Practical Experience
The 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 through the program of studies. For certification, students must demonstrate that they have progressed to an employment position(s) that requires a well-rounded knowledge of, and a 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 graduation delayed. Experience may be obtained in any sector of the economy: industry, government, public practice, professional associations, education, healthcare, or not-for-profits- essentially anywhere that accounting and financial work is done.
Duration Of Experience Required
Before qualifying for certification, students must have accumulated a total of 36 months of full-time employment in an accounting, financial management, or acceptable related position in a specialized area. 24 of the total 36 months of employment must be at a senior or professional level requiring the application of advanced knowledge, decision-making, and responsibility for the preparation and interpretation of financial information.
Reporting Experience To The Association
Students are required to report the practical experience they have achieved starting at the time they first enrol in a Level 4 course. A Practical Experience Assessment Questionnaire (PEAQ) is used for the reporting process. Students at Levels 3 and below may submit a PEAQ on an optional basis, when they believe they have achieved sufficient experience, or they wish to receive feedback from the Association.
Assessment Process
You will receive an e-mail confirmation when the Association receives your PEAQ and supporting documents. Evaluation takes approximately eight weeks, at which time a letter is sent to the student with the Association's assessment results and comments. All PEAQs must include an employer verification letter on company letterhead, a detailed job description, a current resume, and your signature under 'Student Certification'. If you are planning to graduate soon, please ensure you allow sufficient time for your PEAQ to be assessed before the graduation deadline.
In consideration of the profession's broad scope, students are not expected to have achieved experience in all competency areas. An experience assessment includes both a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the student's experience portfolio by the Association. The Association reserves the right to audit all experiences claimed by the student and verified by the employer.
For more detailed information please visit the Practical Experience Guide.
