How do I use the CPA designation?
If an individual uses an accounting designation in Alberta, the public expects them to be regulated in Alberta.
Non-members are not permitted to display the CPA designation, legacy designations, or foreign accounting designations in Alberta. Members of CPA Alberta are permitted to use the CPA designation in accordance with Part 2 of the Chartered Professional Accountants Regulation.
Members with a legacy designation may use the CPA designation in conjunction with their legacy designation or simply continue to use the legacy designation alone.
For example:
- John Doe CPA, CMA; or
- John Doe CMA
- Jane Smith CPA, CGA; or
- Jane Smith CGA
- Richard Roe CPA, CA; or
- Richard Roe CA
Members who hold the fellowship designation (FCMA, FCGA, FCA) automatically receive the FCPA designation.
On or after July 1, 2025, the CPA designation can be used on its own, adding a third option.
For example:
Members who hold more than one legacy designation and choose to “tag” should only use the CPA designation once.
For example:
- John Doe CPA, CMA, CGA, CA
Any candidates who successfully complete the
CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) and have been admitted to membership with CPA Alberta will be entitled to use the CPA designation alone.
How can I use the USA CPA Designation?
As a member of CPA Alberta, before you can represent yourself as a USA CPA in Alberta, you must:
- Provide satisfactory evidence to CPA Alberta of having a current certified public accounting certificate from the United States;
- Submit a completed application to applications@cpaalberta.ca; and
- Pay the application fee (and annual renewal fee thereafter).
Once your application is approved by CPA Alberta, use of the USA CPA designation “certified public accountant” or the initials “CPA” must:
- Be accompanied by “chartered professional accountant” or “CPA” or, if authorized, “Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants” or “FCPA” and
- Disclose the name of the applicable USA certified public accounting jurisdiction in the following manner: “(State, USA)”
Examples of the proper presentation of the designations are:
- John Doe Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified Public Accountant (New York, USA)
- Jane Smith CPA, CGA, CPA (Texas, USA)
- Richard Roe FCPA, CPA (Illinois, USA)
Please note: the rules for a firm’s descriptive style is different from those for the personal use of the designation. More details on how to use the designation for firms is available here.