Post-Graduate Certificate in Advanced Professional Accounting- Policies
School Policies
Full-time and Part-time program
To be admitted to the Post-Graduate Certificate in Advanced Professional Accounting, applicants must have:
- Completed the Post-Graduate Certificate in Accounting
OR - Have already completed or received exemption from the CPA preparatory courses: Introductory Financial Accounting, Introductory Management Accounting, Economics, and Statistics.
Additionally applicants must have :
- minimum of a baccalaureate degree with a minimum of a 60% average (C) or 3-year Canadian College Diploma with minimum ‘B’ or 70% average
- official transcripts (International students: please provide original English translated copy of University degree and transcripts.)
- completed online application form
- proof of language proficiency (international students only)
There is an application fee of $79 payable upon submission of your application. Applicants will be notified directly if additional information or documentation is required. Conditional offers of admission will be issued within one month of receiving a complete application including an electronic copy of transcripts. If you have been issued a conditional offer, a sealed hard copy of official transcripts must be mailed to the School of Continuing Studies no later than the start of the program.
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
| IELTS (Academic only) | 6.0 |
| TOEFL Paper | 550 |
| TOEFL Computer | 213 |
| TOEFL Internet | 79-80 |
| TOEIC | 670 (Listening and Reading)290 (Speaking and Writing) |
| Cambridge ESOL | First (FCE) – Grade B (scale 173 – 175)First (FCE) – Grade C (scale 169 – 172) |
| YUELI AP Level | 7 |
| DY Program (Destination York) | Successfully Completed |
| PTE | 58 |
| Duolingo | 104 |
While we highly recommend that international students submit their applications early to allow sufficient time to obtain a visa, applications must be received three weeks prior to the start of your course.
Note: if you plan to pursue your CPA designation, please check the CPA website regarding their requirements (i.e. degree is required to earn the designation).
You may be eligible to transfer a maximum of three equivalent course credits from other post-secondary institutions and receive advanced standing. Note: to be considered a full-time student in our program, you must take a minimum of three courses per term. A completed application must be received and approved prior to submitting transfer credit requests.
For accounting certificates starting after January 1, 2021, you may be eligible to transfer one equivalent course credit from other post-secondary institutions and receive advanced standing.
Transfer Credit requests can be forwarded to the Program Coordinator for approval via email at cpehelp@yorku.ca, or in writing to: School of Continuing Studies, Attention Program Coordinator, Post-Graduate Certificate in Accounting, 4700 Keele Street – Room 123 Atkinson Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3. Transfer credit requests approved by the Program Manager will be discounted based on the cost of each course (maximum of three courses).
The School of Continuing Studies is not responsible for assessing transfer credit for CPA course equivalency. CPA-bound students are responsible for ensuring they have completed all of the CPA preparatory course requirements for entry to the CPA Professional Education Program. Approved courses for advanced standing in the York University School of Continuing Studies program must meet the following criteria:
- There must be a 90% overlap in content and curriculum, and equivalent number of contact hours as the courses offered in the School of Continuing Studies program.
- The courses must be at the university level (from an accredited academic institution) with a grade of B or better. Only CPA-recognized College equivalents will be considered for transfer credit from a Canadian College with a grade of B or better. Please include CPA documentation with course outline at the time of submission.
- All submissions must be sent in writing to the Program Manager along with
- a complete transfer credit request form
- an official transcript outlining the course completed
- the contact hours
- the final grade
- the official transcript (sealed)
Full course outlines must also be submitted that contain
- the full course description
- learning objectives
- assessment and reading materials
- weekly content covered
Please note that incomplete packages cannot be reviewed.
Transfer credit requests may take a minimum of six-eight weeks to process and must be submitted before the start of the program.
Students who complete one School of Continuing Studies (SCS) certificate and enrol in a second School of Continuing Studies certificate that includes some of the same courses as the first certificate, are eligible for one (1) course exemption and up to two (2) course substitutions to prevent repetition of coursework.
Note:
- SCS staff will automatically update the student record with the course exemption (and applicable refund) and enrol the student in the applicable course substitution(s).
- Students can view their revised course schedule through the Student Portal.
- Substitution courses will most likely be offered on a different day and time than regularly scheduled courses.
- Students may not opt out of the course substitution(s) or choose to stay enrolled in the original course(s) that they have previously completed.
- Additional course exceptions, transfers and course substitutions from other institutions beyond the maximum of 1 course exemption and 2 course substitutions will not be permitted.
You should be making every effort to meet York University’s General Academic Regulations, as well as each of your courses’ requirements. This includes attendance, assignments, and tests/exams. We understand, however, that unforeseen circumstances arise that may force you to miss an exam. If that’s the case, you must contact your instructor before the scheduled exam date by email. Please include your full name, student number, and the reason for your absence in the message. You must also provide valid documentation (i.e., a doctor’s note, death certificate, court/legal documentation, etc.) immediately following your return before alternative arrangements can be made. Please note that valid documentation has to be applicable to the assessment date.
