SAIPA Professional Accountant (SA): entry routes and 2026 fees
How to become a Professional Accountant (SA) through SAIPA: the four entry paths, the Professional Evaluation, and the 2026 application and membership fees.
The South African Institute of Professional Accountants awards the Professional Accountant (SA) designation, PA(SA). It is common in practice, SMEs and commerce, and SAIPA is also a recognised controlling body for tax practitioners.
Four ways in
- Professional Evaluation (PE): the standard route for people with a SAIPA-recognised accounting qualification at NQF 7 or higher, such as a BCom Accounting or BAcc.
- Learnership or articles: a completed three-year accredited training contract or articles with a recognised body.
- Project Achiever: SAIPA's programme, combined with recognition of prior learning.
- RPL: for people with at least ten years of practical experience in financial accounting and tax.
Without a formal qualification you need at least six years of verifiable experience in a financial accounting and tax environment for the non-RPL routes.
Costs in 2026
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Administration fee | R 1 417.87 |
| Professional Evaluation fee | R 1 460.33 |
| RPL fee | R 0 (the RPL committee may set further fees) |
| PA(SA) annual membership | R 8 873.87 |
| Professional Tax Practitioner (SA) or Accounting Technician (SA) annual | R 5 775.14 |
| Trainee annual | R 1 452.69 |
VAT inclusive, from SAIPA's 2026 application requirements and annual fee pages. Checked 02/10/2026.
Once registered you must keep up CPD. Non-compliance with CPD, ethical or financial requirements can lead to suspension.
Keyword lists for these roles: Management Accountant · Bookkeeper · Tax Practitioner
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