Advanced Accounting Diploma

The Advanced Accounting diploma and Advanced Accounting Specialized Co-op diploma offer a quick two-year path to an accounting career, using your existing degree. You'll build on current knowledge and learn the skills you need to become an accountant.

Upon graduation, students with a 4-year degree can jump right into the CPA Professional Education Program while gaining work experience.

Co-op Specialization

The Advanced Accounting Co-op Diploma offers a fast-paced and intensive pathway to becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) for students who already have a degree and are looking to accelerate their accounting career.

Classes will primarily be held in person at RDP, with some online options available. For your co-op work experience, you may be required to travel within central Alberta. You'll have opportunities for valuable networking opportunities and to apply your classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.

The AAD Co-op is fast-paced and intense, requiring dedication and focus. However, it also offers a significant advantage by providing a solid foundation for pursuing the CPA designation.

Work-Integrated Learning

Students can select 'WIL 2100' as an optional course if they meet the pre-requisites which include:

a minimum of 30 credits completed,
good academic standing,
and completion of the CEED Work Readiness modules.

Students taking WIL 2100 should be prepared to incur the costs of a work placement, which could include suitable attire, travel and other incidentals.

While not an admission requirement for the program, some Co-op placements may require Police Information Checks of students working in their organizations.

Further Study

The Advanced Accounting programs and work experience may ladder into the CPA Professional Education Program on the pathway to becoming a designated CPA.

Academic Advising at the Student Connect Center can help you plan your studies to reach this designation.

Connect With an Advisor

A smiling woman, in a blue denim jacket, holding blue and orange files.

Related Careers

Opportunities across a variety of private companies, enterprises and self-employment, as well as public sectors at provincial and federal levels.

Chartered Professional Accountant
Financial accountants
Project accountants
Property accountants
Corporate accountants
Tax analysts
Auditors

Domestic Intakes

Fall 2025 - Open

Application window:
Oct 01, 2024 - Sep 01, 2025
Registration start date:
May 20, 2025
Fee payment deadline:
Aug 27, 2025
First day of classes:
Sep 03, 2025

International Intakes

Fall 2025 - Open

Application window:
Oct 01, 2024 - May 01, 2025
Registration start date:
May 20, 2025
Fee payment deadline:
Aug 27, 2025
First day of classes:
Sep 03, 2025

Notes:

International students must pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
Important dates may change

Admission Requirements

If you have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements.

Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Academic Requirements

Students applying to Advanced Accounting Co-op and Non-Co-op programs must have:

A four-year degree in any discipline from a recognized Canadian institution or equivalent as demonstrated through a recognized credential evaluation service. 
- The CPA prefers the World Education Services for credential evaluation. 
- For non-Canadian degrees, the CPA will only accept course equivalencies recognized through the credential evaluation process.
- The CPA has a 10-year currency requirement for any education requirements.

and 

A minimum of 65% in Math 30-2, MATH 0300 (or equivalent), or 
A minimum score of 60% in Math 30-1, Math 0301

Additional Requirements

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide ELP official documentation as outlined in the English Language Proficiency Requirements page.

View ELP Requirements

Prior Learning and Transfer

Your previous schooling, work experience, and informal learning may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning. The Recognition of Prior Learning Application Forms should be submitted at least eight weeks before the start of applicable courses.

Prior Learning & Transfer Steps

Recommended for Online Learners

While not an admission requirement for the program, to be successful, students should have basic computer skills, such as the ability to function independently on basic computer software programs and to carry out basic internet navigation.

Indigenous Learners

The Advanced Accounting program recognizes the need to facilitate access to post-secondary education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. To increase participation of Indigenous Peoples the program has designated five (5) seats for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. After June 1 for the Fall term and October 1 for the Winter term unallocated seats will be released to qualified applicants on the waitlist if one exists for the program.

Indigenous applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program as outlined in the Academic Calendar and qualify for a designated seat by:

Self-identifying as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission.
Providing proof of Indigenous ancestry

Proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following):

Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Metis membership card, Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities.
Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, band list of an individual band, or the Inuit roll.
Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Aboriginal ancestry with supporting documentation.

Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.