FAQs – PEP Resources

You can use the Densmore EDGE course as a supplement to the CPA PEP module work, or you can choose to use the EDGE course before starting the CPA PEP module to get your technical and case writing skills up to speed.

You should use the Densmore EDGE course as supplemental materials. For technical review, we suggest completing our MCQs for topics with which you are less comfortable.  To improve your case writing, start by viewing the Basic Approach Session. Then, we suggest spreading the six practice cases out over your study period, leaving enough time to mark and debrief each response and view the online walkthrough to learn from each attempt. View the Exam Strategy Session and write the practice exam approximately 2 weeks prior to your exam date. This will provide you with time to debrief each MCQ and to mark and debrief your case response(s) and view the online walkthrough(s) to learn from the practice attempt.

You should create a study plan for your time left to the exam considering your time off work situation.  For technical review, spend time using the MCQs in each technical competency area to gauge your knowledge (e.g., 2-3 weeks depending on how much time off you have from work).  This will help you understand where to focus your technical review on your areas of weakness. To improve your case writing, start by viewing the Basic Approach Session. Then, we suggest spreading the six practice cases out over your study period (approximately one per week if you are working). Ensure you schedule enough time to not only write the case, but also mark and debrief each response and view the walkthrough to learn from each attempt. View the Exam Strategy Session and write the practice exam approximately 2 weeks prior to your exam date. This will provide you with time to debrief each MCQ and to mark and debrief your case response(s) and view the online walkthrough(s) to learn from the practice attempt.

Most students taking the modules have access to CPA Canada’s ebooks, which are a suitable technical resource. If you do not have access to CPA Canada’s ebooks, you may need to obtain your own technical resources depending on your comfort level with the technical knowledge. We recommend our CPA Competency Map Study Notes publication, which you can purchase here.

By default, access to the Densmore EDGE courses expires one year from the date of purchase. However, if you are still enrolled in the CPA Program, you can email us at info@densmorecpa.com to request an extension to your EDGE course at no charge. The stand-alone Densmore PEP Practice Exams expire on the date of the next CPA PEP Module exam, as they are intended for practice prior to writing the exam. Please see our full refund / extension policy here.

If you would like to see how the course materials are presented, please email info@densmorecpa.com to gain access to our test course for a 48-hour trial period. This course provides limited access to some of our case materials and MCQs so you can see how the materials are presented to determine if the EDGE course will suit your needs before purchasing.

If you may be interested in obtaining your Public Accounting Licence in the future, you are required to complete the Taxation and Assurance elective modules. If this does not apply to you, you should consider your work experience, interests, and comfort level with each elective area based on your past educational experience to determine which electives would be most suitable for you.

CPA Canada has posted sample cases for each of the Electives here.  You can also read through the sample cases and evaluation guides (solutions) for each module to help inform your decision.

The publication includes summary technical notes for all six technical competency areas (Financial Reporting, Audit and Assurance, Strategy and Governance, Management Accounting, Finance and Taxation) that are covered in the CPA Competency Map. The publication is at a level suitable for the Core PEP modules, the Elective PEP modules, and the CFE.

The CPA Competency Map Study Notes are organized in a digestible, easy-to-understand format. If you would like to see how the book is formatted and the level of detail that is provided, download a sample excerpt of the book in your preferred language:

• English
• French

The content is the same in both the digital and print versions. However, the digital version is updated with any technical updates for the two years following purchase. If you prefer a print version, we post an annual technical update summary document. Download the update in your preferred language:

• English
• French

Access to the eBook expires at the end of the second calendar year following the year in which the publication was purchased (i.e., the 2024 CPA Competency Map Study Notes eBook would expire on December 31, 2026). However, if you are still using the publication in pursuit of your CPA designation after the expiration date, you may request an extension at no charge by emailing info@densmorecpa.com.