PDPA CPA Alberta Post-Designation
Public Accounting Examination
PDPA CPA Alberta Post-Designation Public Accounting Examination
,1. What should be confirmed before final approval of work involving Internal controls, walkthroughs, testing
and evaluation of control deficiencies?
A. That required evidence, reviews, exceptions, and authorization conditions are complete and documented
B. Accept an unverified verbal assurance as sufficient evidence because the operations analyst is familiar with the process
C. Close the item when the corrective action is promised, without verifying implementation or effectiveness
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Internal controls, walkthroughs, testing and evaluation of control deficiencies
and update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Internal controls, walkthroughs, testing and
evaluation of control deficiencies. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before closure.
2. Several issues are found during review of Substantive evidence, sampling, estimates, going concern and
subsequent events. Which should receive the highest priority?
A. Replace the specified control with an informal check that is faster but not documented
B. Accept an unverified verbal assurance as sufficient evidence because the compliance officer is familiar with the process
C. The issue with the greatest potential impact on safety, compliance, client/public protection, or decision validity
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Substantive evidence, sampling, estimates, going concern and subsequent
events and update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Substantive evidence, sampling, estimates,
going concern and subsequent events. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before
closure.
3. Which monitoring approach is most appropriate after a corrective action involving Audit conclusions,
reporting modifications and communication with governance?
A. Use a previous case as the decision basis even though the conditions and source evidence are not identical
B. Close the item when the corrective action is promised, without verifying implementation or effectiveness
C. Define an objective follow-up measure and verify sustained effectiveness over an appropriate period
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Audit conclusions, reporting modifications and communication with governance
and update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Audit conclusions, reporting modifications
and communication with governance. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before
closure.
4. Which evidence provides the strongest basis for a defensible decision about Ethics, independence,
confidentiality and professional skepticism in the trade exception?
A. Broaden the decision beyond the reviewer's authority to avoid delaying the workflow
B. Accept an unverified verbal assurance as sufficient evidence because the reviewer is familiar with the process
C. Authorized system records that is current, traceable, and directly relevant to the decision
D. Choose the outcome that creates the least rework even if the available evidence does not fully support it
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Ethics, independence, confidentiality and
professional skepticism. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before closure.
PDPA CPA Alberta Post-Designation Public Accounting Examination Page 1
,5. When Tax, assurance, finance and management-accounting integration in case decisions involves
sensitive information, which practice is most appropriate?
A. Rely on prior experience with a similar account review without confirming the current requirement or evidence
B. Limit access to authorized persons, use the information only for the stated purpose, and protect the record
C. Close the item when the corrective action is promised, without verifying implementation or effectiveness
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Tax, assurance, finance and management-accounting integration in case
decisions and update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Tax, assurance, finance and
management-accounting integration in case decisions. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses
exceptions before closure.
6. A recurring failure involving Financial-statement elements, recognition, measurement and presentation
principles remains after a quick fix. What should be done next?
A. Perform root-cause analysis, implement a targeted corrective action, and verify effectiveness
B. Accept an unverified verbal assurance as sufficient evidence because the financial-services professional is familiar with the process
C. Close the item when the corrective action is promised, without verifying implementation or effectiveness
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Financial-statement elements, recognition, measurement and presentation
principles and update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Financial-statement elements, recognition,
measurement and presentation principles. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before
closure.
7. Which action best establishes accountability for an unresolved issue involving Journal entries, ledgers,
reconciliations and correction of accounting errors?
A. Assign a named authorized owner, due date, required evidence, and escalation path
B. Replace the specified control with an informal check that is faster but not documented
C. Close the item when the corrective action is promised, without verifying implementation or effectiveness
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Journal entries, ledgers, reconciliations and correction of accounting errors and
update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Journal entries, ledgers, reconciliations and
correction of accounting errors. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before closure.
8. Which outcome is the best evidence that controls over Alberta-specific licensing authority, scope, records,
renewal and enforcement context where it materially... are working as intended?
A. Use a previous case as the decision basis even though the conditions and source evidence are not identical
B. Accept an unverified verbal assurance as sufficient evidence because the compliance officer is familiar with the process
C. Complete the task first to meet schedule expectations and resolve documentation or exceptions afterward
D. Independent evidence shows the requirement is consistently met and exceptions are detected and resolved
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Alberta-specific licensing authority, scope,
records, renewal and enforcement context where it materially.... It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and
addresses.
PDPA CPA Alberta Post-Designation Public Accounting Examination Page 2
, 9. Which measure best demonstrates effective performance related to Revenue, inventory, property,
liabilities, equity and financial-instrument treatment?
