ICAN members can now obtain CPA, Canada designation 

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) have collaborated for professional recognition between both exam bodies.

This means that members of ICAN can now obtain CPA designation. This because effective from February 1, 2025 and marks a significant milestone in enhancing collaboration and professional recognition between ICAN and CPA.

CPA Canada finalised the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on reciprocal membership arrangement with ICAN, representing the CPA provincial and territorial bodies as well as the Chartered Professional Accountants of Bermuda. Following this, CPA Canada issued guidance for fully qualified ICAN members seeking the Canadian CPA designation.

For ICAN members aiming to earn their Canadian CPA designation, the following steps apply:

Fully qualified ICAN members in good standing, who obtained their membership through the ICAN qualification process and not via a recognition agreement with another accountancy body, and who were not residents of Canada at the time of their designation, may be eligible for advanced standing in the CPA certification programme through the MoU.

MOU pathways generally lead to certification only; practising public accounting may require additional examinations and/or experience.

For further information, contact the relevant provincial/regional CPA body where you reside or plan to reside to review the MoU.

ICAN members are eligible for the membership pathway in a Canadian provincial/regional CPA body, subject to:

Payment of applicable fees and dues.

Meeting any good character requirements for admission.

Education and examination requirements 

ICAN members must hold either:

A recognised university degree from a degree-granting institution, in addition to completing the ICAN programme, or

At least eight years of relevant experience in CPA technical competency areas, such as Financial Reporting, Strategy and Governance, Management Accounting, Audit and Assurance, Finance, and Taxation, evaluated according to the CPA Practical Experience Requirements (CPA PER), in addition to completing the ICAN programme.

Complete the ICAN programme.

Pass the Canadian CPA profession’s Common Final Examination (CFE).

ICAN members are permitted three attempts to pass the CFE. After three failed attempts, applicants will be de-registered.

If re-registration is allowed, applicants must meet the current entrance requirements in place at the time and will no longer be eligible for any exemptions from the CPA Professional Education Programme (PEP) as per the agreement.

Experience needed

ICAN members must:

Fulfil the practical experience requirements (term, depth, breadth, and progression) of the Canadian CPA profession, with the following considerations:

Applicants with more than two years of post-designation professional accounting experience will be admitted without a review of their practical experience.

Applicants with less than the specified post-designation experience required will undergo a review of their practical experience obtained pre- and post-qualification.

All experience must have been gained as an ICAN member or student.

Meet any additional requirements specific to the provincial/regional CPA body where the membership application is submitted.