Professional Diploma in Accountancy (HKICPA Accredited Conversion Programme)
Overview
QF Level: 5
QR Registration No.: 21/000410/L5
Registration Validity Period: 01/02/2023 To 31/01/2026
What is Professional Diploma in Accountancy?
Our PDA provides you the fastest route to bridge from your degree to becoming a CPA. Unlike accountancy degree graduates who can join the New QP exam directly, we understand that there are non-accountancy degree holders who also would like to join the accounting industry and pursue a professional qualification. Therefore, by completing our PDA, you will be eligible to register as a student of HKICPA and start your journey to become CPA whatever your degree background is.
Pioneer Institution
Since 2000, Kaplan Financial has been running Conversion Programme (”CP”) for non-accountancy graduates for the Big 4 Firms candidates to enter into the Hong Kong accountancy profession.
In 2006, Kaplan Financial successfully received the accreditation from HKICPA to offer CP for the public. Successful students are eligible to proceed on to the HKICPA QP. Kaplan CP was first assessed and approved by HKCAAVQ(Hong Kong Council of Academic Accrediation and Vocational Qualifications) in March 2006 and was accredited by HKICPA since June 2016.
In 2021, we have reached another milestone by receiving the recognition from HKCAAVQ and obtained QF Level 5 for the course, that giving the public a representation of proven ability to deliver high quality learning experience. At the same time, we decide to rename the programme to “Professional Diploma in Accountancy” which we believe it can maximize the opportunities for our graduates along their career pathway.
Why Professional Diploma in Accountancy?
Fastest
The fastest route to embark your journey to become a CPA.
Flexible
We have the most flexible schedules with new intakes every 2 - 3 months.
Qualified
We are the tuition provider that offering both accredited conversion programme and New QP exam training among Big 4 Accountancy Firms in town.
1000+
We helped over thousands of students to get exemptions for various modules.
90%
Over 90% passing rate in average that giving you a representation of our proven ability to help you pass the exam.
About Professional Diploma in Accountancy
About Professional Diploma in Accountancy
Professional Recognition
This is an accredited Conversion Programme of HKICPA (Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants).
Graduates of the Conversion Programme are exempted:
HKICPA: 10 Associate Modules are exempted. You are eligible to enter the HKICPA New QP Exam
CPA Australia: 6 Foundation Level are exempted. You are eligible to apply for the CPA Australia Associate membership directly
ACCA: Maximum 9 Fundamental Level Papers can be exempted. You are eligible to enter the Professional Level Papers
*ACCA may require PDA graduate to make up certain modules even exemption has been granted by Kaplan and ACCA accepts full programme students (over 50% credits completed) only.
Programme Objectives
- To enable students who are bachelor degree holders of business and non-accounting disciplines to demonstrate and apply knowledge and intellectual skills in the core areas of professional accountancy and to ensure their technical competencies are qualified to enter the Qualification Programme (QP) of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA); and
- To enable students to demonstrate necessary enabling competencies (including interpersonal and communication skills and professional values, ethics and attitudes) which are qualified to enter the QP of the HKICPA.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes (PILOs)
- Students will be able to demonstrate solid knowledge and use intellectual skills in accounting and related business disciplines.
- Students will be able to analyse and deal with ethical and other practical issues in the accounting profession in Hong Kong and the Greater China region.
- Students will be able to apply accounting knowledge and skills in real-world situations in the context of ethical and other accounting and regulatory frameworks.
- Students will be able to formulate evidence-based responses to routine and abstract accounting and related business issues.
- Students will be able to apply effective communication skills for accounting purposes.
- Students will be able to determine and achieve personal and team goals by applying effective interpersonal skills.
Programme Details
Programme Structure
Programme Structure
Programme Structure and Exemption
Professional Diploma in Accountancy ("PDA") consists of 5 business knowledge modules and 7 core modules.
Business Knowledge Modules
Module | Contact Hours | Credits | Assessments |
(P1) Foundation Accounting* | 21 | 5 | Continuous Assessment & Final Examination |
(P2) Principles of Economics | 18 | 3 | |
(P3) Principles of Management | 18 | 3 | |
(P4) Principles of Marketing | 18 | 3 | |
(P5) Principles of Statistics | 18 | 3 | |
TOTAL | 93 | 17 |
*P1 - Foundation Accounting is a prerequisite module for students who wish to take M2 AFR.
Core Modules ^
Module | Contact Hours | Credits | Assessments |
(M1) Strategic Information System | 35 | 7 | Continuous Assessment & Final Examination |
(M2) Accounting and Financial Reporting | 70 | 21 | |
(M3) Taxation | 46 | 15 | |
(M4) Auditing | 36 | 9 | |
(M5) Cost and Management Accounting | 42 | 9 | |
(M6) Law | 49 | 13 | |
(M7) Financial Management | 36 | 11 | |
TOTAL | 314 | 85 |
^ Core module have been included in the list of reimbursable courses for Continuing Education Fund purposes.
