strong practical orientation. Authors of the segment materials are

drawn from industry, commerce, the public sector and tertiary education, and the materials arereviewed by panels of professional members employed in relevant accounting and finance

fields. All segments are regularly updated to reflect current practice, standards and legislation.

Each segment includes:

a printed study guide

In-text reflective questions and numbered exercises with answers provided. Some segments

include case scenarios to be worked through with answers provided for reference

interactive computer-based learning material on My Online Learningfor most segments,

including electronic self-assessment tests that assist you to understand and review

the topics covered. Some segments include reference items that assist candidates to

understand and apply concepts to practical situations

references to relevant standards and legislation which may be accessed through web links

on My Online Learningor purchased from sources such as CCH, Butterworths, Pearson or

Australian Tax Practice. Alternatively, the CPA Libraryholds a range of legislation to which

members can refer.

You must have access to relevant accounting and auditing standards and professional

statements. Access is available via the standard setters websites or the CPA Australia website.

You may need to print out portions for exam purposes, if relevant to the segment you are studying.

Any additional material required is listed in the introductory section of each study guide.

This section may also list materials that are recommended for further reading. These are

intended to provide a broader background to the study topic.

A summary of each segments aims, objectives and content is available on the CPA Australia

website.

To ensure you have continued access to important online resources and tools, including the

ability to access your exam results online and via SMS, you need to ensure your membership

remains current and financial. Failure to renew your membership will result in loss of access

to member-only information and resources.

Internet accessYou are required to have access to the Internet and a current email address. During the

semester you will receive important information via My Online Learningand email.

These provide a quick method of contact if there are important changes or updates.

If you need to change your email address or other contact details, please visit the Update myprofilesection on CPA Australias website. This will automatically update your details on the

study group listing and in CPA Australias membership database.

It is your responsibility to keep up to date with relevant changes or updates.

AssessmentCPA Program professional level exams are conducted at the end of the semester. Each segment

exam is three hours and 15 minutes. CPA Program professional level exams are open-book.

Note: For Singapore Taxation, the exam is closed-book, but candidates may bring unmarked

copies of the Income Tax and GST Acts into the exam.

For further information regarding the exams, see the Examssection in this guide.
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Additional learning resourcesMy Online Learningprovides access to a range of important study resources including

announcements, segment study content updates, discussion forums and study groups.

My Online Learningis available to all candidates as part of the fee paid at the time of enrolment.

You are encouraged to make the most of the opportunities provided by these resources to

discuss technical issues arising out of the study materials and to network with other candidates.

A range of optional fee-based supplementary learning resources is also available. Please see

the Additional learning support page on the CPA Australia website for more information about

workshops and webinars, tuition providers and supplementary learning products.

Current CPA Program structure fromSemester 2 2009

The CPA Program consists of two levels:

The foundation levelcore knowledge requirements that can be fulfilled through

CPA Australias series of eight foundation exams or through an accredited or recognisedhigher-education degree program.

The professional levelsix postgraduate level segments plus the three-year practical

experience requirement.

StructureTo successfully complete the CPA Program, candidates commencing from Semester 2 2009*

onwards will need to complete four compulsory segments and two elective segments, from

a list of four, within six years of becoming an Associate member, and also complete the

practical experience requirement.

* Note:If you commenced the CPA Program before Semester 2 2009, see the rules and regulations

on CPA Australias website for the completion requirements.

Enrolment guidelines:

It is recommended that you enrol in Ethics and Governancefirst.

You will not be able to enrol in Global Strategy and Leadershipuntil all other compulsory

segments have been successfully completed.

If you are working full-time, you are strongly advised to enrol in only one segment

per semester.

Admission policyIt is possible to be admitted to Associate membership of CPA Australia without having completed

undergraduate studies in auditing and/or taxation. In this case, you must complete auditing and/

or taxation as part of your CPA Program elective segments. You must complete these segmentsin order to advance to CPA status.

