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Becoming a CA(SA): the SAICA route, IAC and 2026 costs

The current SAICA route to CA(SA): accredited degree and PGDA, the Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC), the training programme, the APC, and what membership costs in 2026.

SAICA awards three designations: Chartered Accountant (South Africa), CA(SA); Associate General Accountant, AGA(SA); and Accounting Technician, AT(SA). This guide covers CA(SA), the one most finance adverts filter for.

The route

  1. Complete a SAICA-accredited undergraduate degree and a SAICA-endorsed postgraduate diploma in accounting (PGDA, formerly CTA).
  2. Write the Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC). It replaced the ITC from 2025: three four-hour papers over three consecutive days.
  3. Complete the training programme at a SAICA-accredited training office. It is registered as a learnership through FASSET. You need at least 20 months of training before you are eligible for the APC.
  4. Complete the SAICA-endorsed professional programme.
  5. Pass the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). SAICA has said the APC remains, with its future format under consideration.
  6. Apply for membership and pay the entrance fee and annual subscription.

Costs

FeeAmount
IAC registration (January 2026 sitting)R 8 949.85
CA(SA) entrance feeR 7 318.27
CA(SA) annual subscription 2026, localR 9 213.00
AGA(SA) entrance fee / annual 2026R 3 659.43 / R 5 192.24
AT(SA) entrance fee / annual 2026R 414.26 / R 2 044.91

All VAT inclusive, from SAICA's published 2026 pages. Members over 60 pay R 1 548.90. Check the APC fee on SAICA's exam pages for your sitting. Checked 02/10/2026.

How to show it

"CA(SA)" in the headline, plus where you trained if it was a recognised firm. Trainees should say "SAICA trainee accountant, year 2 of 3": recruiters hiring newly qualified CAs search for the training stage.

Keyword lists for these roles: Chartered Accountant · Auditor

Sources

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