Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
ASCA Program

1.	How do I enroll in the ASCA program?
	To formally register with ASCA, you must possess a bachelor's degree from a recognized university in any faculty, find employment with an approved training office in our jurisdiction and qualify for exemption from our Introductory Financial Accounting, Economics and Business Law requirements.
	Large firms usually conduct on-campus interviews in October each year for employment commencing the following September.
2.	How long is the program?
	That depends on the number of exemptions you receive. A BComm or BBA accounting major can complete the academic component of the program in one year. Non-accounting majors or students with non-business degrees will generally complete the academic component of the program in 2 to 3 years, depending on the number of exemptions they receive.
3.	What if I have an outstanding university course to complete when the professional courses commence (say Law, for example)? Can I still start the professional program and take the university course at the same time?
	No, all university courses must be complete before a student can take the professional courses.
4.	How long do I have to work with an approved training office before receiving my CA designation?
	All students must obtain a 30 month term of service requirement with an approved office before being awarded the CA designation, which they work towards while completing the ASCA courses
5.	Can I enter the ASCA program without a degree?
	Mature student provisions are available for students without a degree. In addition to being employed with an approved office, a student must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as five years relevant work experience (or a combination of 3 years relevant work experience and 2 years post-secondary education). Mature student applicants must also qualify for exemption from our Introductory Financial Accounting, Economics and Business Law requirements. Their applications are dealt with by the Provincial Institute of Chartered Accountants in the province where they reside.
6.	Can I take courses without being a registered student?
	You can take any of the university-level courses we offer (Accounting Theory, Introductory Auditing, Advanced Financial Accounting and Tax Technical) without being a registered student and without working with an approved training office, provided you have the prerequisite course requirements. Only registered students can complete our professional courses. Contact the ASCA office for further information.
7.	What fees will I have to pay?
	All students pay an annual registration fee of $690.00 and a file processing/evaluation fee of $316.25 (the evaluation fee is $379.50 for students who attended universities outside the Atlantic Provinces). The enrollment fee for each of our courses is $759.00, with the exception of the Finalist Preparation Program, which is $1673.25. Students staying in residence during our summer lecture courses pay a fee of $300/week for a room and 3 meals a day. All fees include taxes. Non-registered students are not required to pay the registration or file processing fee. Fees are subject to change and you should contact the ASCA office for current information on fees.
8.	How do I find out which firms are approved to train students?
	You can obtain a list of approved training offices from the Provincial Institutes of Chartered Accountants, which are listed on our website under "Contact ASCA".
9.	How do I find out which courses are recognized for exemption for the university I attended?
	You will find exemption listings for universities in the Atlantic Provinces on our website. Go to "Prospective Students" on our homepage and click on "University Equivalents" on the left hand scroll. Students who attended universities outside the Atlantic Provinces should contact the ASCA office for procedures to follow to determine their exemptions.
10.	How are the courses offered?
	We offer some university-level courses through correspondence (Advanced Financial Accounting in the fall and Introductory Auditing in the winter). We also offer some university-level courses in the summer through lecture (Advanced Financial Accounting, Accounting Theory, Introductory Auditing and Tax Technical).  To find course dates, go to "Current Students" on our homepage and click on "Significant Dates" on the left hand scroll.
	For the professional program, courses offered in the summer are completed through lecture (with an internet-based component) and courses offered in the fall, winter and spring terms are internet-based (with a 3 day live seminar at the end of each course). The courses offered in the professional program are integrated and must be taken in sequence. To view a sample schedule, go to "Prospective Students" on our homepage, click on "Becoming a CA"in the left hand scroll, and click on "schedules".