For example:

Candidate A commences their CPA Program in Semester 2 2009. They have a major in

accounting but have not completed studies in auditing; therefore, their CPA Program

will look like this:

Ethics and Governance

Strategic Management Accounting

Financial Reporting

Elective

Advanced Audit and Assurance

Global Strategy and Leadership.

or
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Candidate B commences their CPA Program in Semester 2 2009. They have a major in

accounting but have not completed studies in auditing or taxation; therefore, their CPA Program

will look like this:

Ethics and Governance

Strategic Management Accounting

Financial Reporting


Advanced Taxation(or local taxation variant)

Global Strategy and Leadership.

As part of the admission process, you will be asked for information about the subjects you

completed as part of your previous studies and whether you have completed studies in auditing

and taxation. Your letter advising you of the outcome of your membership application will tell

you what you must do to successfully complete the CPA Program.

Elective exemptionsA total of two exemptions in the CPA Program professional level may be granted on the basis

of prior learning which is assessed as being of equivalent content and depth. Prior learning

must be postgraduate tertiary education and/or professional qualifications.

Only elective segments available in the current professional level of the CPA Program

are considered:


Advanced Taxation, Malaysia Taxationor Singapore Taxation

Contemporary Business Issues

Financial Risk Management.

Exemptions are available if you have met CPA Australias educational requirements for the core

knowledge areas of taxation and auditing prior to starting the professional level.

Courses (including Master of Professional Accounting) and subjects accredited by CPA Australia

for exemptions in the core knowledge areas of the CPA Program foundation level are not

eligible for exemptions into the professional level.

No exemptions are available for compulsory segments.

Deadline to complete the CPA Program and advance toCPA status

Candidates admitted from 1 July 2007 onwards

All new members admitted from 1 July 2007 onwards must complete the CPA Program

professional level, including the practical experience requirement, and advance to CPA status

within six years of admission to Associate membership. All candidates must also hold a degree

or a postgraduate award recognised by CPA Australia before they can advance to CPA status.

Associate members admitted from 1 July 2007 onwards who do not fulfil these requirements

and fail to advance to CPA status within six years of admission will be required to relinquish

membership.

Candidates admitted from 1 January 2004 up to and including30 June 2007

All new members admitted from 1 January 2004 up to and including 30 June 2007 must

complete the CPA Program, including the practical experience requirement, and advance to

CPA status within eight years of admission to Associate membership.

Candidates admitted from 1 January 2007 up to and including 30 June 2007 have six years

to complete the CPA Program provided the CPA Program is completed within the eight-year

advancement limit. Candidates admitted from 1 January 2004 up to and including 31 December

2006 have five years to complete the CPA Program provided the CPA Program is completed

within the eight year advancement limit.
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All candidates must also hold a degree or a postgraduate award recognised by CPA Australia

before they can advance to CPA status.

Associate members who do not fulfil these requirements and fail to advance to CPA status

within eight years of admission will be required to relinquish membership.

Note: If you are unable to complete your CPA Program professional level segments or advance

to CPA status within the relevant timeframe, extensions may be available. Please contact your

local divisional officeto discuss your options.
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Enrolment

All members of CPA Australia are eligible to enrol in the CPA Program professional level

segments, including the exam. In addition, members may purchase the segment study guidesfor reference purposes only.

For information on how to enrol in the practical experience requirement, refer to the

CPA Program professional levelpractical experience requirementsection.

Enrolment regulationsAll candidates are bound by the rules and regulations as detailed on the CPA Australia website.

Enrolment procedureCPA Australia is pleased to announce a number of changes to its enrolment procedures

that provide greater flexibility for candidates. Please see the CPA Australia websitefor

more information.

CPD enrolmentIf you have completed the CPA Program professional level and wish to enrol in an individual

segment or segments for the purpose of continuing professional development (CPD),

please download an enrolment formfrom the website and send it with your fee payment

to the appropriate address prior to the enrolment closing date for the semester you wish to

enrol in.

