You must register with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) if you want to work as a chartered accountant (CA) in South Africa. In addition to ensuring that qualified individuals fulfill international accounting and auditing standards, SAICA establishes the nation’s professional standards for chartered accountants.
Everything you need to know about SAICA requirements—from education and training to exams and real-world experience—will be covered in this article. Let’s get started!
SAICA Requirements to Become a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA))
To become a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)), you must fulfill specific academic, practical, and examination requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Academic Qualification
To start your journey, you need to complete an accredited degree or equivalent qualification. SAICA requires candidates to:
- Enroll in a SAICA-accredited Bachelor of Accounting Science degree or equivalent qualification.
- Follow this with a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) or equivalent (such as a Certificate in the Theory of Accounting – CTA).
- Ensure that both qualifications are obtained from a SAICA-accredited university.
2. Training Contract (Traineeship)
After completing your academic requirements, you must enter into a training contract with a SAICA-registered training office. This contract typically lasts three years if you hold a CTA or equivalent. If you do not have a CTA, the training period may be longer.
During this period, candidates gain practical experience in:
- Financial accounting and reporting
- Auditing and assurance
- Taxation
- Management accounting and finance
3. SAICA Examinations
There are two major examinations required to qualify as a CA(SA):
Initial Test of Competence (ITC)
- The ITC is the first qualifying examination.
- It tests knowledge in core accounting subjects covered in your CTA qualification.
- Candidates must pass this exam to proceed to the next stage.
Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)
- This is the final examination before qualifying as a CA(SA).
- The APC focuses on the application of knowledge, professional judgment, and ethical considerations.
- To sit for the APC, candidates must have completed at least 20 months of their training contract.
4. Professional Development & Ethics
Apart from the technical requirements, SAICA requires candidates to complete:
- Professional Development Modules to enhance communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
- Ethics Training, ensuring that candidates uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.
5. Membership and Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Once you’ve successfully completed your training contract and passed all required exams, you can register as a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) with SAICA. However, becoming a CA(SA) is not the end of the journey—SAICA members must complete Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to stay updated with industry changes.
Why Become a SAICA-Registered CA(SA)?
Qualifying as a CA(SA) through SAICA provides numerous benefits, including:
- Global Recognition – A SAICA qualification is highly regarded worldwide.
- Diverse Career Opportunities – Work in industries such as auditing, finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship.
- High Earning Potential – CAs(SA) earn competitive salaries in South Africa and abroad.
- Leadership Roles – Many CAs(SA) hold executive positions in top companies.