CAAP FAQs
Designed for individuals with a non-accounting bachelor's degree, the Certificate of Advanced Accounting Proficiency (CAAP) Program fosters an intimate learning environment with high-quality faculty and grants the necessary accounting units to sit for the CPA exam. The CAAP Program consists of eight undergraduate-level accounting courses. All courses are held on campus at Santa Clara University.
Contact our office directly at caap@scu.edu or by phone at (408) 554-4522 to learn how the CAAP Program can change your life.
Can I continue to work full-time and successfully complete the CAAP program?
We anticipate that most of the students in the program will be working full-time during the program. All classes are held on Sundays to limit conflict with traditional work schedules.
Does the CAAP program accept transfer credit?
No. Exceptions can be made for undergraduate or MBA accounting course(s) taken at Santa Clara University. Please contact us at caap@scu.edu for more specific guidance.
Can I take the CAAP program while in a master degree program?
Yes. Please keep in mind that students in the CAAP Program earn undergraduate units, not graduate units. Units earned in the CAAP Program cannot be transferred to replace MBA classes at Santa Clara University. Transferring units to other institutions is at the discretion of the degree granting institution.
Are there prerequisites for admission into the CAAP program?
Yes. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than accounting from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or foreign equivalent. Applicants must submit an official transcript documenting conferral of the degree including final cumulative GPA. Transcripts should also be provided within the application, for any graduate or junior college coursework.
International transcripts must be evaluated by a California Board of Accountancy approved evaluation service found at http://www.dca.ca.gov/cba/applicants/foreign.pdf. Evaluations must show a U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalency and final cumulative grade point average in the course by course review.
Students with an undergraduate or graduate GPA lower than 2.5 must submit both a statement of purpose and a letter of recommendation in addition to transcripts. Please note that a low GPA does not disqualify a student from acceptance.
Can a student be admitted and enrolled to the CAAP program if he or she does not have an undergraduate degree?
No. Applicants must earn a minimum of a bachelor’s degree prior to being enrolled in the CAAP Program.
Do students who have earned a degree in accounting qualify for the CAAP program?
No. The CAAP program is designed for students who majored in a subject other than accounting.
Do students who did not major in business qualify for the CAAP program?
Yes! The CAAP program is designed for students with a non-accounting degree. Many students without business backgrounds have been successful in the program.
Do I need to take any test to enroll in the CAAP program?
No.
Are interviews required for admission to the CAAP program?
No.
When is the deadline to apply to the CAAP program?
The application is open here: https://slate.scu.edu/apply/
Is there an advantage to sending in my application before the deadline?
Students who apply before the deadline will not have an advantage during the application cycle.
How can I check the status of my application?
Santa Clara University's Silicon Valley Executive Center processes all CAAP Program applications and will communicate with students as quickly as possible regarding application status. Applications are typically processed within two to four weeks of receipt. Questions can be addressed to the Silicon Valley Executive Center at caap@scu.edu or (408)-554-4522.
Are there additional requirements for students whose first language is not English?
Yes. Students who completed their formal education in a non-English speaking institution must complete the TOEFL exam and submit the results with their application.
Do I have to get my foreign credentials evaluated?
Yes. International transcripts must be evaluated by any California Board of Accountancy approved agency found at http://www.dca.ca.gov/cba/applicants/foreign.pdf. Evaluations must show a U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalency and final cumulative grade point average. Applicants must possess the foreign equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
Do I need to submit TOEFL scores if my native language is English?
No.
My native language is not English, and I did not receive my education in English. Do I need to submit TOEFL score?
Yes.
Students whose native language is English, or received their formal education in English, need not submit TOEFL scores. Students who completed their formal education at a non-English speaking institution must complete the TOEFL exam and submit the results with their application.
Note: Applicants whose native language is English need not submit TOEFL scores.
I am an international student, can I apply for an F-1 Visa?
No.
The Certificate of Advanced Accounting Proficiency (CAAP) Program is offered via a part-time weekend schedule. As such, international students are ineligible to apply since the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requirements for international students mandate full-time enrollment in academic programs. Visas cannot be issued for the Summer CAAP Program.
