Georgian College offers new RPA designation pathway for accounting students
May 14, 2025
Georgian College and RPA Canada came together this week to sign an exciting new pathway agreement, providing accounting graduates with an additional route to earning a professional accounting designation.
Under this agreement, Georgian’s accounting graduates pursuing the Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) designation will meet the RPA prerequisites and
become eligible to write the RPA Mandatory Professional Examination (MPE). By attaining the RPA designation, graduates will be equipped with the practical skills
needed to excel in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profit organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures.
The pathway with RPA is a value-added opportunity for our students, enabling them to pursue an accounting designation beyond their diploma at Georgian. The RPA designation will allow students to work as respected accountants in both industry roles and self-employment opportunities.
– Barb Driscoll, Program Coordinator of Georgian’s accounting and Bookkeeping programs
Dr. Yael Katz, Vice President, Academic at Georgian and Zubair Choudhry, President and CEO of RPA Canada signed the pathway agreement May 12.
City of Barrie Coun. Clare Riepma and Paul Markle, President of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce, attended the signing and applauded this much-needed partnership between RPA Canada and Georgian, highlighting its significance in developing future accountants who are vital to the economic growth and sustainability of small and medium-sized businesses in Barrie.
No university degree required for RPA designation
The pathway offers students the opportunity to achieve a professional RPA designation without requiring a university degree. Graduates of Georgian’s three-year Business Administration – Accounting program meet the RPA educational requirements, except for one additional course. Graduates of the two-year Business – Accounting program earn fewer transfer credits but can complete outstanding courses through Georgian’s Continuing Education programming, Ontario Learn, or RPA Learning.
“Once students complete the RPA educational requirements, they must write four competency exams, gain two years of practical experience, and upon meeting these requirements, they will earn the designation. This partnership between RPA Canada and Georgian College reflects a shared vision of empowering future accountants with the practical skills, technological expertise, and professional knowledge essential in today’s evolving financial landscape,” said Zubair Choudhry, President and CEO of RPA Canada.
“With the RPA designation, Georgian College graduates can enhance their career prospects, broaden their expertise, and pursue rewarding opportunities in accounting — whether as employees within SMEs or as independent practitioners. Together, we are creating accessible and impactful pathways that will shape the next generation of accounting professionals.”
Georgian’s accounting programs introduce students to essential accounting practices and business fundamentals, preparing them to contribute to the accounting functions of any organization immediately upon graduation.
Learn more about Georgian’s accounting programs: Business Administration – Accounting, Business – Accounting and Business – Accounting (Co-op).
Get more details about RPA’s designation.