If possible, please contact your instructor before the class. In your message, be sure to include your full name, student number, and the reason for your absence. You’ll then be required to make arrangements with your instructor to make up the missed hours. Normally, the instructor will assign you a short assignment based on the readings of the class missed.
Like our students, York University instructors work hard to make it to every class on time. However, should he or she be forced to cancel your class due to an absence, you will be notified via email as soon as possible by the School of Continuing Studies. Instructor absences will also be posted on the course website on the Moodle learning management system in the course announcements section. Upon the instructor’s return to class, make-up class details will be discussed.
Students can use laptops and other electronic devices during class. Out of respect for your instructor and fellow classmates, please reserve the use of electronic equipment during class time for academic purposes. Instructors reserve the right to ask students to leave the classroom if they do not comply with this practice.
Students are not permitted to record lectures or take pictures without the consent of instructors and/or fellow students. We ask that students not post course content on external websites. Students who are registered with Accessibility Services and have accommodations approved for recording lectures are permitted to do so with the instructor’s knowledge.
If you have a concern regarding an assignment, midterm exam, etc., you should first meet with the instructor to discuss the situation. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, only then should you contact the Program Manager.
In-class programs (full-time or blended)
Final examinations are held typically on the last day of the course (during scheduled class time) in the full-time program, and on the last Sunday of each course in the part-time online program (if applicable for a particular course). Online exams will be proctored using an online proctoring service, which requires a webcam and high-speed Internet connection. Remember, if you do not attend an exam without prior notification and valid documents, you will receive a grade of zero (0%). The following rules apply to all testing situations:
- Photo ID is required and must be displayed during the exam.
- Backpacks, purses, wallets, etc., must be placed in a location designated by the proctor.
- Students may not turn over and begin the exam until the proctor directs them to do so.
- Students are not permitted to talk after the exam has started, except to the proctor.
- Students may not leave in the first 30 minutes of an exam.
- Students may not enter the exam room after 30 minutes, or after any student has exited the exam room.
- The proctor has the authority to assign seats.
- No unauthorized software is permitted in computer exams.
- All personal electronic devices must be turned off and placed away from the student.
- Mathematical calculators are allowed, if needed.
- Should a student need to leave the room during the exam for a washroom break, they may be accompanied. The proctor will ensure the elapsed time is reasonable. No other student will be permitted to leave the class until the previous student returns.
Accommodations will be made for students with disabilities, as determined by SCS. Please contact the Program Manager for more information regarding accommodations.
Remember, it is your responsibility to contact the Program Manager to discuss accommodations* and procedures related to alternative examinations, or your course instructor in cases of missed coursework, within 48 hours of the originally scheduled test/exam. Unfortunately, failure to do so will result in a grade of zero (0) on the coursework/exam, and no further consideration will be granted.
Note: Supporting documentation will be required, but will not ensure approval of accommodation(s).
The School of Continuing Studies works in partnership with York University’s Counselling & Disability Services and the Office of the Registrar to support alternate exam and test accommodation services for students with disabilities at the Keele campus. Please submit any Alternate Exam and test requests at least three (3) weeks in advance of the scheduled test dates.
Students with sufficient academic grounds may request that a final grade or an assignment in a course be reappraised. To start the process, please complete a reappraisal form. Next, contact the Program Manager to discuss the grade received, and to request a re-review of a specific submission. He or she will select an appropriate instructor to look at the work in question, and will maintain anonymity of both the student and the reappraiser. Please note that a request for a grade reappraisal may result in the original grade being raised, lowered, or confirmed. Non-academic grounds are not relevant for grade reappraisals.
Student evaluations of both courses and instructors are an invaluable tool that we use to modify our programs based on your feedback, and we ask all students to participate in these anonymous evaluations either in-class or online.
You can access the student portal on our main website landing page at this link: Student Portal. You will need your student ID as well as your password to access the portal. Once final grades are submitted to the School of Continuing Studies office and approved, they will appear on your personal student record. The School of Continuing Studies does not provide official grade letters. If you require a letter confirming your attendance in the Program, please call our Registration Assistant at 416-736-2100 Ext 44617.
| Grade | Grade Point | Per Cent Range | Description |
| A+ | 9 | 90-100 | Exceptional |
| A | 8 | 80-89 | Excellent |
| B+ | 7 | 75-79 | Very Good |
| B | 6 | 70-74 | Good |
| C+ | 5 | 65-69 | Competent |
| C | 4 | 60-64 | Fairly Competent |
| D+ | 3 | 55-59 | Passing |
| D | 2 | 50-54 | Marginally Passing |
| E | 1 | (marginally below 50%) | Marginally Failing |
| F | 0 | (below 50%) | Failing |
Definitions of Grading Descriptions
- A+ Exceptional. Thorough knowledge of concepts and/or techniques and exceptional skill or great originality in the use of those concepts/techniques in satisfying the requirements of an assignment or course.