A. Broaden the decision beyond the account manager's authority to avoid delaying the workflow
B. Close the item when the corrective action is promised, without verifying implementation or effectiveness
C. A defined measure tied to the requirement, based on reliable data, and reviewed against an objective target
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Revenue, inventory, property, liabilities, equity and financial-instrument
treatment and update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Revenue, inventory, property, liabilities,
equity and financial-instrument treatment. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before
closure.
10. A recurring pattern is observed in records related to Cash-flow analysis, ratios and interpretation of
business performance. What is the best professional response?
A. Rely on prior experience with a similar trade exception without confirming the current requirement or evidence
B. Accept an unverified verbal assurance as sufficient evidence because the reviewer is familiar with the process
C. Ignore a minor-looking deviation until a later review determines whether it mattered
D. Analyze the pattern for systemic cause, assess risk, and initiate proportionate corrective action
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Cash-flow analysis, ratios and interpretation
of business performance. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before closure.
11. Which sequence is most defensible when working through an issue involving Internal controls,
walkthroughs, testing and evaluation of control deficiencies?
A. Identify the requirement, verify evidence, assess the condition, document the decision, then confirm follow-up
B. Replace the specified control with an informal check that is faster but not documented
C. Accept an unverified verbal assurance as sufficient evidence because the financial-services professional is familiar with the process
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Internal controls, walkthroughs, testing and evaluation of control deficiencies
and update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Internal controls, walkthroughs, testing and
evaluation of control deficiencies. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before closure.
12. Which documentation approach best supports traceability for a decision involving Substantive evidence,
sampling, estimates, going concern and subsequent events?
A. Use a previous case as the decision basis even though the conditions and source evidence are not identical
B. Record the source evidence, decision criteria, reviewer, date, and disposition in a traceable record
C. Close the item when the corrective action is promised, without verifying implementation or effectiveness
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Substantive evidence, sampling, estimates, going concern and subsequent
events and update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Substantive evidence, sampling, estimates,
going concern and subsequent events. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before
closure.
PDPA CPA Alberta Post-Designation Public Accounting Examination Page 3
Public Accounting Examination
PDPA CPA Alberta Post-Designation Public Accounting Examination
,1. What should be confirmed before final approval of work involving Internal controls, walkthroughs, testing
and evaluation of control deficiencies?
A. That required evidence, reviews, exceptions, and authorization conditions are complete and documented
B. Accept an unverified verbal assurance as sufficient evidence because the operations analyst is familiar with the process
C. Close the item when the corrective action is promised, without verifying implementation or effectiveness
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Internal controls, walkthroughs, testing and evaluation of control deficiencies
and update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Internal controls, walkthroughs, testing and
evaluation of control deficiencies. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before closure.
2. Several issues are found during review of Substantive evidence, sampling, estimates, going concern and
subsequent events. Which should receive the highest priority?
A. Replace the specified control with an informal check that is faster but not documented
B. Accept an unverified verbal assurance as sufficient evidence because the compliance officer is familiar with the process
C. The issue with the greatest potential impact on safety, compliance, client/public protection, or decision validity
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Substantive evidence, sampling, estimates, going concern and subsequent
events and update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Substantive evidence, sampling, estimates,
going concern and subsequent events. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before
closure.
3. Which monitoring approach is most appropriate after a corrective action involving Audit conclusions,
reporting modifications and communication with governance?
A. Use a previous case as the decision basis even though the conditions and source evidence are not identical
B. Close the item when the corrective action is promised, without verifying implementation or effectiveness
C. Define an objective follow-up measure and verify sustained effectiveness over an appropriate period
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Audit conclusions, reporting modifications and communication with governance
and update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Audit conclusions, reporting modifications
and communication with governance. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before
closure.
4. Which evidence provides the strongest basis for a defensible decision about Ethics, independence,
confidentiality and professional skepticism in the trade exception?
A. Broaden the decision beyond the reviewer's authority to avoid delaying the workflow
B. Accept an unverified verbal assurance as sufficient evidence because the reviewer is familiar with the process
C. Authorized system records that is current, traceable, and directly relevant to the decision
D. Choose the outcome that creates the least rework even if the available evidence does not fully support it
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Ethics, independence, confidentiality and
professional skepticism. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before closure.
PDPA CPA Alberta Post-Designation Public Accounting Examination Page 1
,5. When Tax, assurance, finance and management-accounting integration in case decisions involves
sensitive information, which practice is most appropriate?
