Get a Head Start on Your CPA
The Graduate Diploma in Accounting (GDA) provides an accelerated pathway through the educational requirements of the CPA Professional Program. In just four months, you’ll complete the equivalent of three CPA modules, preparing you to move forward on your path to the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.
The GDA is aligned with the new CPA Professional Program launching in 2027, developing the technical knowledge, professional judgement and future-focused capabilities expected of the next generation of CPAs.
Fast-Track Your CPA Education
Same destination. Accelerated academic pathway.
Both pathways prepare you to progress toward the CPA designation. The GDA allows you to complete these three educational components in four months rather than approximately 10 months through the standard CPA pathway.
GDA Pathway
4 months- Foundational Development
- CPA Core Licensure
- CPA Leadership
Standard CPA Pathway
10 months- Foundational Development - 18 Weeks
- CPA Core Licensure - 14 Weeks
- CPA Leadership - 12 Weeks
Practical Experience Requirements
CPA certification also requires 24 months of qualifying work experience. This requirement is separate from the GDA and applies regardless of the educational pathway you choose.
Why Complete Your GDA at Smith?
Your GDA is more than a faster route through CPA education. At Smith, you’ll spend four intensive months learning alongside other aspiring accounting professionals, with direct access to faculty, classmates and individualized feedback.
Learn In Person
Build your accounting knowledge in an immersive classroom environment where you can ask questions, work through complex cases and learn directly alongside your classmates.
Get Individualized Feedback
Develop your skills through applied learning and tailored feedback designed to help you understand where you’re strong and where you need to improve.
Build Your Professional Network
Spend four months learning alongside classmates who are entering the accounting profession with you, building relationships that can continue into your career.
Learn From Experienced Faculty
Learn from knowledgeable faculty who bring accounting expertise and professional perspectives into the classroom.
Chartered Professional Accountants
The CPA Competency Map outlines the knowledge, technical skills, professional competencies and ethical mindset you’ll develop through the CPA Professional Program. Use it to understand the capabilities you’ll be expected to demonstrate as you progress toward the CPA designation.
Competency mapPlease refer to the CPA Canada website for the most up-to-date version of the Competency Map.
The CPA is the most highly prized and recognized
accounting designation in Canada.
Be Prepared with the GDA
The GDA prepares you to progress through key assessments on your path to the CPA designation, beginning with the Foundational Development Assessment during the program and continuing with CPA-administered exams after graduation.
Foundational Development Exam
Administered by Smith
Complete the Foundational Development module and assessment as part of the GDA.
CPA Core Licensure Exam
Administered by CPA
Demonstrate the technical knowledge and professional skills developed through the GDA program.
CPA Leadership Exam
Administered by CPA
Demonstrate your leadership, strategic thinking and professional judgement.
“I really enjoyed my time in the GDA program. Key differentiators for me were a knowledgeable and diverse faculty; convenient schedule with afternoons off; and ability to receive tailored feedback on my cases. Specifically — the GDA integrates cases and feedback from Densmore, a well-respected CFE preparation program. This end-to-end approach played a pivotal role in my success on the CFE in my first attempt.”