Members who have completed the CPA Program and wish to purchase segment materialsfor reference purposes can do so at any time during the enrolment period up to the enrolment

closing dates below by downloading the enrolment formfrom the website and submitting it

as indicated on the form.

Enrolment feeA fee is payable for each new enrolment in a segment. A discount is applied for enrolments

received by the early bird closing date. Please check the websitefor important dates and

fees. Segment enrolment fees are not subject to the Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST)

because the CPA Program professional level is a GST-free education course.

Information regarding reimbursement of the segment enrolment fee following cancellation

of a segment enrolment can be found in the Refund of enrolment fee upon cancellation ofenrolmentsection.
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CPA Australia scholarshipsA limited number of scholarships are available to assist with fees for CPA Program professional

level segments.

For more information about scholarships, go to the CPA Australia website.

Confirmation of enrolmentIf you enrol online via My CPA Program, you will receive immediate confirmation of your

enrolment via email. If you enrol offline using the enrolment form, you will receive emailed

confirmation of your enrolment after your form is processed.

Please contact your local divisional officeif you have any queries relating to the status of

your enrolment.

Exam enrolmentWith the exception of enrolments for reference purposes and some CPD enrolments,

all candidates must schedule their exams online via My CPA Program. Further information

regarding segment exams is provided under Exams.

Changing enrolment to an alternative segmentYou may change a segment nominated at the time of enrolment to an alternative segment online

via My CPA Program or by submitting a written request to Member Administrationor to your

local divisional officeif you are based in Hong Kong, Malaysia or Singapore.

Requests must be submitted no later than the advertised early bird enrolment closing date

shown in the Important dates.

Requests received after the early bird enrolment closing date cannot be accommodated and

no refund will be available should you subsequently decide to cancel your enrolment.

Cancellation of segment enrolmentIf you have enrolled in a segment and do not wish to continue or are unable to continue in the

segment, you can cancel your enrolment in an individual segment up until the advertised final

closing date each semester. Following cancellation, all record of the segment enrolment will be

deleted from your printed results transcript.

If you wish to postpone a segment exam, rather than cancel your enrolment, you may be eligible

to apply for an exam deferral.

You cannot sit a segment exam and then apply for a segment cancellation in the same

semester. If you sit the exam, the result stands and no cancellation is allowed.

You may cancel a current segment enrolment online via My CPA Program, and receive

automatic confirmation.

To apply offline, please:

complete the Cancellation of professional level segment enrolment application form,

available on the CPA Australia website.

sign the printed form and send it to Member Administration.

All applications must be received by CPA Australia no later than the advertised final closing

date shown in the Important dates. Applications received after the final closing date will not

be considered.
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Refund of enrolment fee upon cancellation of segment enrolment

A full reimbursement of the segment enrolment fee can be provided if a request to cancel a

new segment enrolment (see previous section) is submitted online or received by Member

Administrationno later than the first cancellation closing date shown in the Important dates.

No refund of the enrolment fee can be provided if an application to cancel a segment enrolment

is received after the first cancellation closing date. Also, it is not possible to reimburse or credit

fees for segment enrolments cancelled or deferred from previous semesters.

Cancellation of workshop and webinar registration upon cancellationof enrolment

Please note that registrations for workshops and webinars are not automatically cancelled if

you cancel your enrolment in a segment. To cancel any of your workshops or webinars please

contact CPA Australia on 1300 73 73 73 or email [email protected].

Delivery of segment study materialsSegment study materials are mailed within four weeks of the early bird enrolment closing date

to all candidates who enrol by the early bird enrolment closing date. If you do not enrol by

the early bird enrolment closing date, you may not receive your study materials by the start

of the semester.

Confirmation of your materials despatch can be found on My CPA Program.

If youhave notreceived your segment study materials by the semester commencement date,

please contact your local divisional office.

