The CGA Program: Time to Succeed

1. The CGA Program: Time to Succeed Resources Financial Assistance Website Website Program Overview Exams Course Changes Degree Requirement Practical Experience Online Learning Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses Exit

2. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 1. Website Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Online Learning Practical Experience CGA-BC.org is your one-stop shop for all information pertaining to the CGA program. All policies, procedures, deadlines, important information and staff contact information are available on our site. Be sure to check the Heads Up section weekly. Heads Up is on the main student page, once you click on the Student tab. Before you begin taking courses, click through the available links on the student Web pages. Here, you will find information about your courses, online enrolment, details on practical experience, schedules and forms, the Handbook, Enrolment Guide, Transfer Credit Guide, Online Learning Reference Guide and much more. You will also find information about our degree partners, and what you need to know as you get closer to graduation. Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses [Continued…]

3. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 2. Program Overview: Courses Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Online Learning Practical Experience The CGA program consists of 19 courses, two business cases, and a public speaking requirement. The program is divided into five Levels (Levels 1-4 and the PACE Level). Every student must complete all courses in Levels 1-4. In the PACE Level, the final level, students complete two required courses and two elective courses. The elective courses allow you to personalize your studies according to your strengths, likes, and career objectives. For a full description of the CGA courses, see the Course Syllabus. In addition to the 19 courses, each student must also complete two business cases (the Accounting Business Case – BC1, and the auditing business case – BC2). The business cases are taken in Levels 3 and 4, and allow you to apply the knowledge you’ve learned throughout these levels. Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses [Continued…]

4. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 3. Degree Requirement Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Online Learning Practical Experience All students must obtain a bachelor’s degree prior to earning their CGA designation. This is an exit requirement, meaning that you do not need a degree to get started on the program, but rather to graduate from the program. It is not mandatory that the bachelor’s degree be earned in accounting or finance; the degree can be obtained in any discipline. For students who do not have a bachelor’s degree, CGA-BC offers several degree partner programs that allow you to earn a degree while working on your CGA courses. See Degree Opportunities. Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses

5. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 4. Practical Experience Requirement Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Online Learning Practical Experience Work experience is a key component of earning your CGA designation. Like the degree requirement, the practical experience requirement is an exit requirement of the program, meaning you are not required to have any experience when beginning the program, but must meet the requirement before earning your designation. To meet the practical experience requirement, students must have a minimum of three years (36 months) of experience in an accounting or finance position. Of these three years, at least two of the years (24 months) must be at a senior level. While basic or foundation level experience will consist of mainly clerical duties, senior level experience usually requires the application of advanced knowledge, decision-making, and responsibility for the preparation and interpretation of financial information. Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses [Continued…]

6. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 5. Time Limit Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Online Learning Practical Experience Each CGA student is given an individual time limit in which to complete their program requirements. This is assessed upon admission to the program and is based on transfer credits granted and the number of remaining CGA courses left to complete. Consideration is given to the possibility of time off from taking courses and/or repeating a course. If students want to take time off without affecting their time limit, they can take a non-active year. This must be a full academic year with no academic activity – not with CGA nor for transfer credit. Non- active years do not count towards the overall time limit and students are still considered current and will continue to receive all mailings and publications. Please refer to the Time Limit chart in the Student Handbook regarding the number of allowable non- active years. Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses

7. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 6. Transfer Credit Courses Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Online Learning Practical Experience Students may wish to take equivalent courses outside CGA rather than take the CGA course directly. This is referred to as Transfer Credit. In order to receive transfer credits, the following conditions must be met: – The student must be enrolled as an active student; they may not be non-active. – Courses taken for transfer credit must be approved by CGA as published in the Transfer Credit Guide. – Transfer credits are granted based on a minimum grade requirement. – CGA-BC must receive a copy of the student’s official transcript as well as the Request for Transfer Credit form with payment. A fee of $25 per CGA course will be charged for transfer credits. A Transaction Confirmation will be sent to the student once the transfer credit fee has been processed. Due to the minimum course requirement, several PACE Level CGA courses are not available for transfer credit. Please refer to the Transfer Credit Guide for more details. Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses

8. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 7. Course Planning Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Online Learning Practical Experience CGA courses require a significant amount of work each week. Students should plan to spend 15-20 hours per week for each course, with the exception of public speaking. Business cases require 40-50 hours of work each. Things you should consider when planning your courses for the year: 1.What course is required? Use your Program Sequence forms to determine what you still have outstanding. 2.Are the prerequisites met? See the Prerequisites Schedule. 3.When is the course offered? How many offerings are there per year? Some courses are offered in many sessions, where others are only offered once per year. Check the Course Offerings Schedule. 4.What level courses am I considering? Remember that Level 4 and PACE courses are more intense than those in lower levels. 5.What is going on at work and in my personal life that may conflict with my studies? Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses [Continued…]

9. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 8. Online Learning Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Online Learning Practical Experience CGA students complete their courses entirely online, and write their exams in person. Our courses are currently hosted through Blackboard OLE. Via online course delivery, students access and submit assignments online, read through modules, course content, post to discussion boards, and complete quizzes for instant feedback on their performance. Online learning allows CGA students the opportunity to successfully balance work with life, and to study where they want. Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses

10. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 9. Course Changes Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Online Learning Practical Experience Withdrawal from a course There are two deadlines to remember if you want to withdraw from your course: 1. Refund deadline · Usually around week 2 of the course. Refunds are less the material fee and withdrawal fee. 2. No academic penalty deadline · Usually a couple of weeks after the refund deadline. Your course is removed from your transcript for you to add later, at your convenience. No refunds are given for these withdrawals. Withdrawal requests must be received in writing by the deadlines provided on the Course and Exam Withdrawal form in the Schedules and Forms section of this Website. You may find it most convenient to fax this form to our office. Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses [Continued…]

11. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 10. Exams Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Online Learning Practical Experience CGA exams are written nationwide four times per year. Each of the four sessions is followed directly by its exam period. For courses in Levels 1-3, no exam qualification is required. All students enrolled in the course are scheduled to write the exam. Students in Level 4 and PACE Level courses must qualify to write their end of course exam. This means that they must achieve specific marks in their course work, or they will receive a mark of DNQ (did not qualify for the exam), which counts as a failure. There are two types of exams that are NOT course enrolments: challenge exams and supplemental exams. Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses [Continued…]

12. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 11. Financial Assistance Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Online Learning Practical Experience While CGA does not qualify for federal or provincial student loans, there are still several options available to assist you with the cost of the program. Lifelong Learning Program (LLP) CGA students can withdraw up to $20,000 from their RRSP (or spouse’s RRSP) to pay for their education. Repayment must be made within 20 years, with at least 1/20 of the amount returned to the RRSP each year. Students must be taking at least one course per session to qualify as a full-time student under this program. Lines of Credit. Several lending institutions offer CGA students reduced fees for lines of credit to assist them with their studies. Further details on this option can be found in the Student Handbook. Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses [Continued…]

13. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 12. Resources Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Online Learning Practical Experience Please take full advantage of all the resources available to you. These are just a select few; much more detail is available in the Student Handbook. •          Student Handbook and Enrolment Guide •          Online Learning Reference Guide •          Heads Up •          Course Syllabus •          Transfer Credit Guide •          Career Centre on the Website •          Scholarships & Bursary Program •          Academic Advisors and Student Services Staff •          CGA students taking the same course •          Other members and students in your chapter Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses

14. Exit Congratulations! Home You have completed the learning part of this orientation. Please take a moment to refresh your memory on any of the sections before clicking on Test Your Knowledge to take a quick multiple choice test. The test is just to see where you may need extra assistance or review and should take you no more than 10 minutes to complete. Test Your Knowledge. We look forward to assisting you as a CGA student. The Student Services Division.

15. Exit Test Your KnowledgeQuestion #1 Home Where can you find important information for students that is updated each week? a. Transfer Credit Guide b. Student Handbook c. Heads Up d. Online Learning Reference Guide Check your answer 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10

16. Exit Test Your KnowledgeQuestion #2 Home True or False: Public Speaking is a requirement for every CGA-BC student. a. True b. False Check your answer 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10

17. Exit Test Your KnowledgeQuestion #3 Home True or False: A degree is required to begin the CGA program. a. True b. False Check your answer 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10

18. Exit Test Your KnowledgeQuestion #4 Home In order to meet the practical experience requirement, you must: a. Work for a CGA firm b. Work in public practice c. Supervise more than five staff d. None of the above Check your answer 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10

19. Exit Test Your KnowledgeQuestion #5 Home Which of the following is not required when taking transfer credits? a. Maintain active student status b. Meet a minimum grade requirement c. Notify the CGA office prior to taking a course for transfer credit d. Submit official transcript Check your answer 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10

