Section 4: Accreditation process
New program eligibility check
To be completed by a higher education provider interested in having a program accredited by CPA Australia.
Step 1: Review
Review the accreditation guidelines.
Step 2: Eligibility
"At a glance" eligibility check.
- Is the program accredited by the relevant accrediting body in that country?
- Are you registered with the relevant accrediting body in that country?
- Does the program cover all the required competency areas listed in the accreditation guidelines?
If the provider answered no to any of the three questions above, the program isn't ready to be considered for accreditation by CPA Australia.
If you answered yes to all three of the questions above, then you are encouraged to continue with the application for program accreditation with CPA Australia.
Enquires about this criteria can be sent to [email protected]
Accreditation submission and review process
The following provides an overview of the accreditation process from initial submission to reaccreditation review.
Step 1: Submission
| Initial submission (new provider) | New program submission (existing provider) |
|---|---|
| We're a higher education provider applying for accreditation of a new program for the first time (we don't have any prior accredited programs). | We're a higher education provider with a current program accredited by CPA Australia and wish to apply for accreditation of a new/revised program or a twinning arrangement. |
|
|
Step 2: Submission review
We'll conduct an initial desktop review and requests any further information required.
Step 3: Initial site visit to a new higher education provider
We'll conduct an initial site visit for all new higher education providers (see Section 5: Frequently asked questions) where this is their first program seeking accreditation, or it's a a reaccreditation submission within their first 10 years of accredited program delivery.
Step 4: Submission outcome
Higher education providers will be advised of their outcome once their submission has been considered by our Accreditation Committee.
Accreditation granted
If accreditation is granted, the higher education provider will need to follow the steps as part of their ongoing accreditation and reaccreditation over the five-year period. Contact the us for a logo licence and for help using our logo on marketing collateral.
- Annual report submission: An annual report will be requested by CPA Australia throughout the accreditation period. See an example of the information requested in Template 3
- Reaccreditation: A full review of accredited programs and a site visit will typically occur every five years. A reminder is issued by CPA Australia six months prior to accreditation expiry. Complete Template 4
- Changes to accredited programs: Providers must notify CPA Australia of any material changes to accredited programs throughout the accreditation period. Complete Template 2
Accreditation not granted
If accreditation isn't granted, we'll provide feedback to the higher education provider on the changes that would be required for the program to be accredited in the future.
Appeals process for decisions relating to the professional accreditation of accounting degree programs
The provider may appeal against a decision not to accredit an accounting degree program, or for the program only being granted provisional accreditation.
The appeal must be made in writing to [email protected] within four weeks of receiving the decision, and must state the grounds on which it's based. Grounds for appeal are limited to violations of written CPA Australia Professional Accreditation Guidelines.
Appeals will be reviewed by an appeal panel comprised of members of CPA Australia's Academic Governance Committee who have no connection to the appellant and didn't participate in the original decision/outcome.
The provider will be notified of the outcome of their appeal in writing within 90 days of the appeal lodgement date including reasons for the outcome.
The decision of the appeal panel is final.
Complaints from accredited program students or staff
If a complaint is received from a student or staff member regarding an issue that violates the professional accreditation standards, such as coverage of required content or qualifications of staff involved in the delivery of an accredited program, the matter is to be referred to the Head, Education Policy at CPA Australia. They will initiate investigations and determine whether the complaint is justified. If it is, appropriate action will be taken, and a written response given to the person initiating the complaint within 90 days of receipt.
If a complaint is received by a student or staff member regarding an issue that violates broader higher education threshold standards, such as academic governance, student admission criteria or assessment methods, they'll be advised to lodge their complaint formally with the relevant body authorised to enforce the higher education standards in the provider's country.