The CPA Professional Program is a bold path to becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant—one that prepares future CPAs for any industry, any challenge and any possibility, no matter how markets, business or the world evolves.
Starting in 2027, University of Waterloo's School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) will offer the education components of the CPA Professional Program through a part-time, online learning experience. This education is delivered in an asynchronous, modular format and includes CPA Foundational Development, CPA Core Common and/or CPA Core Licensure and CPA Leadership modules.
Students build technical knowledge, professional judgment and integrative skills for today’s business environment. Visit CPA Ontario for more information.
Experience you can count on
A national leader in accounting and finance education, SAF has spent 40+ years producing award-winning CPA talent and influential business professionals.
225 SAF alumni
recognized on the CFE/UFE Honour Roll since 1984
8 SAF alumni
awarded CFE/UFE National Gold Medals since 1984
16 SAF alumni
awarded CFE/UFE Ontario Gold Medals since 1984
A program that gives you flexibility without losing structure or direction
The CPA Professional Program is designed to provide flexibility while maintaining a structured learning experience. At Waterloo, students will follow a defined curriculum with established schedules and milestones, while progressing through the program.
Asynchronous courses let you access learning materials from anywhere while staying on track through a guided course pathway and clear expectations
Approximately 15 hours per week, enabling you to continue working full-time while advancing toward your CPA designation
No in-person classes or campus residency requirements
For more than 40 years, Waterloo has developed some of Canada's highest-performing CPA graduates and built a strong reputation for accounting education and professional success.
The CPA Professional Program builds on this foundation, giving students access to the same faculty who teach across Waterloo's globally recognized accounting and finance programs while connecting them to one of Canada's most respected business communities, shaped by decades of strong relationships with industry, employers and the profession.
What makes SAF different:
- A reputation recognized by employers across Canada and around the world
- A proven track record of preparing CPA candidates for success, including Honour Roll graduates and Gold Medallists
- Faculty expertise from one of Canada's leading accounting and finance schools
- Deep connections with Canada's accounting, finance and business communities
It’s the SAF experience, delivered in a way that works for you.
Online CPA learning with real support, not isolation
Online learning doesn't mean disconnect.
Many professionals choose online learning because they need flexibility.
They choose Waterloo because they still want connection, support and access to experienced faculty.
At SAF, your experience is built around consistent, meaningful interaction, so you stay engaged and supported throughout.
Learning independently, supported at every step.
Optional weekly live check-ins
For every course
Direct access to faculty
Through optional debriefs and instructor-led Q&A session
Small, dedicated teaching team
Focused on your progress and invested in your success
Program format and structure
Built around a clear, modular structure that mirrors CPA progression, the program combines independent learning with consistent, structured interaction.
You will progress through a series of modules designed to build your technical knowledge and professional competencies, with each module building on the last as you advance through the program.
Foundational Development
(14 weeks)
CPA Core
Common (8 weeks) or Licensure (14 weeks)
CPA Leadership
(10 weeks)
Admission requirements
To participate in the CPA Professional Program, individuals must be registered with CPA Ontario.
For information regarding CPA Ontario registration requirements, examinations and eligibility criteria, please visit the CPA Ontario website.
The first offering for each module begins in spring 2027.
- Foundational Development: May 31, 2027
- CPA Core (Licensure): May 31, 2027
- CPA Core (Common): July 12, 2027
- CPA Leadership: June 28, 2027