In a recent post, I discussed the misinformation about CPA PEP exams and why candidates should not attempt to count Assessment opportunities (AOs) when writing their CPA PEP exams.

This post is a follow-up to a previous article When Accountants SHOULDN’T Count. Here, I will discuss some opportunities both within and beyond a case when CPA PEP candidates can and should count. 

There is a lot of misinformation “out there” on the internet, including about CPA PEP. To counter this, I encourage candidates to activate their professional judgment skills.

To contextualize this, I will summarize a few instances that have recently come up on the discussion boards where I think candidates should perhaps focus their attention elsewhere.

The title pretty much gives it away: My motivation decided to take a vacation before I could. Like you, I am in school (I am completing my doctorate). And, like many of you, I also work. And attempt to have a life. As the Spring module era ends, despite loving what I do, with summer officially here and Canadian hockey now (sadly ☹) complete, I acknowledge the “mo(tivation) is lo.”

Sometimes I receive questions via emails and discussion board posts from candidates and turn them into blog posts to help others who are in similar situations or have questions. Today’s post highlights an exchange with a candidate around exam time about exam writing software and keyboard setup.

It’s OK that you’re not OK. That sentiment pretty much sums up my 2023. Between major injury, month-long forest fire evacuation, and my mom’s death, I have not been OK. My friend and colleague, a psychologist, suggested It’s OK that you’re not OK by Megan Devine when I asked what book she recommended to help me heal. In that book, Ms. Devine starts by discussing how death and grief are the great human equalizer. When you look in the eyes of another person who has lost a loved one, you see each other more deeply.

CPAWSB recently published 2023 CPAWSB's Candidate Journey eBook, a book I co-edited with talented CPAWSB staff. To introduce the eBook to the CPAWSB, I wanted to share a short story about my messy accounting designation journey to provide a glimpse into our eBook and its purpose.

This article is Part 2 of The Arena, a two-part series introducing the 2023 CPAWSB's Candidate Journey eBook a zero-cost resource for current and aspiring Canadian CPA PEP candidates. By deciding to pursue your CPA designation, you have entered the arena. It won’t be easy, but you aren’t alone. You have a whole network of support from your classmates, colleagues, online facilitators, session leaders, administrators, and resources, including our collection of articles in this book.

Welcome to the Chartered Professional Accountant Western School of Business (CPAWSB) and the Chartered Professional Education Program (CPA PEP). Welcome to The Arena. It was Day 1 of a CPA PEP workshop on a hot Saturday midsummer day. Our class of thirty learners was debriefing a case, discussing the required elements, what was missed, and why they were important. What started out as a discussion of audit procedures escalated when one candidate jumped out of his seat and yelled, “Why don’t you just teach me professional judgment if it is SO NECESSARY?” That was the moment I knew I had made it as an educator.

Contrary to popular belief [warning: sarcasm alert], most people are probably not “born” knowing they wanted to become accountants. Some find this calling after high school, others after an unrelated degree, while others may decide to become a Canadian CPA as a newcomer to Canada. Whatever your path, there is a path for you to become a CPA. This article will discuss the various “entry points” for candidates as they embark on their journey toward becoming a CPA.

Have you ever found yourself “doom-scrolling” through your social media, wistfully wishing you would stumble across a formative value-added short video to help you complete your PEP module studies?

Wait no further! Here is your chance.

Oxford Languages defines serendipity as “The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.” The trajectory of my career, my life, has been visited by these seemingly chance encounters.