To assist those candidates who have not received their segment materials by the semester

commencement date, material covering approximately the first two weeks of the semester is

made available for most segments via My Online Learning.

Study material in accessible formatsIf you require your study materials to be provided in an alternative format due to a medical

condition, please contact your local divisional office. All requests should be submitted as

soon as possible following your enrolment and before the early bird enrolment closing date

(see Important dates) to allow sufficient time for the special arrangements to be made.

Requests must be supported by a medical certificate from a medical practitioner. The certificate

must include:

the name and description of the condition suffered

the special arrangements that are required for your study materials, such as enlargements

whether the condition suffered is permanent and if the special arrangements are required

for all future enrolments.

You may also wish to apply forspecial exam arrangementsfor your exam. See the relevantsection within this guide for further information on how to apply.

Replacement materialsIf you have received your materials but have misplaced them or require replacement

materials for another reason, please contact Member Administration. A fee will be payable

for replacement materials.
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Exams

CPA Australia is pleased to announce a number of changes to its exam offer that provide

greater flexibility to candidates, including the option to sit computer-based exams in somelocations. Please refer to the websitefor more information.

Exam schedulingScheduled exam dates are listed on the CPA Australia websiteand in the Important datesat the

front of this Guide. Candidates who enrol online via My CPA Programcan see the dates and

also the nearest available venues for their exams when they complete the scheduling stage of

their online enrolment.

Candidates who enrol offline using the enrolment form must also schedule their exams online via

My CPA Programor contact their local divisional office.

If the available dates are unsuitable:

you may delay your enrolment to a future semester

if your personal circumstances alter following enrolment in a segment due to a medical

condition, heavy workload, clash with another exam, or misreading the exam information

supplied, you may be eligible to deferyour exam or cancelyour enrolment in the segment

if you miss the exam due to circumstances beyond your control you should contact your

local divisional office.

Special exam arrangementsSpecial exam arrangements are exam arrangements provided by exception for candidates who

have specific exam requirements. These arrangements can be provided for candidates under

the following circumstances only.

Medical condition

If you require special exam arrangements due to a medical condition, you should contact

your local divisional officewith your requirements. All requests should be submitted before

the special exam arrangements closing date shown in the Important dates.

Requests must be supported by a medical certificate from a medical practitioner.

The certificate must include: the name and description of the condition suffered how much extra time is required (if any)a standard exam is three hours and

15 minutes how much rest time is needed for the duration of the exam (if any)a standard

exam does not have any periods of rest if any special exam materials are required (e.g. A3 enlarged exam paper and/or

multiple-choice answer sheet)
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if any special equipment is needed (e.g. a laptop) if any special seating arrangements are needed (e.g. a separate room or to be

seated near a toilet) whether the condition suffered is permanent and if the special exam arrangements

are required for any future exams.

Note:If you require food or drink during an exam, you should discuss your requirements

with your local divisional office.

If you apply for special exam arrangements for a medical condition, you are not automatically

granted special considerationfor your exam. The special exam arrangements will take into

account the impact of the medical condition on exam performance. However, you must apply

separately for special consideration each semester if this condition has impacted on your

studies leading up to the exam or your exam performance, or if any of the other reasons for

special consideration have impacted on your studies or exam sit.

Exam structureEach segment exam is three hours and 15 minutes duration. All exams are open book, except

Singapore Taxation, and are based on the whole segmentthat is, the segment study guide,

supplementary materials, prescribed texts and readings. Candidates will be examined on all

materials unless otherwise stated.

For Singapore Taxation, the exam is closed book, with candidates able to bring only unmarked

copies of the Income Tax and GST Acts into the exam.

Exams for Ethics and Governance, Financial Reporting, Malaysia Taxation, Singapore Taxation,

Strategic Management Accountingand Global Strategy and Leadershipinclude assessment

of your higher order conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills through written response

exam questions. Compulsory segments also contain a multiple choice component.

