The CPA qualification builds on the profession's traditional strengths while focusing on the needs of modern business. In addition to the core accounting knowledge and skills, the CPA programme also focuses on business knowledge and competencies. The objective is to train a body of business professionals who are capable of providing high quality services in a global marketplace.
The components of the examinations are:
| Module A | Financial Accounting and Taxation Business and Company Law Management Information and Control |
|---|---|
| Module B | Financial Reporting Auditing and Assurance Business Finance and Management |
| Module C | Advanced Taxation |
|---|---|
| Module D | Advanced Financial Reporting |
| Module E | Advanced Auditing & Assurance |
| Module F | Advanced Business Management & Integrative Case Study |
Bases of Assessment
The assessment process is designed to ensure that potential CPAs have gained the knowledge, skills and professional values fundamental to becoming a CPA. Apart from written examinations, there is continuous assessment throughout each module at the advanced stage.
The assessment process comprises the following components:
Professional Stage Examination (PSE):
- The method of assessment, comprises a 3-hour written examination for each paper. Students will be allowed to sit for the examination by module and to retain the credit for passes earned in each module.
Advanced Stage Examination (ASE):
- Each of the 4 modules in the ASE can be undertaken separately and a student's performance in a module will be based on the following assessment components:
I. 20 - 28 hours of workshop sessions consisting of discussion, presentation and written assignments 30% II. Final Module Examination(3 - 4 hours written examination) 70%
A student must attain at least 70% of the total assessment value for the workshop sessions for a module in order to be eligible to sit for the final module examination. A student who has been absent from any of the workshop sessions without a valid reason will be disqualified from sitting for the final module examination.
The assessment method for ASE is designed to develop the skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation. It also aims to enhance the students' communication, teamwork and problem solving skills through active participation in the workshop sessions.
ASE Programme for Local Accounting Graduates
To encourage students pursuing a degree in accountancy to join the CPA programme, Module C and Module D of the Advanced Stage Examination (ASE) will be offered as optional courses in the final year programme of the Bachelor of Accountancy degree conducted by approved universities. The bases of assessment for Module C and Module D will be the same as that set out in paragraph 4 above except that the workshop sessions will be conducted on campus.
Upon completion of Module C and Module D, the student will be eligible to sit for Module E and F after he has obtained the Bachelor of Accountancy degree. However, Module F shall be taken only after he has completed at least nine months of approved training.
Students who pursue this pathway will be eligible for admission as a CPA upon fulfilling the following requirements:
- Having obtained the Bachelor of Accountancy degree
- Completion of the MICPA Advanced Stage Examination
- Having obtained not less than 3 years of approved practical experience
