National Standard for Public
Accounting
In an effort to meet the highest standards for public accounting, CMA Canada’s Board of Directors has
approved a National Standard for Public Accounting for Certified Management
Accountants. This standard addresses education content, work experience and quality control required for
Certified Management Accountants who practice in the public accounting field.
To view the National Standards for Public Accounting for CMAs, please click here.
It is our expectation that CMAs already practicing in the field of public accounting will benefit from a
seamless transition to the national standard.
In Nova Scotia, the right to practice public accounting is granted through provincial legislation and the
PABNS. For further information on this provincial legislation and how to apply for membership, please refer
to the PABNS website at www.pabns.com.
This legislation varies slightly from the CMA National Standard for Public Accounting in that it applies only
to those individuals who perform audits and reviews of financial statements. The national CMA standard also
encompasses compilations and tax work related to third-party engagements.
The requirements of the CMA National Standard for Public Accounting includes:
• a new course of study covering assurance as well as select taxation and financial accounting topics not
covered in the CMA accreditation program,
• a minimum number of chargeable hours in public accounting (in audit, reviews, compilation and tax) under
the supervision of an approved training organization or individual,
• a National CMA Qualifying Exam for Public Accountants which is in the final development stages.
The education, training and work experience acquired by CMAs in public practice will meet the highest
standards for practice, legislated requirements, and customer expectations, while at the same time expand
competitive choice for businesses in Canada. CMA public accountants will contribute greatly to protecting the
public interest, strengthening corporate accountability and restoring investor and public confidence in the
governance, management and conduct of companies.
For more information on continuing education for public accounting, please click here.
Guide: Audits of Financial Statements that Contain Amounts that Have Been Determined Using Actuarial
Calculations
For more information on this resource, please click
here. To view this guide, please click
here.
To view the Tips On Applying ISAs Article, please click here.