A. Rely on prior experience with a similar account review without confirming the current requirement or evidence
B. Limit access to authorized persons, use the information only for the stated purpose, and protect the record
C. Close the item when the corrective action is promised, without verifying implementation or effectiveness
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Tax, assurance, finance and management-accounting integration in case
decisions and update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Tax, assurance, finance and
management-accounting integration in case decisions. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses
exceptions before closure.
6. A recurring failure involving Financial-statement elements, recognition, measurement and presentation
principles remains after a quick fix. What should be done next?
A. Perform root-cause analysis, implement a targeted corrective action, and verify effectiveness
B. Accept an unverified verbal assurance as sufficient evidence because the financial-services professional is familiar with the process
C. Close the item when the corrective action is promised, without verifying implementation or effectiveness
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Financial-statement elements, recognition, measurement and presentation
principles and update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Financial-statement elements, recognition,
measurement and presentation principles. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before
closure.
7. Which action best establishes accountability for an unresolved issue involving Journal entries, ledgers,
reconciliations and correction of accounting errors?
A. Assign a named authorized owner, due date, required evidence, and escalation path
B. Replace the specified control with an informal check that is faster but not documented
C. Close the item when the corrective action is promised, without verifying implementation or effectiveness
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Journal entries, ledgers, reconciliations and correction of accounting errors and
update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Journal entries, ledgers, reconciliations and
correction of accounting errors. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before closure.
8. Which outcome is the best evidence that controls over Alberta-specific licensing authority, scope, records,
renewal and enforcement context where it materially... are working as intended?
A. Use a previous case as the decision basis even though the conditions and source evidence are not identical
B. Accept an unverified verbal assurance as sufficient evidence because the compliance officer is familiar with the process
C. Complete the task first to meet schedule expectations and resolve documentation or exceptions afterward
D. Independent evidence shows the requirement is consistently met and exceptions are detected and resolved
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Alberta-specific licensing authority, scope,
records, renewal and enforcement context where it materially.... It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and
addresses.
PDPA CPA Alberta Post-Designation Public Accounting Examination Page 2
, 9. Which measure best demonstrates effective performance related to Revenue, inventory, property,
liabilities, equity and financial-instrument treatment?
A. Broaden the decision beyond the account manager's authority to avoid delaying the workflow
B. Close the item when the corrective action is promised, without verifying implementation or effectiveness
C. A defined measure tied to the requirement, based on reliable data, and reviewed against an objective target
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Revenue, inventory, property, liabilities, equity and financial-instrument
treatment and update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Revenue, inventory, property, liabilities,
equity and financial-instrument treatment. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before
closure.
10. A recurring pattern is observed in records related to Cash-flow analysis, ratios and interpretation of
business performance. What is the best professional response?
A. Rely on prior experience with a similar trade exception without confirming the current requirement or evidence
B. Accept an unverified verbal assurance as sufficient evidence because the reviewer is familiar with the process
C. Ignore a minor-looking deviation until a later review determines whether it mattered
D. Analyze the pattern for systemic cause, assess risk, and initiate proportionate corrective action
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Cash-flow analysis, ratios and interpretation
of business performance. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before closure.
11. Which sequence is most defensible when working through an issue involving Internal controls,
walkthroughs, testing and evaluation of control deficiencies?
A. Identify the requirement, verify evidence, assess the condition, document the decision, then confirm follow-up
B. Replace the specified control with an informal check that is faster but not documented
C. Accept an unverified verbal assurance as sufficient evidence because the financial-services professional is familiar with the process
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Internal controls, walkthroughs, testing and evaluation of control deficiencies
and update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Internal controls, walkthroughs, testing and
evaluation of control deficiencies. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before closure.
12. Which documentation approach best supports traceability for a decision involving Substantive evidence,
sampling, estimates, going concern and subsequent events?
A. Use a previous case as the decision basis even though the conditions and source evidence are not identical
B. Record the source evidence, decision criteria, reviewer, date, and disposition in a traceable record
C. Close the item when the corrective action is promised, without verifying implementation or effectiveness
D. Proceed using the most convenient interpretation of Substantive evidence, sampling, estimates, going concern and subsequent
events and update the record only if a problem occurs
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The best answer uses objective, current evidence and the applicable requirements for Substantive evidence, sampling, estimates,
going concern and subsequent events. It preserves traceability, keeps the decision within authorized scope, and addresses exceptions before
closure.
PDPA CPA Alberta Post-Designation Public Accounting Examination Page 3