20. Exit Test Your KnowledgeQuestion #6 Home What is critical to remember when planning courses for the year? a. Prerequisites are met b. Course is available in that session c. I have time in my life to commit to my course d. All of the above Check your answer 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10

21. Exit Test Your KnowledgeQuestion #7 Home True or False: There is more than one withdrawal deadline per session. a. True b. False Check your answer 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10

22. Exit Test Your KnowledgeQuestion #8 Home Which of the following is not an exam type? a. Qualification b. Challenge c. Deferred d. Supplemental Check your answer 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10

23. Exit Test Your KnowledgeQuestion #9 Home True or False: CGA qualifies for Federal and Provincial loan programs. a. True b. False Check your answer 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10

24. Exit Test Your KnowledgeQuestion #10 Home Which of the following is a resource available to you, as a student? a. Student Handbook and Enrolment Guide b. Online Learning Reference Guide c. Transfer Credit Guide d. CGA-BC Website and Heads Up e.All of the above Check your answer 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 End Test

25. Exit Question #1 - Answer Home Answer – C, Heads Up. Student Services staff updates Heads Up each Friday to provide key information to students such as important dates and deadlines, materials backorder status, tips and tricks for progressing through your courses. You should bookmark this page and read it weekly. Back to question Question 2

26. Exit Question #2 - Answer Home Answer – A, True. All students in BC must complete Public Speaking prior to graduation. This can be done either through CGA, or via transfer credit – please refer to the Public Speaking transfer credit guide online. Although it is considered a Level 4 course, students may choose to complete it at the time that best suits them. There is no course prerequisite for Public Speaking. Back to question Question 3

27. Exit Question #3 - Answer Home Answer – B, False. CGA students must have a bachelor’s level degree to graduate from the program, but it is not an entry requirement. For those students who are looking for degree options, there are several degree efficiencies through local institutions as well as our national degree partners opportunities. Back to question Question 4

28. Exit Question #4 - Answer Home Answer – D, None of the above. In order to meet the practical experience requirement, students must have at least three years of experience working in any industry. Two of those years must be at a senior level requiring advanced technical knowledge, analytical skills, decision-making, and leadership. One of the three years must be Canadian work experience. Back to question Question 5

29. Exit Question #5 - Answer Home Answer – C, Notify the CGA-BC office prior to taking a course for transfer credit. Students are NOT required to advise CGA ahead of time if they plan to complete a course for transfer credit. It is important to first double check the Transfer Credit Guide to determine the appropriate course before enrolling, but advising CGA is only done once the course has been successfully completed. At that point, students should submit both the Transfer Credit Form, and their official transcripts. Back to question Question 6

30. Exit Question #6 - Answer Home Answer – D, All of the above. Students should consider all factors listed, as well as the other suggestions listed in the Resources and Study Tools section online, assisting students with course planning. While it seems like a lot to think about all at once, working through the factors becomes automatic after being on the CGA program through a few enrolment periods. Back to question Question 7

31. Exit Question #7 - Answer Home Answer – A, True. There are different withdrawal deadlines for Public Speaking, business cases, courses and exams. Students should keep track of these deadlines as published in the Schedules and Forms section of the Website. Back to question Question 8

32. Exit Question #8 - Answer Home Answer – A, Qualification. Qualification is not a type of exam. Challenge exams, deferred exams and supplemental exams are all part of the CGA program and exist for different situations. Students at the upper level of the program must QUALIFY to write exams by assignment submission. Please refer to the Student Handbook for more information on CGA exams. Back to question Question 9

33. Exit Question #9 - Answer Home Answer – B, False. Unfortunately, the CGA program does not qualify for Federal or Provincial student loans, however there are several other funding options available. Back to question Question 10

34. Exit Question #10 - Answer Home Answer – E, All of the above. While distance learning can be challenging at times, there are several resources available for CGA students. In addition to those listed in this test, students should consider each other as valuable resources. Making connections with fellow students, whether online or in person, is a key support and motivator when a course gets confusing or draining. CGA staff members are also here to help. If you are ever in doubt about a policy or procedure, be sure to check with the CGA office as soon as possible. Back to question End Test

