Student FAQs
Membership Questions
Who is CAPPA?
CAPPA stands for Canadian Association of Petroleum Production Accounting.
We are a non-profit organization that offers a Production Accounting Certificate program. The CAPPA Certificate is valued by employers and is a requirement seen frequently in job postings. CAPPA is a member-driven association that provides its members with information and resources critical to the profession of production accounting through our website, meetings and seminars for primarily Production and Revenue Accountants. CAPPA also provides opportunities for members to engage in continuing education, networking, social events and business discussion.
What do I get with my CAPPA membership?
A CAPPA membership provides you with preferred pricing on educational luncheons, seminars, conferences and social events as well as exclusive access to invitations, resources, volunteer opportunities and our job board.
Education Questions
Q: What is the CAPPA Learning Centre? (CLC)
A: It is the latest online course format provided by CAPPA which offers modules 1 through 11 toward completion of the CAPPA Certificate. It is offered and managed exclusively by CAPPA.
Q: Can I take CAPPA courses through SAIT or Mt. Royal?
A: Effective immediately, all courses are offered exclusively and directly through the CAPPA office. Course materials are offered in on-line format only and classroom instruction is no longer an option. Previous outlets, such as SAIT or Mt. Royal are no longer available.
Q: Since CAPPA is no longer offered at SAIT, am I still required to complete Petrinex training modules to earn my CAPPA certificate?
A: Yes. Petrinex is an integral part of production, revenue, and royalty accounting as well as infrastructure reporting. Completing all required Petrinex modules is mandatory to earn your CAPPA Certificate.
Q: What is a CAPPA certificate and how do I get one?
A: A person who has earned a CAPPA Certificate has completed the educational requirements of the program and possesses a basic level of understanding of the fundamentals of the Canadian petroleum production accounting discipline. The CAPPA Certificate is recognized and valued throughout the Canadian oil & gas industry. The CAPPA Certificate is awarded upon successful completion of all required courses in the program. The student must earn a minimum 70% in all modules in order to pass.
Q: What are the pre-requisites to register in CAPPA?
A: CAPPA does not ask a student to prove specific formal pre-requisites before allowing them to register. Nonetheless, the following are strongly recommended if success is important to you. (1) 60% average of grade 12 academic subjects (2) excellent English verbal and written comprehension and fluency (3) Basic Excel (.xlsx) (4) Basic bookkeeping/accounting – Dr./Cr., income statements, balance sheets.
Q: What are the connectivity and equipment requirements to take CAPPA online?
A: Computer, Internet Connection, Webcam, Printer, Calculator, MS Office, Cisco Webex Meetings.
Q: How do I register for a module?
A: Register by email request to: Judy@cappa.org. Registering by phone is unavailable.
Q: What information do I need to provide at time of registration?
A: Name, mailing address, email address, phone number, credit card.
Q: Is CAPPA delivered on-line?
A: The CAPPA certificate is a self-directed program of study. There are no on-line instructors delivering lessons through Zoom, Teams, Webex etc.
Q: How much time do I get to complete all the courses.
A: As of July 1, 2019, all new students enrolling in the Certificate program must complete all CAPPA modules and Petrinex training modules within 36 months of first enrollment. Example: You enroll in your first course on July 5, 2021. You must complete all requirements with a passing grade (70%) by July 31, 2024 to earn your CAPPA Certificate.
Q: How much time am I permitted to complete each module?
A: Depending on the size of the module, students are given between 4 and 24 weeks to complete each module. This time allotment is generous. Some students have completed smaller modules, including the exam, in less than one week.
Q: Do I have to take the CAPPA modules in the same sequence as presented in the module schedule?
A: The short answer is no. The program is sequenced as it is to give students the best chance to succeed. Some concepts presented in earlier modules are cumulative and applied again in later modules. It is strongly recommended that students take the program in the sequence presented in the module schedule (Module schedule can be found at the bottom of the page).
Q: Can I simultaneously be registered in more than one module?
A: Yes. The Learning Management System allows students to be registered in more than one module at a time.
Q: Am I able to purchase a module without committing to completing my CAPPA certificate?
A: Yes. This option is available.
Q: How much does it cost to complete the entire CAPPA certificate?
A: The total cost of all modules leading to a CAPPA Certificate is $3,400, based on the April 14, 2021 fee schedule.
Q: How much does each module cost?
A: Depending on the size of the module, they range from $43 to $647, averaging $150, based on the April 14, 2021 fee schedule.
Q: Is GST included in course fees?
A: Course fees posted by CAPPA do not include sales tax. GST is added to the fee.
Q: Do I get a receipt when I register for a module?
A: Yes. A sales receipt is immediately issued at the time of registration for a module.
Q: How do I take my exams?
- All exams are written online.
- There is no cost to take a module exam the first time.
- The passing grade is 70%.
- A student earning less than 70% on an exam is entitled to one free re-write if their grade was at least 65%.
- A grade of 64% or less will be eligible for a one time re-write fee of $75.
- Exam re-write available two business days after student makes request.
- Re-writes must be completed before the course completion date.
Q: Does CAPPA provide academic assistance to students after they start a module?
A: This program is self-guided and tutoring support is not provided. Questions will be accepted at Education@cappa.org . Students should use this only as a last resort.