Exams for most of the elective segments comprise multiple choice questions.

For more information about the structure of the exams you should review the Structure

and Requirementssection of the CPA Australia website and the segment outlines in thestudy guides.

The mark allocations in the exams will be confirmed during the semester and advised on

My Online Learning. Time allocations are suggested on the exam paper based on the marks

assigned to each section.

Past exam papersQuestions and answers from current and past exams are not released or made available for

viewing after the exams due to the secure nature of the exams and the process adopted

by CPA Australia in establishing passing standards.

Electronic self-assessment tests (e-SATS)practice questions and answers are available onMy Online Learningfor most segments. These questions provide an opportunity to review the

segment content, and are of a similar format, presentation and style to the types of questions

that are posed in the exams.

Attending examsAt the time of scheduling your exam you will be required to review CPA Australias exam policies.

It is your responsibility to read and understand the policies prior to attending your exam.
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Exam deferralAn exam deferral allows you to postpone the exam for a professional level segment to the

following semester. Deferrals into a later semester are not available.

Once granted:

a result of Deferredwill be recorded on your printed results transcript against the semester

of enrolment

you will be automatically re-enrolled in the segment in the following semester.

The exam deferral provision is available to assist candidates who may be unable to prepare

for or attend an exam due to reasons such as a medical condition or personal hardship. If you

experience such difficulties and can still attend the exam in the semester of enrolment, you may

wish to sit the exam and apply for special consideration.

You cannot sit a segment exam and then apply for a segment deferral in the same

semester. If you sit the exam, the result stands and no deferral is allowed.

If you sit the exam and your exam sit or your exam preparation was adversely

affected by exceptional circumstances beyond your control you are able to apply

forspecial considerationup to the closing date in each semester.

If you are not able to attend the exam in the following semester, you may defer the exam asecond time in the following semester, or cancel your enrolmentin the segment.

Cancellation of workshop and webinar registration upon deferralof exam

Please note that registrations for workshops and webinars are not automatically cancelled if

you defer your enrolment in a segment. To cancel any of your workshops or webinars please

contact CPA Australia on 1300 73 73 73 or email [email protected].

Deferral fees

There is a fee for exam deferral. Please check the websitefor important dates and fees.The deferral fee includes automatic re-enrolment in the segment for the following semester,

including new materials.

Other important information is as follows:

you cannot transfer your deferral into another segment exam

exams cannot be deferred beyond the following semester

a semester in which a deferral is granted is included in your time-frame to complete

the CPA Program professional level

if an exam deferral is requested in the final semester of the enrolment period, contact your

local divisional officeto apply for an extension of time

once an exam has been deferred, no refund of the deferral fee will be provided if

enrolment in the exam is reinstated

if enrolment in a segment is subsequently cancelled, fees will not be reimbursed.

Applying for an exam deferral

You can defer online via My CPA Programand receive automatic confirmation of your request.

To apply offline, please:

complete the Professional level exam deferral application form electronically or by hand,

available on the CPA Australia website

sign the printed form

send the form with the deferral fee to Member Administration.

All applications must be received by the relevant closing date shown in the Important dates.
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If you are prevented from attending your exam due to exceptional circumstances that arise after

the deferral closing date, please contact your local divisional office. You will be asked to provide

documentation to support your request, and your circumstances will be considered on a case

by case basis.

An exam result of Did Not Sitwill be recorded if you do not attend the exam and your

exceptional application for deferral is denied.

Special consideration for examsIf you sit an exam, you may apply for special consideration for your exam result if your studies

during the semester and/or your exam performance are adversely affected by exceptional

circumstances beyond your control.

Valid reasons for special consideration applications are:

medical condition

personal hardship which is identified as a situation or circumstance that has had a

significant impact on exam preparation and/or performance and is out of your control.