35. Exit Orientation Test Completed Congratulations on completing the online orientation for CGA-BC. If you have any questions as you proceed through the program, please contact our advisors for assistance. E-mail the Association at enrol@cga-bc.org and we will respond to you within four hours. We look forward to assisting you in your path to a successful future. Enrol NowBack to Student Area

36. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 1. Websitecontinued… Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Online Learning Practical Experience CGAjobs.org is our career opportunity site. Find the link to this fantastic service under My CGA BC. Here you can post your resumé and search for accounting-related jobs posted by employers specifically to CGA students and members. This is not a publicly accessed site, so you already have the inside track to thousands of jobs when you log on and set up your profile. There is a lot of information to retain; knowing your way around the Website will make life a lot easier. Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses

37. Resources Exit Exit Website Financial Assistance 2. Program Overview: Courses continued… Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Online Learning Practical Experience The public speaking requirement is mandatory for all CGA-BC students. For students residing in the Lower Mainland, we offer a two-weekend course to meet this requirement. For students outside the Lower Mainland, as well as those students unable to attend the weekend course, there are numerous other options available. See Public Speaking – Transfer Credit Guide. For courses and business cases, the materials/textbooks are included in the price of the course. Materials are automatically shipped to you once your enrolment is processed. Please note that There are no materials for the public speaking course. Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses

38. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 4. Practical Experience Requirement continued… Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Online Learning Practical Experience It is important to note that many different positions meet the requirements for work experience. The practical experience can be completed in any sector, including industry, public practice, commerce, finance, government, non-profit, or information technology. For details on how to report your practical experience, as well as examples of acceptable experience, please see Practical Experience. Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses

39. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 7. Course Planning continued… Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes 6.When is the course exam? Do I have another exam scheduled or another conflict? Makesureit is the Exam Schedule that you refer to. 7.Do I know anyone else taking CGA courses? Often, taking a course with a buddy can be an extra motivator and provide critical discussion or study time to help as you progress through your course. 8.Are there lectures available? Some CGA courses provide drop-in lectures at UBC during certain times of the year. If you live in the Lower Mainland, you may prefer this option to the online lecture offering. Once you have answered these questions, you should have a better idea of whether you want to take the session off or schedule a course, and which course is best for you. Online Learning Practical Experience Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses

40. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 9. Course Changes continued… Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Session changes The refund deadline is also the session change deadline. For a $35 fee, we will move your course to any other available session in the academic year. We cannot move courses from one academic year to another. See the Session Change Request form. Online Learning Practical Experience Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses

41. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 10. Exams continued… Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes A challenge exam is based on previous course work outside CGA. If you have some education in a given course, but not enough for an exemption (or transfer credit), you will be offered a challenge exam. You will not be required to enrol in the full course. Instead, IF YOU CHOOSE, you may simply take the exam for that course. If you are not comfortable with this option, you may enrol in the full course instead. Any challenge rights that you have been granted will be recorded on your assessment page when you were accepted into the program. Note: there are no supplemental exams if you fail your challenge exam. A supplemental exam is based on your previous mark in a CGA course. In order to pass your CGA course, you must have a final mark of at least 65 per cent. If you do not meet this requirement, but you have a mark of 50 per cent or better, you will be offered the chance to write the exam again, in the upcoming exam session. This is just the exam, not the full course. This is an option and is not mandatory. If you choose not to write the supplemental exam, you may simply re-enrol in the course. Online Learning Practical Experience Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses [Continued…]

42. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 10. Exams continued… Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Exam Deferrals Students have the right to defer any exam that they are qualified to write, provided they advise CGA-BC and make payment by the published deferral deadline for the exam period. Exams can only be deferred to either of the next two available exam periods. It is critical that students follow the EXAM SCHEDULE and not the COURSE OFFERINGS SCHEDULE when deciding whether to defer their exam. The Exam Deferral policy is outlined in detail in the Student Handbook. Please familiarize yourself with this policy before you defer your exam. Online Learning Practical Experience Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses

43. Resources Exit Website Financial Assistance 11. Financial Assistance continued… Program Overview Exams DegreeRequirement Course Changes Bursaries The CGA Educational Foundation offers bursaries three times per year to students in need of financial assistance. In order to qualify, students must have completed at least two CGA courses. Further details can be found under Financial Aid. Scholarships and Awards. Both CGA-BC and CGA-Canada offer several awards and scholarships to students at all levels of the program. Please refer to Scholarships and Awards. Online Learning Practical Experience Course Planning Time Limit Transfer Credit Courses