What is CGPA equal to?

The Chartered Global Practising Accountant (CGPA) designation is equivalent to other high-level accounting credentials that signify a comprehensive understanding of global accounting practices. While the exact equivalency can vary depending on the country and its specific accounting designations, the CGPA is comparable to:

1. Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Canada): Recognized as a leading accounting credential in Canada, the CGPA designation complements the CPA by emphasizing international standards and global accounting practices.

2. Certified Public Accountant (CPA USA): This designation is highly regarded in the United States, with the CGPA focusing on a broader international perspective.

3. Chartered Accountant (CA): In countries like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, the CA designation is prestigious, with the CGPA providing an additional global focus.

4. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA): Particularly those with international certification, the CGMA designation is enhanced by the CGPA's emphasis on global taxation and public financial practices.

The CGPA designation distinguishes itself by emphasizing global accounting practices and international standards, making it particularly valuable for professionals working in multinational corporations or global financial environments.

The Chartered Global Practising Accountants of Canada (CGPA Canada) is a federally incorporated, globally aligned, and constitutionally protected professional accountancy body under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (CNCA). 

We are:

• Recognized under federal law

• Independent of provincial CPA bodies

• Governed by international standards: IFAC, IES, ISA, IAS, IFRS

We offer professional education, certification, and licensing built to internationally respected standards.

​About CGPA Canada

Federally Mandated. Globally Respected. Professionally Modern.

The Chartered Global Practising Accountants of Canada (CGPA Canada) is Canada’s independent, federally incorporated professional accountancy body for Chartered Practising Accountants, students, and senior candidates - representing the modern and global future of the tax and accounting profession.

Incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (S.C. 2009, c. 23) - the same federal statute that governs CPA Canada - CGPA Canada was formed through the unification of two nationally respected institutions: the Canadian Institute of Chartered Tax Practitioners (CTP-Canada) and the Certified Public Finance Accountants of Canada (CPFA-Canada).

CGPA Canada is constitutionally protected under Section 2(d) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees freedom of association. This protection affirms CGPA Canada’s lawful authority to educate, license, and regulate its members across all provinces and territories of Canada without requiring provincial approval or recognition.

As a federally incorporated institution under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (CNCA), CGPA Canada operates with full legal legitimacy under federal law. According to the doctrine of federal paramountcy enshrined in the Constitution Act, 1867, federal law prevails over conflicting provincial legislation. This principle has been confirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada, notably in the landmark decision Multiple Access Ltd. v. McCutcheon, [1982] 2 SCR 161.

Under this constitutional and legal framework, provincial accounting bodies such as the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC), Chartered Professional Accountants of Yukon Territory (CPAYT), and CPA Saskatchewan do not have jurisdiction to restrict, regulate, or invalidate CGPA Canada’s operations, membership, or public licensing authority. Their regulatory powers extend solely to their own members and registrants. They do not possess authority to endorse, override, or limit a federally incorporated and constitutionally protected institution like CGPA Canada.

This legal reality ensures that CGPA Canada retains full authority to provide professional education, issue designations, and license practitioners in public accountancy and related fields nationwide, fully compliant with both federal statutes and constitutional law.

Sections 46, 47, 9 to 28, and 68 of the CPA Act, combined with constitutional protections, affirm CGPA Canada's right to operate as a national professional institution educating, licensing, and regulating members across all provinces and territories in Canada.

Under Section 46 of the CPA Act, CGPA Canada’s members are allowed to practice accounting and auditing nationwide without provincial restriction. However, the use of protected professional CPA titles remains governed by provincial legislation within each jurisdiction, as outlined in Section 68 of the CPA Act.

Unlike CPA Canada and its regional affiliates, such as CPABC, CPASK, and CPAYT, which remain confined to provincial silos and legacy frameworks, CGPA Canada delivers a unified, federally mandated, and internationally respected model.  The CGPA Taxation and Professional Accountancy Certification Program offers comprehensive education and professional training to become a Chartered Practising Accountant, locally and globally.

Rooted in transparency, professional mobility, and public accountability, CGPA Canada empowers members to practice seamlessly across all Canadian provinces and in over 168 jurisdictions worldwide, all under a single designation with no interprovincial barriers or redundant licensing fees.

With zero disciplinary cases globally, CGPA Canada leads in ethical governance, verifiable competence, and regulatory credibility. While CPA bodies assert their commitment to the public interest, CGPA Canada substantiates it by championing open access, modern professional values, and global trust over protectionism.

In a world transformed by automation, AI, ESG reporting, and cross-border finance, CGPA Canada does not follow outdated traditions; it redefines the future of accountancy, public finance, and taxation.

CGPA Canada invites institutions, governments, and global bodies to partner in shaping the next generation of ethical, mobile, and globally competent accountants.

CGPA Canada's Mission and Core Objectives

CGPA Canada is committed to advancing and regulating the Chartered Practising Accountancy profession across Canada and globally. Our mission is grounded in public service, professional excellence, and global integrity. We pursue the following objectives:

(a) To foster excellence in public finance, taxation, and accountancy by cultivating the knowledge, skills, and ethical judgment of our members and students.