Q: Is financial assistance available to students?
A: Financial assistance is unavailable.
What are Petrinex Modules?
The Petrinex Modules are part of the CAPPA program and they must be completed in order to receive your CAPPA certificate.
Petrinex serves three distinct functions.
- It is a central database for all of the volumetric and infrastructure data related to Alberta and Saskatchewan’s upstream oil and gas industry.
- It is a communication tool enabling stakeholders to exchange accurate information quickly and efficiently (partner reporting and pipeline splits are being implemented).
- It is an analysis tool. As an analysis tool, Petrinex avoids common mathematical errors by saving the information in its most basic form and then performing calculations as required.
New Petrinex Online Training Platform
When do I have to complete all of the Petrinex Modules?
- All modules must be completed in order to receive your CAPPA certificate.
- CAPPA strongly encourages students to complete all Petrinex modules in their profile, related to the particular CAPPA program they are undertaking. As a student enters a new level, the Petrinex modules associated with that level will be added to their profile.
- CAPPA has estimated that it will take approximately 80 hours to complete all required folders.
Q: Is CAPPA offered in a classroom?
A: CAPPA modules are not offered in a classroom setting
Q: What if I can not successfully complete the entire program within the 36 month period?
A: A student may be granted a one-time extension of up to six months to complete the program. Extension requests must be submitted in writing to the CAPPA Education Steering Committee no later than 90 days prior to the end of the 36th month after initial registration. Requests must provide details explaining the need for more time. The Committee will review the request and provide a response within 30 days of receiving it. If an extension is granted, the terms (length, etc) of the extension will be specified in the response. The decision of the Committee is final and appeals will not be considered.
Q: I was (or am) enrolled in the 5 module Legacy program but will not be able to complete it by December 2019? What should I do?
- If a student has completed Level 1 (Legacy), they must complete Courses 2-11 of the New Curriculum.
- If a student has completed Level 2 (Legacy), they must complete the Capstone course plus any combination of courses from the New curriculum totaling a minimum of 96 hours.
- If a student has completed Level 3 (Legacy), they must complete the Capstone course plus any combination of courses from the New curriculum totaling a minimum of 51 hours.
- If a student has completed Level 4 (Legacy, they must complete the Capstone course plus any combination of courses from the New curriculum totaling a minimum of 6 hours.
Click link to see courses and hours: Courses & Hours
What will I learn in each level?
Please click on the following link for an overview of the CAPPA program. Read Me First
I am not able to access the Petrinex modules. What I am doing wrong?
It is recommended that students use Mozilla Firefox. If you are still having trouble or have questions email students@cappa.org
Students are encouraged to set the training site under their trusted sites under Internet Options – Security – Trusted sites. (https://training.petrinex.gov.ab.ca/traccess/login.asp)
Popup blockers on computers must be disabled for the training site, at least for the period that students are working on the training website (a number of security applications read the modules as popups).
What if I am still having trouble or have questions?
Students can email Petrinex at: students@cappa.org
How do I apply for my CAPPA certificate?
Certificate applications fees and form can be found in the CAPPA Store.
What is the cost for the CAPPA certificate?
The certificate issuance fee is $79 + GST for current members and $188 + GST for non-members.
How long will it take to receive my CAPPA certificate?
The CAPPA office will process a graduate’s certificate within 30 days of receiving the approved application Petrinex.
What are the graduation requirements?
Please see Graduation Requirements
What is the passing grade?
A student will need to achieve a minimum grade of 70% (B-) in order to proceed to the next course.
Does CAPPA sell stand-alone course materials?
Unfortunately CAPPA, nor SAIT, offers stand-alone course materials, at this time.
How do I get a replacement CAPPA certificate?
Replacement Certificates may be ordered from the CAPPA office. CAPPA requires you to provide confirmation of successful completion from the education institution. There is an administrative fee of $99+GST to issue a replacement certificate.
Can my accounting courses, accounting designations or accounting training be used as credits?
No. CAPPA does not accept previous training or accounting designations as credits towards the program, but they may qualify for the required pre-requisite.
Q: I have worked in the Oil & Gas Industry for some time. Can I receive credit towards the CAPPA Certificate Program?
A: Those with industry experience may take the Level 1 (only) challenge exam once. Upon passing, you may then enroll directly in Module 2.
Q: Can I take more than one online course at a time?
A: Ultimately this is up to the student but CAPPA does not suggest taking multiple courses at one time as the course material builds on each other.
Q: What is the starting salary?
A: As a CAPPA member, you can view the Salary Survey, which outlines the salary range for a Production Accountant. www.cappa.org
Q: Do I have to be a CAPPA member?
A: A CAPPA membership is not mandatory in order to take the CAPPA program; however, CAPPA encourages students to take advantage of the benefits of membership.
CAPPA members receive preferred pricing for: educational luncheons, seminars, conference and social events. Members will also receive up to date industry information, access to the job board, salary and membership survey results and materials from CAPPA presentations.
Q: Can students volunteer for CAPPA?
A: Yes. Please go to Committee and Volunteer Opportunities.
Q: Can International Students take the CAPPA Program?
A: The CAPPA Certificate Program is open to International Students.
Employers – do you have International students that need training in Production Accounting? Contact us to discuss how we can tailor our Certificate Program to your needs.
