There are several key benefits of choosing a CGA over other types of accountants. The most notable is that CGAs complete a more rigorous and comprehensive professional program and receive practical experience in the accounting profession in the area of their choice. CGA is also considered to be the most technologically advanced professional education program since it offers distance learning utilizing the latest innovations in Internet CD technology. In fact, the CGA education program requires that students learn and complete assignments using industry software applications. This gives CGA students an incredible competitive advantage over other types of accountants since they have an excellent understanding of how technology is applied in business. CGAs are also required to learn applying case studies.

CGA is the only accounting body in Canada to require that its students have a university degree in order to graduate from the educational program. Unlike other accounting bodies CGAs are not able to receive a mature student exemption. Through a unique partnership with the University of Calgary, one of the Canada's leading business universities, students who have not yet met the degree requirement may earn a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences (BAccS) concurrently with their CGA studies.

In addition, CGAs are the only Canadian accountants who must not only pass a comprehensive national exam at the end of each of their courses, but must also pass a final integrative examination in order to qualify into membership. This process is generally acknowledged to be the most effective way to examine comprehension and the application of the knowledge that students will need as professional accountants. This process is extremely arduous and CGA standards are so high that only the very best qualify.