Where you can control the situation it is not considered hardship. Hardship can include

family issues, personal issues or financial issues. Workload is not considered a reason

for hardship

late receipt of segment study materials if you enrolled by the early bird closing date

exam incident.

The majority of candidates undertake the CPA Program professional level in conjunction

with full-time employment commitments. Therefore, pressures of work are not considered

exceptional and in light of this, applications for special consideration that are submitted for

employment-related reasons will not be accepted and will not be reviewed by the Special

Consideration Committee.

You shouldnotapply for special consideration if you are unable to attend an exam. In this case,

you can either:

cancel your enrolment in the segment, up to the advertised closing date, or

apply for an exam deferralup to the advertised closing date (or contact your local divisional

officeif exceptional circumstances arise after the closing date that prevent you fromattending the exam).

Special consideration applications are closely reviewed to ensure that all criteria and requirements

have been met before they are accepted for consideration by the Committee. Following the

special consideration application closing date and before the exam results are officially released,

the Special Consideration Committee reviews the personal circumstances of each candidate

whose application has been accepted and whose exam result has fallen within a specific range

below the pass mark. The candidates performance is evaluated in light of the disadvantage

suffered and similar cases are taken into consideration in order to ensure equity to all candidates.

In considering an application for special consideration, the Committee may take into account

a candidates past performance in the CPA Program and any past applications for special

consideration.

Following this review process, the Committee may upgrade a Failresult to a Pass. Passresults

are not amended to higher grades and the Special Consideration Committee does not review

applications that have been accepted where the candidates exam result is a clear Fail.

The findings of the Special Consideration Committee are confidential and disclosure of decisions

made by the Committee cannot be provided. All special consideration applicants final results

will be announced as part of the official release of exam results.

Applying for special consideration

It is your responsibility to provide sufficient detailed information to support an application for

special consideration, including information detailing the impact on your studies and/or exam

performance. All applications need to be supported with relevant, current documentation from

an independent person. If supporting documentation is not received by CPA Australia by the

application closing date, the application will not be processed.
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You must detail the reason for your special consideration application and the extent to

which your studies and/or performance in the exam were affected on the form provided.

When applying for special consideration, you must fully explain your situation and how it has

impacted on your studies leading up to the exam and/or your performance in the exam to

enable the Committee to fairly assess your situation and arrive at a decision. Where relevant,

it is advisable to provide as much independent information as possible that supports your

case. It is expected that all documentation supplied will be in English. Where documents are

translated into English, the translated documents must be certified.

To apply for special consideration:

please ensure you intend to sit or have sat the exam and meet the criteria for

special consideration

complete the Special consideration for professional level exams application form,

available on the CPA Australia website, electronically or by hand (please do not use the

deferral form)

sign the printed form

send the form to Member Administrationwith all supporting documentation, remembering

to check that the documentation is complete, including certified where required,

and current.

All applications will be treated confidentially and must be received by the advertised closing date

shown in the Important dates. No application received after the closing date will be considered.

All applications received by the application closing date will be acknowledged in writing before

the official release of results.

Reasons for special consideration and the required application documentation are as follows:

1 the completed Special consideration for professional level exams application form,

available on the CPA Australia website,and

2 supporting documentation as detailed in the following table.

Category Application documentation required

Medical condition A medical certificate must be submitted to support an application

for a medical condition. It is preferred that the medical practitioner

use the Medical certificate to support special consideration forexams application form, available on the CPA Australia website.

This form needs to be taken to an appointment and completed

by the medical practitioner at the time of consultation. If this is

not possible, a medical certificate in other formats from a medical

practitioner will be accepted if it contains:

information detailing the condition

an indication of whether the condition is mild,

moderate or severe

the dates that you have been or will be affected

information about how the condition has, or would,

affect your studies or exam performance.

Illness, medical condition or not fit for work are not sufficient

explanations and may be difficult to fully assess by the SpecialConsideration Committee.