Exemption
- Student can only apply for exemption with prior studies of relevant modules. HK$1,500 exemption administration fee will be charged for each successful core module exemption and no exemption administration fee will be charged for business knowledge module exemption.
- Maximum exemptions will be given no more than 50% of the total credits for the whole programme.
- Exemption administration fee will not be charged if student obtained the HKICPA assessment result and this is only applicable for students who study in single module(s).
- The exemption process must be conducted by Kaplan if student would like to receive the PDA awards after completing the programme.
Remark
1. Subject to approval of Kaplan Financial, individuals who failed can be allowed to retake modules or resit examinations.
2. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualification to which this course may lead.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
- Applicants should hold business OR non-business degree awarded by institutions which are recognised by the HKICPA.
- Expecting bachelor’s degree holders who would have completed their degree before the programme commencement may also be eligible to apply for admission.
- Applicants should consult with the HKICPA if their degrees meet the HKICPA student registration requirements before applying for admission.
- If the degree or equivalent qualification is from an institution where the language of teaching and assessment is not English, applicants shall provide evidence of English proficiency, such as:
- an overall band of 6.0 or above with no subtests lower than 5.5 in the IELTS;
- a score of 550 or above in the paper-based TOEFL, or a score of 213 or above in the computer-based TOEFL, or a score of 80 or above in the internet-based TOEFL;
- HKALE Use of English at Grade E or above;
- HKDSE Examination English Language at Level 3 or above
- Applicants who do not fulfill the above language requirements but have an equivalent score in a recognized test, or an equivalent qualification assessment to prove their language proficiency may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Enrolment Procedures
Students can enroll in person at Kaplan Causeway Bay Centre. Please bring along the original copy of your University Transcript and Certificate. Application fee must be paid in full on application.
Support & Service
Support & Service
Kaplan is committed to building futures. We understand that in some cases our students may need some extra support, or struggling to fit their studies in around work and family commitments. We endeavor to provide this extra support.
Deferral/ Transferal Application
Kaplan Financial retains your passing result for up to 2 years. We offer new 4 intakes every 2-3 months. You can apply for deferral or transferal in our programme according to your personal or work schedule. Enjoy the flexibility during your study!
Tutor Support
At Kaplan we are passionate about helping all students through their training, and this doesn’t just stop the moment our students leave the classroom. Our lecturers are approachable and accessible for consultation through emails to help you overcome any issues you may have.
* Please contact our customer service officers at 2526 3686 or Whatsapp us at 9711 0754 to know more about our services.
Meet Our Lecturers
Kaplan Test Prep & Admissions
Suzanne Tsui
IELTS Trainer
Juris Doctor | The Chinese University of Hong Kong
MA in Buddhist Studies and Social Science | The University of Hong Kong
B.A. in Social Sciences | Glasgow Caledonian University
TESOL | Trinity College, London
Having grown up in the UK, Suzanne is a native English speaker with excellent understanding of the language and culture. After graduating with master and Juris Doctor degrees, she pursued her English teaching career by obtaining the Trinity Cert TESOL from the Trinity College, London.
Learn MoreKaplan Financial - Accountancy
Mr. Lam
Professional Diploma in Accountancy Lecturer MBA, CPA, FCCA
Mr. Lam is an experienced lecturer and has been teaching in different local colleges for more than 15 years.
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Pason Ngan
New QP, CTA Lecturer
BBA(Hons), CPA
Pason Ngan is a Senior Tax Manager at one of the Big 4 firms, providing in-house tax technical support, training, and preparing external tax publications. With solid practical experience in Hong Kong and international tax, Pason focuses on essential tax knowledge and exam skills. He uses simple examples to explain complex tax principles, highlights common mistakes, and recommends effective exam strategies.
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Kattie Kwok
ACCA, CPA Aust. Lecturer
FCCA, CPA, CPAA, ACS, ACG, MBA, BBus
Kattie Kwok is an experienced ACCA lecturer with over 13 years’ experience in ACCA examinations. She is an expert in Audit, Performance Management, and Business Analysis.
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Dr. Vincent Ng
CP Lecturer
DBA, FIPA, FFA
Dr. Vincent Ng has been teaching Hong Kong Taxation for over 10 years. He has over 30 years of Accounting and Management position.
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M. Wong
ACCA, CP Lecturer
MSc, CPA
M. Wong has over 10 years of exam-based training experience. His recommended study notes is included in this course to enhance student understanding of P5 examination topics.
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Dr. Eric Lau
CP Lecturer
PhD, MBA, BABS (Hons), MHKIM, MIHRM (HK)
Dr. Eric Lau gained over 20 years’ experience in teaching finance, HRM, management, marketing, tourism and strategy & information systems for tertiary education. He has been granted several Outstanding Teaching Performance Awards from various leading
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Patrick Lui
NEW QP, The Capstone, CPA Aust. ACCA Lecturer
MBA, LLB, ACCA
Patrick Lui is an experienced financial tutor with over 16 years’ experience teaching accounting courses in tertiary institutions and providing exam-based training to college students. Understanding the weaknesses of students and able to guide students to
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