PDPA Prep
Prepare for the Post Designation Public Accounting examination
Looking to obtain your public accounting license? Densmore’s PDPA Prep course is designed to help you find success on your exam and meet your career goals.
Learn the skills needed for success
Densmore’s PDPA Prep course is designed by experts to supplement your CPA self-study resources. Our course helps you practice the best strategies for tackling the PDPA exam.
- Training on effective technical review, case approach and writing skills, and exam strategy
- Multiple choice questions that mirror the technical competency testing on the PDPA exam
- Practice cases aligned with the PDPA exam blueprint that include marking guides, marker grids, and online walkthroughs to help you improve your case approach and writing
Understand the PDPA process
The CPA PDPA program allows CPA professionals to obtain public accounting licensure post certification, advancing your career according to your goals.
Education module
The CPA PDPA education module is a self-study module that consists of reading resources, practice problems, cases, and multiple-choice questions, as well as a suggested eight-week study schedule.
PDPA examination
The PDPA examination is 4.5 hours in length, with 60 multiple choice questions and a 120-minute case. The technical competencies covered include Financial Reporting, Assurance, Taxation, and to a lesser extent, Finance and Strategy and Governance.
More information
For more information on the PDPA program and how Densmore can assist with your preparation, see our PDPA Prep course and FAQs below. You can also visit the CPA Canada website to learn more.
PDPA Prep
Refine and sharpen your case writing and multiple choice question skills with Densmore's PDPA resources, which will supplement your CPA PDPA Module self-study materials.
$225.00
CPA Competency Map Study Notes
Gain an essential resource for your CPA studies with the Densmore CPA Competency Map Study Notes. This resource will help you build a foundation for success from Core 1 all the way to the CFE. Choose from digital or hard copy versions or a package of both.
PDPA FAQs
What is the PDPA program?
The Post Designation Public Accounting (PDPA) program allows members who qualified as CPAs without a license to practice public accounting to obtain that license. If you are looking to offer public accounting services, such as audits and reviews, you require this licensure. The PDPA program includes an education module and examination, with testing across Financial Reporting, Assurance, Taxation, and to a lesser extent, Finance and Strategy and Governance. You can find more information on these bridging requirements here and the PDPA exam blueprint here.
What is the process to obtain a license to practice public accounting in Canada if I already have my CPA?
If you are not currently eligible to obtain a license to practice public accounting after becoming a CPA in Canada, you will need to register for CPA’s PDPA (Post Designation Public Accounting) program with your provincial CPA body. This process involves several steps including:
- Completing an eligibility assessment
- Completing the PDPA module
- Passing the PDPA examination
- Completing the required practical experience
- Applying for a public accounting license (PAL)
Do I need additional study materials for the PDPA exam beyond what CPA Canada provides?
CPA Canada provides a self-study PDPA module that consists of reading resources, practice problems, cases, and multiple-choice questions, as well as a suggested eight-week study schedule. If you are looking for additional guidance on how to approach case writing, how to debrief cases, or additional case and MCQ practice material (including a full practice exam), the PDPA Prep course is right for you.
I am seeking registration to perform compilations only. Should I take the PDPA Prep course?
No, the PDPA Prep course is designed for members seeking post-certification public accounting registration or registration to perform audits and reviews and who will be taking the PDPA module and final exam. If you are seeking registration to perform compilations only and are looking for additional resources, we recommend The Taxation Elective EDGE course as you are only required to complete the PEP Taxation Elective. You can find more information on the differences in registration here.
Where can I find more information about the exam regulations for the PDPA exam?
Information on the exam regulations for all CPA examinations can be found here.