CPA Important Dates: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Staying on Track

If you’re studying to become a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), or you’re already on the journey, one thing you can’t afford to overlook is the CPA important dates.

Let’s face it: missing deadlines can lead to missed opportunities, wasted money, and unnecessary stress. Whether it’s enrolment deadlines, exam dates, or membership renewals, staying on top of key CPA dates is crucial.

But don’t worry—you’re not alone in this. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the important CPA dates, share real-life stories, and help you create a foolproof plan to stay on schedule.

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Why Are CPA Important Dates So Critical?

Imagine this: Sarah, a full-time accountant juggling work and study, missed the exam enrolment deadline by one day. She had to wait until the next semester to sit for the exam—six more months added to her CPA journey.

It happens more than you think.

Whether you’re just getting started or already knee-deep in your CPA program, knowing the critical CPA deadlines means:

• You avoid late fees

• You don’t miss exams

• You manage your time better

• You stay motivated and on track

CPA Australia provides the official calendar, but we’ve broken it down for you in a simple and human-friendly way below.

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Key CPA Dates to Remember

CPA Australia runs its program across two semesters each year. Here are the main dates you need to bookmark:

️ Semester 1 (Usually starts in early February)

• Subject Enrolments Open: Mid-October (previous year)

• Enrolment Deadline: Usually mid-January

• Exam Period: May–June

• Results Released: Early July

️ Semester 2 (Usually starts in early August)

• Subject Enrolments Open: Mid-May

• Enrolment Deadline: Early July

• Exam Period: October–November

• Results Released: Mid-December

➡️ See the full CPA Australia Important Dates Calendar here.

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️ Step-by-Step Guide: Never Miss a CPA Date Again

Here’s how to stay organized and beat the chaos:

Step 1: Sync the CPA Calendar to Your Phone

• Visit CPA’s Important Dates page

• Download the calendar

• Add it to Google Calendar or iCal

• Set alerts a week before each deadline

Step 2: Plan Your Year in Advance

Use a physical planner or a tool like Notion or Trello to:

• Mark down study weeks

• Block off exam dates

• Add time for revision and mock exams

Step 3: Don’t Procrastinate on Enrolment

Some people wait until the last minute—don’t be that person. Enrol as soon as it opens, especially if you’re planning to take strategic subjects that fill up fast.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s learn from others’ mistakes so you don’t make them yourself.

❌ Waiting Until the Last Day to Enrol

Ali once forgot his login password and spent two days resetting it—by the time he tried to enrol, the system was down for maintenance. He had to wait another semester.

❌ Ignoring the Time Zone

CPA Australia operates on AEST/AEDT. If you’re based outside Australia, be mindful of time differences when planning enrolment and exams.

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What Happens If You Miss a Deadline?

If you miss the enrolment deadline, you’re out for that semester—no exceptions.

If you miss the exam, it’s counted as a fail unless you have an approved special consideration.

For more on how to apply for that, read CPA’s Special Consideration Policy.

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Real Talk: How Staying on Schedule Helped Me

When I was doing my CPA, I had a calendar stuck to the fridge. I’d highlight every key date. It sounds old-school, but it worked. I never missed a deadline, and I even had time to binge Netflix the weekend before the exam (don’t tell my tutor).

Moral of the story? A little planning goes a long way.

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re serious about advancing your accounting career, there’s no better time than now to prepare for the CPA Program.

✅ Stay on top of CPA important dates
✅ Stay organized with step-by-step planning
✅ Avoid costly delays

Explore CPA Australia’s Study Resources and give yourself the edge.

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Final Tips

• Bookmark the CPA Program Hub

• Set reminders for exam dates and results release

• Create a study group to keep each other accountable

• Check your CPA portal regularly for updates

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✅ Summary: What to Do Next

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By keeping track of the CPA important dates, you’re not just ticking boxes—you’re investing in your future. So plan ahead, study smart, and give yourself the best chance to succeed.

You’ve got this!