- A Excellent. Thorough knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with a high degree of skill and/or some elements of originality in satisfying the requirements of an assignment or course.
- B+ Very Good. Thorough knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with a fairly high degree of skill in the use of those concepts/techniques in satisfying the requirements of an assignment or course.
- B Good. Good level of knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with considerable skill in using them to satisfy the requirements of an assignment or course.
- C+ Competent. Acceptable level of knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with considerable skill in using them to satisfy the requirements of an assignment or course.
- C Fairly Competent. Acceptable level of knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with some skill in using them to satisfy the requirements of an assignment or course.
- D+ Passing. Slightly better than minimal knowledge of required concepts and/or techniques together with some ability to use them in satisfying the requirements of an assignment or course.
- D Barely Passing. Minimum knowledge of concepts and/or techniques needed to satisfy the requirements of an assignment or course.
- E Marginally Failing.
- F Failing.
Income Tax receipts will be available online on the School of Continuing Studies website in February. Select “Tax Receipts” and it will lead you to a secure login page that you can access using your student number and password. Please refer to the income tax guide for allowable deductions.
Please contact the Program Manager if you wish to transfer to another session. Transfer requests may only be granted for documented medical reasons.
The School of Continuing Studies reserves the right to withdraw or cancel programs/courses, and students will receive a full refund of fees paid. The School of Continuing Studies reserves the right to alter fees, other charges, and course dates, times, locations, and/or instructors. Please note that the School of Continuing Studies is not responsible for travel cancellation charges that students may incur.
| Ancillary and Service Fees | |
| Withdrawal Fees for certificate programs | $100.00 per course |
| Continuing Studies Student Record Fee | $ 15.00 (plus HST) |
| Exam/assignment duplication fee | $ 15.00 (plus HST) |
| Returned cheques | $ 25.00 |
| Installment fee (NON-REFUNDABLE) | $ 125.00 ** |
| Certificate replacement fee | $ 52.00 (plus HST) |
Students registered in a program offered by the School of Continuing Studies may withdraw from the program. However, they are strongly advised to consult with the Program Manager before a final decision is made. A full refund is granted only when the School of Continuing Studies cancels a program. Refunds will be issued by the method of payment that was used (credit card, cheque if original payment was money order and Wire Transfer). Withdrawal requests must be submitted on the official School of Continuing Studies Withdrawal Request Form to the School of Continuing Studies.
Notice of withdrawal will be printed on the Official Income Tax Receipt.
Notice of withdrawal will be printed on the Official Income Tax Receipt.
If you are a School of Continuing Studies student and require a copy of your Student Record, please access the Student Portal, (you will need your student ID as well as your password to access the portal) and click on the Grades link.
If you do not pass a course (achieve a final grade below 50% or D) you may still be permitted to continue in the Program if the course is not a pre-requisite for the subsequently scheduled course in the Program, however, you will have to repeat that course with another cohort. If a failed course is a pre-requisite for the subsequent course in the program, you will not be permitted to continue in the Program.
All students are expected to familiarize themselves with the following information, available on the Senate Committee on Curriculum & Academic Standards webpage: https://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/policies/index-policies.html
In the spirit of Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), York University and the School of Continuing Studies work to ensure that instructors and participants acknowledge and respect the privacy and confidentiality of personal information that may be presented in the context of instruction. Instructors will document the amount of personal information that is collected, used, or disclosed in their sessions, and will ensure that all identifying personal information is omitted from all written documents. To maintain privacy, students should not bring or share personal or other confidential files or records with the class. We are committed to protecting your privacy and your financial security, and we do this in several ways:
- Your credit card information is never received or stored by our system. Only your financial institution has access to your credit card information.
- Your Student Portal is password-protected. To access any personal and academic information, you must enter your username and portal password.
- Students and instructors are expected to maintain a professional relationship characterized by courtesy and mutual respect.
- It is the instructor’s responsibility to maintain an appropriate academic atmosphere in the classroom.
- The instructor will decide whether such an atmosphere is no longer present in a class, and is trained to take appropriate steps to return to a professional environment.
If you feel this policy has been violated, you should notify your instructor as soon as possible. You may be asked to provide a detailed written description of the complaint to the instructor. The instructor may take measures they feel are appropriate to resolve the issue and/or may forward the complaint to the School of Continuing Studies for review. Please refer to the full policy document on the York University website at: https://www.yorku.ca/scdr/ Please find the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities here: https://oscr.students.yorku.ca/csrr
Weather Rule
If the University is open, classes will be running. If the University is closed, classes will not be running. Any missed classes will be rescheduled. University Closures/Class Cancellations: (416.736.5600 OR www.yorku.ca). While this is rare, weather and/or other emergencies do occur that require us to suspend our operations. While every effort will be made to contact students, this is not always possible. If you are unsure of whether the course is running, please call the University’s weather/emergency information line, or check our Twitter feed (@Continue_YorkU).