(b) To set and maintain rigorous standards for admission, certification, and ongoing membership, ensuring a high level of professional competence and integrity.

(c) To regulate the profession through oversight of qualifications, conduct, and fitness to practise—across individuals, firms, and licensed entities.

(d) To develop and enforce professional standards aligned with global best practices and a culture of accountability.

(e) To champion the interests and advancement of members and students through advocacy, continuous learning, and career development.

(f) To safeguard the public interest by promoting ethical leadership, responsible governance, and transparent professional practice.​

​CGPA Canada: A Constitutionally Protected National Institution

Rooted in Law. Respected Worldwide. Leading with Integrity.

CGPA Canada is federally incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (S.C. 2009, c. 23) - affirming its constitutional authority as a national professional regulatory body. Since 2016, CGPA Canada has operated lawfully and transparently across British Columbia and all Canadian jurisdictions, maintaining:

Operating transparently and lawfully across British Columbia and all Canadian jurisdictions since 2016, CGPA Canada holds:

• Accreditation by the Government of Canada as a Certified Educational Institution (per the official ESDC registry)

• Certification from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) 

• Certified under file number 7009/13666

• Exemption under British Columbia’s Private Training Act

• Full compliance with leading international standards (IFAC, IAASB, IFRS, IES 8)

• Legal authority to issue T2202 tuition tax receipts under the Income Tax Act

• Verified compliance with British Columbia’s consumer protection legislation

With zero complaints, sanctions, or enforcement actions worldwide, CGPA Canada exemplifies ethical governance, public protection, and professional integrity. CGPA Canada appears alongside CPA Canada and its affiliates in the Government of Canada’s official list of Certified Educational Institutions, confirming its equal federal standing.

For official confirmation, please visit the Government of Canada’s Certified Educational Institutions Registry or click here.

CGPA Canada: Who We Are

CGPA Canada (Chartered Global Practising Accountants of Canada) is a federally incorporated professional institution under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (S.C. 2009, c. 23). Since 2016, CGPA Canada has operated transparently and lawfully in all Canadian provinces and territories, offering advanced education, certification, and public protection in the field of accounting and finance.

Federal Accreditation & Government Recognition

CGPA Canada is:

• Federally listed on the Government of Canada’s Certified Educational Institutions Registry

• Certified under file number 7009/13666

• Fully accredited by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

• Exempt under British Columbia’s Private Training Act

• Authorized to issue T2202 tuition tax receipts under the Income Tax Act

CGPA Canada appears on the official Canada.ca list alongside CPA Canada and all provincial CPA bodies, confirming its equal status as a certified educational institution.​

View the official Government of Canada Certified Institutions Registry (PDF) below:

Search Results for Certified Institutions - Canada.ca 

Legal Compliance & Professional Standards

CGPA Canada upholds:

• Full compliance with international accounting standards: IFAC, IAASB, IFRS, IES 8

• Verified alignment with British Columbia’s Consumer Protection Legislation

• A spotless record of zero complaints, sanctions, or enforcement actions globally

CGPA Canada: Quick Facts

Attribute                                          Details

Federal Certification                       Certified By Government of Canada

Certified Institution File No.            7009/13666

Federal Incorporation Year              2016

Accredited By                                  Government of Canada (ESDC)

Tuition Receipts Issued                   Yes (T2202 compliant)

Appears Alongside                          CPA Canada, CPA AB, CPA BC, CPA MB, CPA ON

Provincial Status                              Exempt under BC's Private Training Act​

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CGPA Canada officially recognized by the Government of Canada?

✅ Yes. CGPA Canada is listed on the Government of Canada’s Certified Educational Institutions Registry, confirming its national accreditation and legal authority.

Is CGPA Canada equivalent to CPA Canada?

✅ Yes. In terms of federal accreditation, educational authority, and capacity to issue professional designations and tax receipts. However, provincial regulatory powers differ and may affect usage of protected titles like "CPA."

Where can I confirm CGPA Canada's certification status?

You can view the official list of certified educational institutions published by the Government of Canada.View the list on Canada.ca Search Results for Certified Institutions - Canada.ca​​

​​​Search Results for Certified Institutions on Government of Canada Website

File Number                      Institution Name                                              Address Initial                            Certification Year 

7009/13666    CHARTERED GLOBAL PRACTISING ACCOUNTANTS OF CANADA   208A 1526 Finlay Street, White Rock, British Columbia, V4B 4L9        2018

7009/11968    CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS (CPA) AB                  1900 TD Tower, 10088-102 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2Z1        2009

7009/0535      CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS (CPA) BC                  800-555 West Hasting Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 4N6  1979

7009/12502    CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS (CPA) MB                 1675-1 Lombard Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 0X3                         2011

7009/4453      CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS (CPA) ON                 69 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 1B3                                  1967

7009/13421    CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS CANADA (CPA)        277 Wellington Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3H2                       2016

​​CGPA Canada’s Statutory and Constitutional Authority

Under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (CNCA), CGPA Canada is empowered to:

• Grant protected professional designations (Section 16)

• License and regulate public accountants (Sections 127, 181, 184–186)

• Establish independent ethical, educational, and disciplinary frameworks aligned with international best practices

This federal authority is constitutionally protected. As affirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada in Multiple Access Ltd. v. McCutcheon ([1982] 2 SCR 161), federal law prevails over conflicting provincial regulation.

