Pursuing CGA while working

[intel6064]

Hey guys, I need some advice on pursuing a CGA. I just completed a degree in Economics... I know the shift from this to CGA is quite big. I am planning to work and take CGA courses... But I dont know where to take these courses. DO you guys know any good schools?? Im thinking of University of Toronto, Continuing Education but too expensive...

If there is a faster way of completing CGA courses, let me know...

Your help is appreciated and badly needed ......

[texedomel]

Hey guys, I need some advice on pursuing a CGA. I just completed a degree in Economics... I know the shift from this to CGA is quite big. I am planning to work and take CGA courses... But I dont know where to take these courses. DO you guys know any good schools?? Im thinking of University of Toronto, Continuing Education but too expensive...

If there is a faster way of completing CGA courses, let me know...

Your help is appreciated and badly needed ......

Did you check out the college courses? They may be cheaper; but do note that you need at least a B in college courses to qualify for transfer credit (university undergrad courses need a "C"; uni continuous education courses need a "B" I think.....)

CGA's website lists the equivalent credit accepted in each college/uni:

https://www.cga-ontario.org/Prospective_Students/Becoming_a_CGA/Transfer_Credits/College_Transfer_Credit_Requirements.aspx

Hope this helps.

[intel6064]

Hi.. Thanks for replying.. I did check the websites... One course is about $600 for most schools.. I just dont know which school I need to go...
A "B" is quite high!!!

[RandomSanity]

Did you check out the college courses? They may be cheaper; but do note that you need at least a B in college courses to qualify for transfer credit (university undergrad courses need a "C"; uni continuous education courses need a "B" I think.....)

CGA's website lists the equivalent credit accepted in each college/uni:

https://www.cga-ontario.org/Prospective_Students/Becoming_a_CGA/Transfer_Credits/College_Transfer_Credit_Requirements.aspx

Hope this helps.


According to their website its a C+ for university courses, continuing education or otherwise. You need a B for college courses though.

[BananaHunter]

You can take courses with CGA but it's probably more expensive that way. It's like $500-$750 per course + an annual fee. This amount includes textbooks though. Your annual fee also gets you a monthly magazine.

[MasterXan]

According to their website its a C+ for university courses, continuing education or otherwise. You need a B for college courses though.

it's different for every school

if you take the courses through York's Atkinson or Arts faculty, it's a C

[texedomel]

You can take courses with CGA but it's probably more expensive that way. It's like $500-$750 per course + an annual fee. This amount includes textbooks though. Your annual fee also gets you a monthly magazine.

Better check out the 2009/10 course calendar, there's quite a bit of a jump in the coming year. The course fees start from $645 to $1051 + annual fee.

[segal]

Hey guys, I need some advice on pursuing a CGA. I just completed a degree in Economics... I know the shift from this to CGA is quite big. I am planning to work and take CGA courses... But I dont know where to take these courses. DO you guys know any good schools?? Im thinking of University of Toronto, Continuing Education but too expensive...

If there is a faster way of completing CGA courses, let me know...

Your help is appreciated and badly needed ......


That's how i got my CGA while working as well....

I think it would be better to do your course via CGA, coz if you did it at other university / college, then you would need to pay for a transfer course fee afterward so they can evaluate the course that you took outside of CGA.

Plus, you can choose to take the CGA courses corrspondance, which is cheaper and save more time than taking classes (although they do have the classes option available).

Good luck.

[intel6064]

That's how i got my CGA while working as well....

I think it would be better to do your course via CGA, coz if you did it at other university / college, then you would need to pay for a transfer course fee afterward so they can evaluate the course that you took outside of CGA.

Plus, you can choose to take the CGA courses corrspondance, which is cheaper and save more time than taking classes (although they do have the classes option available).

Good luck.

Did you take all courses in CGA or some in your university??? Im thinking that
the learning process is better in the university/college since it is not web-based and we have teachers to guide us?? What do you think???

UToronto offers $600 per course...

Another thing, is there a faster way of completing the courses? For example, having a full credit course in one term, rather than taking one full course for 2 terms..

[setell]

Hi.. Thanks for replying.. I did check the websites... One course is about $600 for most schools.. I just dont know which school I need to go...
A "B" is quite high!!!

Um a B isn't high...thought we're suppose to be good at what we do.

