How to Join SAICA: Chartered Accountant Guide 2026

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is the premier professional body for accountants in South Africa, representing over 50,000 Chartered Accountants and Associate General Accountants. For accounting professionals and firms targeting government financial management, auditing, and advisory tenders, SAICA membership—particularly the CA(SA) designation—provides the gold-standard credential in the South African <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/financial'>financial services</a> market.

Government departments, municipalities, and public entities frequently specify CA(SA) qualifications for CFO positions, financial advisory contracts, internal audit services, and <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/financial'>accounting</a> system implementations. Whether you're an aspiring accountant or an established practitioner seeking to formalize your credentials, this guide explains the pathway to SAICA membership and the CA(SA) qualification.

What is SAICA and Why Does It Matter?

SAICA is a voluntary professional body (unlike statutory councils like <a href='/glossary#irba'>IRBA</a> or <a href='/glossary#hpcsa'>HPCSA</a>). However, the CA(SA) designation it awards has become the de facto standard for senior <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/financial'>accounting</a> positions in South Africa.

For government <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/supplies'>procurement</a> of <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/financial'>financial services</a>, SAICA membership provides several advantages:

• <strong>CFO Requirements:</strong> Many public sector CFO positions specify CA(SA) qualification
• <strong>Financial <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/professional-services'>Consulting</a>:</strong> Tenders for financial management, GRAP implementation, and <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/financial'>accounting</a> advisory typically prefer CA(SA) consultants
• <strong>Municipal Finance:</strong> Municipal Chief Financial Officers often require CA(SA) designation
• <strong>Audit Services:</strong> Foundation for <a href='/glossary#irba'>IRBA</a> registration (see <a href='/blog/how-to-register-with-irba'>IRBA Guide</a>)
• <strong>Due Diligence:</strong> Transaction advisory and financial due diligence services
• <strong><a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>Training</a>:</strong> Providing financial management training to government officials

SAICA Membership Categories

Pathway to CA(SA) Qualification

The CA(SA) qualification is one of the most rigorous professional qualifications in South Africa, typically taking 7+ years from school-leaving to full qualification.

Step 1: Academic Qualification

• <strong>Undergraduate Degree:</strong> BCom <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/financial'>Accounting</a> or equivalent from SAICA-accredited university
• <strong>Postgraduate Certificate (CTA):</strong> Certificate in the Theory of <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/financial'>Accounting</a> (PGDA, CTA, or equivalent)
• <strong>Duration:</strong> 4-5 years academic study
• <strong>Accredited Institutions:</strong> All major South African universities with SAICA-accredited programmes

Step 2: Training Contract

• <strong>Duration:</strong> 3 years registered <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>training</a> contract
• <strong><a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>Training</a> Office:</strong> Must be with SAICA-registered training office (audit firm, commerce, or public sector)
• <strong>Competencies:</strong> Develop competencies across technical, professional skills, and pervasive qualities
• <strong>Log Book:</strong> Maintain detailed record of experience and competency development

Step 3: Professional Examinations

• <strong>Initial Test of Competence (ITC):</strong> Board examination testing CTA-level theoretical knowledge (typically written after CTA graduation)
• <strong>Assessment of Professional Competence (APC):</strong> Case study examination testing professional competence and ethical decision-making (typically written after 20 months of <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>training</a>)

Step 4: Admission

• Complete all <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>training</a> contract requirements
• Pass both ITC and APC examinations
• Submit membership application to SAICA
• Receive CA(SA) designation upon admission

Alternative Pathway: AGA(SA)

For accountants who don't pursue the full CA(SA) route, SAICA offers the Associate General Accountant (AGA(SA)) designation:

• <strong>Qualification:</strong> Undergraduate <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/financial'>accounting</a> degree plus professional course
• <strong>Experience:</strong> 3 years relevant experience
• <strong>Examination:</strong> AGA(SA) Professional Evaluation
• <strong>Scope:</strong> General <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/financial'>accounting</a>, financial management, bookkeeping oversight

SAICA Fees 2026

CPD Requirements

• <strong>Annual Requirement:</strong> 120 verifiable CPD hours over 3-year cycle (40 hours per year average)
• <strong>Ethics:</strong> Mandatory ethics CPD component
• <strong>Verifiable Activities:</strong> Courses, conferences, workshops, webinars
• <strong>Non-Verifiable:</strong> Reading, informal learning (limited credit)
• <strong>Declaration:</strong> Annual CPD declaration required
• <strong>Audit:</strong> SAICA audits member CPD compliance

SAICA for Government Financial Services Tenders

When bidding on government financial management and advisory tenders, SAICA membership provides:

• <strong>Credential Verification:</strong> SAICA provides member verification for tender compliance
• <strong>Professional Standing:</strong> Good standing certificate available for tender submissions
• <strong>Ethics Framework:</strong> Binding Code of Professional Conduct assures <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/supplies'>procurement</a> officials
• <strong>Disciplinary Process:</strong> Accountability mechanism for professional misconduct
• <strong>Technical Standards:</strong> Members bound by IFRS, GRAP, and <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/financial'>auditing</a> standards

Related Professional Registrations

• <strong><a href='/glossary#irba'>IRBA</a>:</strong> For statutory audit work, CA(SA)s must also register with IRBA - see <a href='/blog/how-to-register-with-irba'>IRBA Registration Guide</a>
• <strong>Tax Practitioner:</strong> For tax advisory services, register with SARS as Tax Practitioner
• <strong>Master Tax Practitioner:</strong> SAITA certification for advanced tax practice

Related Resources

• <a href='/industries/financial'>Financial Services Industry Guide</a> - Complete overview
• <a href='/blog/how-to-register-with-irba'>IRBA Registration Guide</a> - For audit work
• <a href='/blog/how-to-get-iso-9001-certification'>ISO 9001 Certification</a> - Quality management
• <a href='/glossary'>SA Tendering Glossary</a> - Key <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/supplies'>procurement</a> terms