The Leavey School of Business offers graduate programs that may serve the needs of international students and for which they may be eligible. International students interested in these programs should contact the Graduate Business area at gradbusiness@scu.edu or (408)-554-4539.
How long does it take for my application to be processed once it is received?
Applications are processed two to four weeks after receipt. In order for an application to be processed, applicants must submit transcripts showing that a minimum of a bachelor degree has been conferred. If the applicant has a GPA lower than 2.5 all additional material must be submitted before the application will be considered complete.
Does admission constitute admission into a degree granting program at Santa Clara University?
No.
Admission to the Certificate of Advanced Accounting Proficiency Program does not constitute admission to a degree-granting program at Santa Clara University.
When are students enrolled in classes?
Students are enrolled in August.
Do students that have taken accounting courses in another program still need to take the introductory course?
To be eligible to waive ACTG 180 students must have taken an equivalent course at an AACSB-accredited institution, and completed within 2 years with a grade of B or better. Limited exceptions may be made for students who can document a working knowledge of introductory accounting.
Should SCU MBA students who have successfully completed ACTG 301 enroll in ACTG 180?
SCU MBA students may not need to enroll in the introductory sequence depending on how well they learned and retained the material of ACTG 301, and how long ago the classes were taken. Please consult with the CAAP Faculty Director for more specific guidance.
How is billing handled?
Students enrolled in the Weekend CAAP Program are billed over three quarters. Billing is subject to the courses in which the student is enrolled. Tuition payments are due on August 21, December 21, and March 21.
For additional information or for assistance with the financial aid process, students should contact the Enrollment Services Center at onestop@scu.edu or (408) 551-1000.
What types of financial aid options are available for CAAP students?
Ford Federal Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Loans are available for students who choose to complete the FAFSA application at the FAFSA website. The lenders will ask for your grade level on the loan application and it is critical that they understand that you are not in a graduate program.
For additional information or for assistance with the financial aid process, students should contact the Enrollment Services Center at onestop@scu.edu or (408) 551-1000.
Can I apply for a Private Alternative Loan?
Yes. Students can apply for a Private Alternative Loan to cover the cost of the program not covered by FAFSA. For students who would rather borrow the entire amount needed for the program in one loan, you may apply for a Private Alternative Loan up to the Cost of Attendance through any lender you choose. The lenders will ask for your grade level on the loan application and it is critical that they understand that you are not in a graduate program.
For additional information or for assistance with the financial aid process, students should contact the Enrollment Services Center at onestop@scu.edu or (408) 551-1000.
Is it possible to fail classes in the CAAP program?
Yes. CAAP is an academically rigorous program and some students may not achieve a passing grade.
What are the consequences of failing a class in the CAAP program?
A grade of F is considered a failing grade, and the units will not be counted toward certificate requirements. If a student receives the grade of F he or she will not be allowed to continue in the program.
Do all professors that teach in the CAAP program have advanced degrees? Do you use part-time instructors?
CAAP classes are usually taught by regular, full time Santa Clara accounting faculty holding doctoral degrees in accounting. We may invite a similarly qualified faculty member from another accredited University to teach one or more courses.
Does the CAAP program cover all of the accounting units needed for licensure in California?
Yes. The CAAP program is designed to meet all of the requirements for accounting units when all courses are completed (ACTG 180-187).
Are there other requirements to sit for the California CPA exam beyond accounting?
Yes. There is also a business unit requirement that must be met in order to sit for the CPA Exam. The CA Board of Accountancy (http://www.dca.ca.gov/cba) provides more information about the requirements in the Uniform CPA Examination Handbook found at: http://www.dca.ca.gov/cba/applicants/exambook.pdf
How can I evaluate my classes that I have on my transcripts?
The California Board of Accountancy also has a self-assessment worksheet designed to assist you in evaluating the education you have already completed and planning for any future education found here: http://www.dca.ca.gov/cba/applicants/self-assess-wrksheet.pdf
Once I pass the California CPA exam will I be a licensed CPA?
No. After you have qualified and passed the California CPA you must then meet licensure requirements. For more detailed information please see http://www.dca.ca.gov/cba/.