[intel6064]

Do you guys think takign courses in CGA is better than taking it in the university??

[sardaukar]

Do you guys think takign courses in CGA is better than taking it in the university??

From what I've read on this forum and others, a most definite no. Courses administered by CGA are very difficult and strict.

You'll be better off taking them in an "easy" university (you have to do your research on that).

[Ely]

Did you take all courses in CGA or some in your university??? Im thinking that
the learning process is better in the university/college since it is not web-based and we have teachers to guide us?? What do you think???

UToronto offers $600 per course...

Another thing, is there a faster way of completing the courses? For example, having a full credit course in one term, rather than taking one full course for 2 terms..


From my own experience, take all the courses possible outside CGA even when you have to pay for transfer the credit to CCGA, it is much better.
CGA courses are not easy and very time consuming and you only have one exam but if you take the courses outside there are classes, at least 2 examns
which increase your chances of pass the course.

I am a PACE level student and I have a hard time with the online courses, the problem is I don't have a choice, from now on I must take all the remaining course thru CGA.

[bruizeman]

Do you guys think takign courses in CGA is better than taking it in the university??

It will depend on your level. I would advise doing it with CGA at level 4 or higher since it is not a guarantee you will get a transfer credit. If you instead get a challenge then, you'll have to basically do the course twice.

Of course, if speed is something you want, I know of a few who are doing college + CGA courses at the same time.

[oasis100]

I'm currently doing the CGA equivalent courses through UofT continuing studies.

I have been told that it is better to take Levels 1 to 3 through colleges/university. It is because once you register with CGA, the clock is running to complete ur CGA.

[texedomel]

I'm currently doing the CGA equivalent courses through UofT continuing studies.

I have been told that it is better to take Levels 1 to 3 through colleges/university. It is because once you register with CGA, the clock is running to complete ur CGA.


CGA gives transfer credits for level 1-4 courses but grants challenge exams (at best) for PACE level courses.

From personal experience, getting a passing grade (65) in the CGA program takes more work than getting a B from my undergrad accounting courses.

[bobbings]

I'm currently doing the CGA equivalent courses through UofT continuing studies.

I have been told that it is better to take Levels 1 to 3 through colleges/university. It is because once you register with CGA, the clock is running to complete ur CGA.

The clock starts ticking, that is true but if you register with the CGA and you already have a lot of the courses under your belt, the time to complete the CGA shortens. I think you have 10 years to complete it if you have no transfer courses and is starting from scratch whereas someone that has majority of the transfer courses will have a shorter time limit.

[Barayolayosa]

I did all the courses I could during University. Did a bunch more at SAIT (Calgary), and like someone said above when you get to a certain level, you have no choice but to take them by correspondance through CGA.

I found that the courses cost basically the same - the biggest difference being that you get an instructor to teach the material to you in University/College, while obviously this isn't the case through CGA.

[MasterXan]

anyone got detailed info on the practical experience part?

the website doesn't have a lot of info on what jobs would count towards this part. from the old posts I've read, we need 3 years of practical experience and at least 1 year in a senior level ? is that still true today?

what jobs are considered senior level and what jobs are conisdered junior level? would the job experience gained before enrolling in the CGA program count?

[bruizeman]

2 years of experience is necessary.

1 at intermediate
1 at senior.

Download the PEAQ form. It'll list everything they are looking for in great detail.

[dandy2008]

anyone got detailed info on the practical experience part?

the website doesn't have a lot of info on what jobs would count towards this part. from the old posts I've read, we need 3 years of practical experience and at least 1 year in a senior level ? is that still true today?

what jobs are considered senior level and what jobs are conisdered junior level? would the job experience gained before enrolling in the CGA program count?

"To become a CGA, you must complete at least two years of practical, progressive work experience in accounting, auditing, or financial management. This means that over time, your on-the-job responsibilities must become increasingly complex. One year of your practical work experience must be at a senior level requiring a high degree of knowledge and responsibility. Some CGA candidates can acquire the appropriate practical work experience in two years; however, many candidates require up to three years of practical experience to acquire the knowledge and skills they need for accreditation."

[MasterXan]

2 years of experience is necessary.

1 at intermediate
1 at senior.

Download the PEAQ form. It'll list everything they are looking for in great detail.

where's the form?