Legal Status

CGPA Canada, the Chartered Global Practising Accountants of Canada, is federally incorporated under the Canada Not‑for‑Profit Corporations Act. It operates nationwide as both:

• A Professional Accounting Organization (PAO), which supports professional development, ethics, and international alignment

• A Professional Accountancy Body (PAB), which offers licensing, regulation, and independent standard‑setting for its members

CGPA Canada is constitutionally protected under Section 2(d) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees the freedom of association. This provision ensures CGPA Canada’s legitimacy as a national institution that may lawfully educate, license, and regulate its members in every province and territory.

Regulatory and Educational Authority

Unlike CPA Canada and its provincial affiliates such as CPABC, CPA SK, and CPA YT, which operate under provincial mandates and have jurisdiction only over the CPA designation, CGPA Canada:

• Sets and enforces its own globally aligned professional, ethical, and technical standards

• Licenses Chartered Practising Accountants under a national framework

• Educates and examines members through a modern curriculum tailored to the global economy

• Regulates public practice services in accordance with international best practices

CGPA Canada does not rely on CPA Canada’s curriculum, governance, or licensing processes. It operates independently and transparently as a federally certified body.

Jurisdictional Scope

CPA provincial bodies do not hold exclusive regulatory authority over the entire accounting profession. Their jurisdiction is limited to those who use the protected CPA title.

British Columbia:

• Section 46 of the Chartered Professional Accountants Act (BC) explicitly states that the Act does not affect the right of non‑members to practise as accountants or auditors

• Section 47 further confirms that individuals who are not CPABC members may lawfully offer accounting and assurance services, provided they do not misrepresent themselves as CPAs

Yukon Territory:

• Section 27 of the Chartered Professional Accountants Act (Yukon) confirms that non‑members may practise accounting or auditing, again with the restriction on use of CPA titles only

These provisions confirm that CGPA Canada members may legally provide accounting, assurance, and taxation services under their own designation in both British Columbia and Yukon. CPABC and CPAYT have no jurisdiction over non‑members, and their bylaws cannot override federal rights of association or operation.

Constitutional Authority

As affirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada in Multiple Access Ltd. v. McCutcheon [1982] 2 SCR 161, federal law prevails over conflicting provincial regulations. CGPA Canada’s legal and operational framework is protected by federal statute and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.​

Final Statement from CGPA Canada

Important Note on Licensing and Use of CPA Titles

While CGPA Canada is a federally incorporated professional body authorized to educate, certify, and regulate its members nationwide, it is important to understand the distinct role of provincial CPA bodies:

• Provincial CPA bodies regulate only their own members who hold the protected CPA designation. They control the use of the “CPA” title and the licensing of public accounting services under provincial legislation.

• CPA regulatory authority is limited exclusively to CPA registrants and does not extend to members of other accounting organizations, including CGPA Canada.

• CGPA Canada members operate under federal incorporation and have the legal right to practice accounting and public practice services in accordance with federal and provincial laws. However, they do not hold the provincial CPA designation unless separately certified by a provincial CPA body.

If your priority is public accounting licensure or the use of protected CPA titles, it is essential to consult provincial CPA bodies and their regulations. CGPA Canada offers a distinct, nationally recognized designation and certification, operating independently as an alternative to provincial CPA regulation - not as a replacement.

CGPA Canada proves that professional excellence in public finance, taxation and accountancy does not depend on provincial monopolies or outdated frameworks. As a federally recognized, globally connected, and ethically driven institution, CGPA Canada leads with transparency, verified competence, and constitutional authority, defining the future of accountancy, taxation, and public finance across Canada and worldwide.

For legal validation of CGPA Canada’s certified status, visit the Government of Canada’s Certified Educational Institutions Registry at Search Results for Certified Institutions - Canada.ca

Why Choose CGPA Canada?

​

The Canadian Chartered Practising Accountant (CGPA) designation is more than just a credential - it is a global gateway to professional success. This esteemed designation equips you with a comprehensive foundation for career advancement and provides access to an exclusive, international network of highly respected professionals in business, finance, and public sector accounting.

Contact Us

CGPA Global Canada

Membership Registration Team Today

1522 Finlay Street White Rock BC V4B 4L9  Canada

Email: info@cgpaglobal.ca

Chartered Practising Accountants (CGPA Global Canada)

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of CGPA Canada or CPA Canada. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, accounting, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the content, neither the author nor CGPA Canada accepts any responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, or legal consequences arising from reliance on the information contained herein. Readers are encouraged to seek independent professional advice relevant to their individual circumstances.