University Certificate in Accounting

At a glance

  • Credential: university certificate
  • Credits: 30
  • Next start: monthly

Athabasca University's online University Certificate in Accounting is an ideal starting point to develop the skills and knowledge of an accounting professional.

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About University Certificate in Accounting

Embark on your accounting journey with Athabasca University's online University Certificate in Accounting. This program, which you can complete in as little as one year, lays a robust foundation in key areas like financial accounting, cost analysis, and economics, making it a stepping stone to our advanced certificate and eventually a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. With monthly start dates and the flexibility to study at your own pace, you're not just learning accounting, you're gearing up to meet CPA requirements and carving your path to professional success.

Admission requirements

There are no formal admission requirements for this program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.

Please note: If you have an undergraduate or graduate degree with a major in accounting, you cannot apply to the University Certificate in Accounting program.

Program details

Overview

Athabasca University's online University Certificate in Accounting is an ideal starting point to develop the skills and knowledge of an accounting professional. You will gain a basic understanding of technical and theoretical aspects of the accounting field, including:

  • financial accounting
  • cost analysis
  • microeconomics
  • macroeconomics
  • commercial law
  • statistics

If you are interested in becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), many of the certificate courses cover the prerequisites required to start pursuing your designation.

Why take the University Certificate in Accounting?

Completing the University Certificate in Accounting prepares you for AU's Advanced Certificate in Accounting. Completing both certificates puts you well on your way to earning your Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and many of the courses required to meet CPA requirements.

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business logo

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Our Faculty of Business also holds AACSB accreditation, placing us among the elite 6% of business schools worldwide. This distinguished accreditation, known as the gold standard in the industry, is a testament to the rigor and depth of our program, and the high-quality education it provides.

Routes and options

Ladder to a degree

To be sure you get the most benefit from your certificate courses, if you think you may want to transfer your certificate to a degree program, you should discuss your course selection with a program advisor.

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 1 year of full-time study, or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion.

How to apply

You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.

How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Transfer and advanced credit

If you have previous post-secondary education or significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This could mean fewer courses to get your AU certificate.

If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 15 credits at AU.

Learn about transfer and advanced credit at AU

You will not receive transfer credit for senior (300/400) level courses more than 10 years old in the following disciplines:

  • Accounting (ACCT)
  • Management Science (MGSC)
  • Legal Studies (LGST)
  • Marketing (MKTG)
  • Finance (FNCE)
  • Taxation (TAXX)

If you are working in the field and provide evidence of current experience in these areas, this restriction will be waived.

Request and send your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.

Learn more about MyCreds

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.


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