[dandy2008]

where's the form?

https://www.cga-ontario.org/secure/students/cga_program/PEAQ_Guidelines_2008.pdf

[THINKPADT61]

Say if I were to take course directly from CGA, how many times am I allow to fail? Meaning not meeting the C+ requirement after competing a CGA course?

Currently working as a engineer-in-training and considering getting CGA... but seems hard for me and wondering how the system works if I do get unlucky in one or two of the required courses.... I hate to take the program and fail a course when I am 80% done with all the courses and force to drop out from CGA program...

[dandy2008]

Say if I were to take course directly from CGA, how many times am I allow to fail? Meaning not meeting the C+ requirement after competing a CGA course?


You can retake the course as many times as you want...more money to CGA.

[THINKPADT61]

You can retake the course as many times as you want...more money to CGA.

You sure about that? If so, these that apply to all courses and exams??

[the_fm]

2 years of experience is necessary.

1 at intermediate
1 at senior.

Download the PEAQ form. It'll list everything they are looking for in great detail.

easier said than done. i have to leave my job to find one that meets the requirements. at least, i'll have a better salary :cheesygri

[texedomel]

Say if I were to take course directly from CGA, how many times am I allow to fail? Meaning not meeting the C+ requirement after competing a CGA course?

Currently working as a engineer-in-training and considering getting CGA... but seems hard for me and wondering how the system works if I do get unlucky in one or two of the required courses.... I hate to take the program and fail a course when I am 80% done with all the courses and force to drop out from CGA program...

Maximum 4 attempts are allowed for each course. Failed 4 times in the same course = compulsory withdrawal.

Maximum 8 exams attempts are allowed for the 2 PACE level option courses combined; while neither of them takes more than 4 tries.


You can retake the course as many times as you want...more money to CGA.

True they want your money; but they wouldn't want people hanging around to be a student forever and not able to finish the program.

[Barayolayosa]

Maximum 4 attempts are allowed for each course. Failed 4 times in the same course = compulsory withdrawal.

It might be different in Ontario, but in Alberta, you're out of the program if you fail a course 3 times:

Mandatory Withdrawal

A student will be automatically withdrawn from the
Association and the CGA Program of Professional
Studies for the following reasons:

• A repeated instance of copying suggested
assignment solutions;

• Three unsuccessful attempts at a course. Each
of the following constitutes an attempt at a
course:
1) A grade of less than 65% on an examination
2) Failure to qualify for an examination (DNQ)
3) Failure to request an Elect to Re?enroll
(ETR) in a course which results in a DNQ
4) An unsuccessful attempt at a concurrent
course

• Failure to complete the required program
within the allocated time limit.

[bruizeman]

As tex as stated there is a max # of attempts at a course.

And really... if you fail at a course more than once, you really should reconsider continuing as an accountant/finance professional. This isn't just a university course... this is/will be your future profession. If you don't even know more than the general public on accounting/finance matters you should not be a practising accountant.

[texedomel]

It might be different in Ontario, but in Alberta, you're out of the program if you fail a course 3 times:

Mandatory Withdrawal

A student will be automatically withdrawn from the
Association and the CGA Program of Professional
Studies for the following reasons:

• A repeated instance of copying suggested
assignment solutions;

• Three unsuccessful attempts at a course. Each
of the following constitutes an attempt at a
course:
1) A grade of less than 65% on an examination
2) Failure to qualify for an examination (DNQ)
3) Failure to request an Elect to Re?enroll
(ETR) in a course which results in a DNQ
4) An unsuccessful attempt at a concurrent
course

• Failure to complete the required program
within the allocated time limit.


Right, I should have mentioned the info came from CGA Ontario, thanks for clearing that up.

I won't be surprised if one day CGA Ontario cut down the max attempts from 4 to 3 in the near future.

[Barayolayosa]

I won't be surprised if one day CGA Ontario cut down the max attempts from 4 to 3 in the near future.

Yeah, and I agree with bruizeman as well... even 3 attempts is generous in my opinion. I can't imagine even failing one course... let alone the same one twice!

[intel6064]

I'm currently doing the CGA equivalent courses through UofT continuing studies.

I have been told that it is better to take Levels 1 to 3 through colleges/university. It is because once you register with CGA, the clock is running to complete ur CGA.

Hi... Yes I am also looking at Uof T continuing studies. How is the teaching?
Is it effective??? How much did u pay for it?