Experience-Based Pathway

We suggest that you provide as much information as possible in your curriculum vitae (CV/resume) to support your membership application. This may include, but is not limited to:

• a summary of your skillsets against the competencies required for admission to membership
• your career progression and detailed descriptions of the responsibilities you held including achievements in each role
• any other training or achievements you feel are relevant and should be considered in your application

You may be eligible for exemptions based on your prior work experience that is of equivalent content and depth to the CPA Australia Foundation Program. Exemptions into further CPA Program study may be granted at any time based on work experience that is equivalent in content and depth.

Your practical work experience will be assessed against the competencies required for entrance into Associate membership (meaning Foundation subjects) that aligns to at least an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree). This means that you have worked under limited direction and can make independent decisions relating to your area of responsibility.

You can refer to the Member service fees page for more information about the fees involved with this pathway.

If you are already enrolled in a subject that you are seeking an exemption for, please note we can only offer a refund of your enrolment fee if your cancellation is submitted before the relevant closing date for changes. A refund won’t be provided if you submit your cancellation after this deadline.

CPA Australia always aims to provide an individual the best possible outcome that we can (by combining our official pathways) to offer the maximum number of exemptions and the fastest route for a prospective member to become recognised as a CPA.

Depending on your academic background and experience and how this compares to our core competencies, you may be assessed as being eligible for one of the following outcome types: 

To become a fully qualified CPA you will need to complete the outstanding CPA Program subject/s, hold a relevant degree (or equivalent) and meet all additional requirements before becoming a full qualified CPA.

Prepare your supporting documentation, such as proof of identity, degree completion certificate (if applicable), academic transcript(s), curriculum vitae (CV/resume), and a workplace testimonial that confirms the details of your position and duration of employment to validate your eligibility. A detailed list of supporting documents can be found in the Experience-Based Pathway application form in Step 3.

Start your CPA membership application here. First, create an account, where you will receive your unique CPA Australia ID. Use this ID in the Experience-Based Pathway application form (specified in Step 3). Then, once you progress to the Supporting Documents page in the form upload your supporting documents, including evidence of your work experience. After all supporting documents have been uploaded, pay the application fee, and submit your online application.

Click here for more information on the steps to applying for membership.

Download, and fill out the Experience-Based Pathway application form. Please note we accept digital signatures on your signed Experience-Based Pathway application form.

Once you have submitted your online application please email your Experience-Based Pathway application form to [email protected].

We’ll assess your application and, if required, request further information from you to support your application.

You may be eligible to start the CPA Program straight away, but if not, you may be asked to complete further studies by starting the journey to CPA membership through our Foundation program.

If you meet our Associate member requirements, you’ll be able to start the CPA Program straight away.

If you would like information on your expected application turnaround time, please contact us.

Please note: Your assessment outcome may vary based on the skills you have achieved to date.