You must also supply additional documentation that will support

your application, such as a statement detailing how the medical

condition has impacted on your studies and/or exam performance.
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Category Application documentation required

Personal hardship Personal hardship can include family issues, personal issues or

financial issues. Examples include, but are not limited to:

relationship breakdown

divorce

death in the family

ill relative requiring your care

forced home moves

redundancy

attending court cases during the exam period.

A heavy workload, including work travel requirements, is not a

reason for hardship.

You must establish in your documentation that it is a circumstance

or situation that is out of your control. The currency of the situation

and the currency of the documentation you supply will also

be considered.

You must supply a letter of personal hardship from someone not

related to you by birth or marriage, including de facto relationship,

or a letter from the doctor of your ill relative that contains: a detailed explanation of your personal hardship and

the way in which it has, or would, affect your studies or

exam performance

relevant dates of the impact of the hardship

information about how the author of the letter knows you

(e.g. manager, work colleague or friend) and how long they

have known you

contact details for the author of the letter.


your application, such as a statement of personal hardship

detailing the impact on your studies and/or exam performance.

Late receipt of segment

study materials

A consignment note or written advice documenting:

the date the materials were received

the name(s) of the person(s) you contacted regarding

the delay

the date(s) of contact.


your application, such as a statement detailing how the late receipt

of segment study materials has impacted on your studies or

exam performance.

Note:

If you enrolled after the early bird enrolment closing date,

an application made on this basis may not be approved. Material covering approximately the first two weeks of the

semester is made available for most segments via My Online

Learning. Where available, this will be taken into account

when considering any applications for special consideration

based on late receipt of study materials.

Exam incident If a disruptive incident occurs during an exam, you must supply

documentation such as a statement describing the incident

in detail and the effect it had on your exam performance.

Following receipt of an application, CPA Australia may seek

verification of the exam incident.
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CPA Programprofessional level

practical experiencerequirement

The practical experience requirement is a structured program for developing and demonstrating

professional skills. An integrated part of the CPA Program, it is a requirement for advancing to

CPA status.

The practical experience requirement complies with the International Federation of Accountants(IFAC) International Educational Standards.

As part of your practical experience requirement, you will need to demonstrate competence in

four skill areas highly valued by employers.

CareerGuidanceSystem

Technical

Business Leadership

Personal

Effectiveness


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There are three ways to demonstrates practical experience. Choose the method that best suits

you and remember that you can change the way you demonstrate your requirements if your

work circumstances change.

You can enrol any time, but there are

many advantages to enrolling as soon as

possible. The combination of skills and

time spent in a mentored relationship will

help you realise your potential as a leader

in your profession.

Next steps

1. Find a CPA, FCPA or equivalent full

member of an IFAC member body

to be your mentor.

2. Follow the instructions on the

form at cpaaustralia.com.au/

experience

3.

cpaaustralia.com.au/

practicallogbook

4. Inform CPA Australia if you change

employers, mentors or if you

complete the requirements by

submitting the Update/Complete

form.

Are you currently employedin a relevant role?

You can enrol with a Recognised

Employer Partner and you will satisfy

the practical experience requirements

while taking part in your employers

professional development program. A

full list of Recognised Employer Partners

is available at cpaaustralia.com.au/

rep_employer_partners

Next steps



experience

2. Participate in the professional

development program provided by

your employer.

3. Inform CPA Australia if you change

employers or if you complete your

time requirement by submitting an

Update/Complete form.

Do you work for aRecognised EmployerPartner?

You can apply for Recognition of

Professional Experience to satisfy all,

or part, of the practical experience

requirement depending on your work

experience. Your work experience needs

to be in a relevant role and from the last

eight years. Full members of an IFAC

member body can also apply.

Next steps



experience

2. If you have any remaining time or

skill requirements left to complete

we recommend that you enrol

in the practical experience

requirement.

Do you have six monthsor more professionalwork experience?
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Documents

Cpa Program Guide Professional Level