How to apply for CPA Australia membership

Becoming a member, whether via entry into the CPA Program or through other pathways, begins with your membership assessment. Your first step is to complete an online membership application, where you'll tell us about your prior study.

Begin your application

Continue your application

To manage an already completed application, you can do either of the following:

Not looking to start or continue a new membership application?

If you wish to apply for a migration skills assessment, or to apply for readmission, please follow the relevant link below

Need more information before you decide to join?

Attend one of our information sessions or request a call back to speak with one of our membership experts.

Eligibility

To be eligible to become a CPA you must have completed a degree comparable to an Australian bachelors degree.

Application overview

Application basics

Before you begin: gather your supporting documents

So that we can verify the information you provide as part of your membership application, you’ll be prompted to upload digital copies of your original documents. Your outcome can’t be confirmed until all the required documents are provided. Find out more about the supporting documents you’ll need

Apply online

Complete your membership application online at this link. You’ll be prompted to provide your personal details and supporting documents, then pay the application fee. You will need to be logged in or create a CPA Australia account before you can apply. Begin your application

Continue a saved application

Your application is saved as you go. If you are unable to complete your application in the first instance, you can exit part-way and your application will automatically be saved. To get back to it, log in and click on “Continue Application”. If you need to continue an application, use this link

Fees

Application fees apply to all membership applicants. Membership fees are annual fees that apply to those who may be eligible to become an Associate member of CPA. You cannot complete your application unless these fees are paid, and your supporting documents have been provided. Applications and membership fees are not refundable, so please take care when you compete your application and check the accuracy of the information that you have provided. Subject enrolment fees are payable at the time of enrolment. View fees

What happens next?

Provisional outcomes

The online application tool can give you a provisional outcome based on the subjects in an accredited degree, however it is important to submit the application for documents to be verified by our assessment team. You will be emailed an official outcome and information on next steps/ enrolment. This currently takes up to 15 business days after submission of the application. NOTE: Provisional outcomes are often less accurate for non accredited degrees as they require more manual assessment.

It is important to submit your application for verification and your official assessment outcome.

Remember: you are not a member of CPA Australia until your outcome is verified.

Understanding your outcome

There are various pathways to take to become a CPA. Upon completion of your application, we will send you advice regarding your own personal outcome and the next steps you will need to take. Find out more about your outcome.

Verifying your outcome

To confirm your personal outcome, we’ll need to verify the information that you have provided. Our current response time is up to 15 business days.

Starting your program

Once we have confirmed you are ready to start your program of study, we’ll advise you of the next steps. If you have met the Associate member requirements, you can enrol into the CPA Program straight away. If further study is required to help you succeed in the CPA Program, you will be able to sit the foundation exams to cover off any gaps in your academic study before starting the CPA Program.

Important information to know

About the CPA Program

Learn more about how our program provides candidates with a deep understanding of the issues that organisations face every day.

Membership pathways

We offer flexile pathways to becoming a CPA. Depending on your background, your pathway may include foundation exams, the CPA Program subjects and an experience component.

Memberships and exemptions with professional bodies

CPA Australia has affiliations with a range of leading global professional bodies, meaning CPAs are internationally recognised. If you're a member or have undertaken studies with a recognised body, you may be eligible to apply for an equivalent CPA Australia membership or exemptions from the CPA Program.

Ready to begin or continue your application?

Begin or continue your application to become a CPA Australia member today.