If you are asking yourself how to become a charted accountant in South Africa, the answer lies in following a structured and regulated path set by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). This path is not just about passing exams. It combines academic qualifications, professional training, and ethical requirements that ensure every CA(SA) is competent, credible, and ready for the financial world. Below, you will find the full CA SA path, the requirements to become charted accountant in South Africa, and the practical steps that take you from student to professional.

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Understanding the CA SA path

The CA SA path is a journey that blends university studies, workplace training, and professional assessments. You cannot cut corners or skip stages, because each step builds the foundation for the next. SAICA ensures that all chartered accountants meet the same high standard.

Main stages in the CA SA path:

• Start with a SAICA-accredited undergraduate degree in accounting.
• Progress to the postgraduate Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) or Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA).
• Write and pass the Initial Test of Competence (ITC).
• Enter into a three-year training contract at a SAICA-accredited office.
• Complete the compulsory professional programme while in training.
• Qualify for and pass the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
• Register as a CA(SA) and maintain professional standards through continuous development.

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Requirements to become charted accountant in South Africa

The formal requirements to become charted accountant in South Africa fall into three categories: academic, professional, and ethical. Together, they form the foundation for using the CA(SA) designation.

Core requirements for CA SA:

• A SAICA-accredited undergraduate degree with the correct modules.
• Successful completion of CTA/PGDA at a recognised university.
• A pass in the ITC exam to prove your technical readiness.
• A signed SAICA training contract lasting around 36 months.
• Completion of an approved professional programme.
• A pass in the APC exam, showing professional judgement and ethics.
• Meeting SAICA’s fit and proper criteria, proving integrity and good standing.

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CA SA qualifications and why they matter

Every stage of your studies and exams provides a different CA SA qualification that shows your progress. These qualifications are not just paperwork — they prove that you can apply accounting knowledge to real-world problems.

Essential CA SA qualifications:

• Bachelor of Accounting (SAICA-accredited): foundation in auditing, taxation, management accounting, and financial accounting.
• CTA/PGDA: advanced integration of technical knowledge across all subjects.
• ITC certificate: proof that your academic training is solid.
• APC certificate: recognition that you can handle complex, judgement-heavy scenarios in the workplace.

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Steps for becoming a CA in South Africa

Many students feel overwhelmed by the journey. Breaking it into a simple plan helps make sense of how to become a charted accountant in South Africa.

Practical steps for becoming a CA:

1. Enrol in a SAICA-accredited accounting degree.
2. Apply for and complete your CTA/PGDA.
3. Write and pass the ITC exam.
4. Secure a SAICA training contract for three years.
5. Complete your professional programme while in training.
6. Become eligible for and pass the APC exam.
7. Apply for membership with SAICA and use the CA(SA) designation.

Many students feel overwhelmed by the journey. Breaking it into a step-by-step plan makes sense of how to become a charted accountant in South Africa. Below, each stage is explained with the purpose behind it, what you need to do, and what to expect.

1. Enrol in a SAICA-accredited accounting degree

The first step is to choose a SAICA-accredited university that offers a Bachelor of Accounting or an equivalent programme recognised for the CA(SA) route. Not all accounting degrees qualify, so accreditation is critical. During this stage, you will cover the four key areas: Financial Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, and Management Accounting. A strong performance here sets the foundation for progressing to the postgraduate CTA.

2. Apply for and complete your CTA/PGDA

After your undergraduate degree, you must complete the Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) or a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA). This is a one-year intensive programme that integrates all the core subjects into advanced case studies. Universities usually require you to pass all modules in one sitting. Many students find this the toughest academic year, so it is often described as the “make-or-break” stage of the CA SA path.

3. Write and pass the ITC exam

Once you have completed the CTA or PGDA, you become eligible to write the Initial Test of Competence (ITC). This is the first professional exam set by SAICA and is written twice a year, in January and June. It tests whether you can apply your academic knowledge under exam conditions. Passing the ITC shows that you are technically ready to enter the professional training environment.

4. Secure a SAICA training contract for three years

The next step is to gain practical experience by signing a SAICA-accredited training contract. This is typically three years long and can be completed at an audit firm, a bank, or even in the public sector if the office is registered with SAICA. During this time, you are called a trainee accountant or “article clerk.” The training contract ensures you develop technical competence, workplace skills, and professional ethics in real business settings.

5. Complete your professional programme while in training

Alongside your training contract, you must complete a SAICA-accredited professional programme. This is not another degree but rather a structured learning course that prepares you for the final APC exam. It focuses on case-based scenarios, integrating technical knowledge with business judgement, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making.

6. Become eligible for and pass the APC exam

After at least 20 months of your training contract and successful completion of the professional programme, you become eligible to write the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). This final exam assesses your ability to handle complex, real-world situations in auditing, financial management, and corporate governance. Passing the APC is the last formal academic and professional hurdle before qualification.

7. Apply for membership with SAICA and use the CA(SA) designation

Once you have passed the APC and completed your training contract, you can formally apply to register as a CA(SA) with SAICA. Membership gives you the legal right to use the CA(SA) designation, which is recognised not only in South Africa but also globally through international agreements. At this stage, you are considered a fully qualified chartered accountant and must keep your knowledge current through continuous professional development (CPD).

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Becoming a CA: what firms expect beyond requirements

Becoming a CA in South Africa is not only about ticking off the requirements. Employers and clients also expect chartered accountants to demonstrate professional skills that make them stand out.

Skills developed while becoming a CA:

• Applying accounting knowledge in real-world business decisions.
• Communicating clearly and working effectively in teams.
• Upholding professional ethics and public interest.
• Adapting to technology, data analysis, and digital audit tools.

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Requirements to become charted accountant in South Africa

When people search for the requirements to become charted accountant in South Africa, they are usually confused about what the CA(SA) path looks like in practice. This is not just about passing a few exams. It is about choosing the right qualification, registering with SAICA, completing years of structured training, and finally proving your competence through assessments. Below, each stage is explained with detail so you know not just what is required, but also why it matters.

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CA SA path explained

The CA SA path is a formal journey designed and regulated by SAICA. It ensures that accountants in South Africa are not only technically qualified, but also trusted to handle complex financial responsibilities. Think of it as a ladder: you cannot skip a rung without falling behind.

Steps in the CA SA path:

• Enrol in a SAICA-accredited undergraduate accounting degree.
• Progress to a postgraduate Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) or Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA).
• Write and pass the Initial Test of Competence (ITC).
• Enter into a SAICA-registered training contract of about 36 months.
• Complete a professional programme during your training period.
• Qualify to write and pass the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
• Apply for the CA(SA) designation and commit to lifelong learning through CPD.

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CA SA requirements every student must meet

When we talk about CA SA requirements, it is important to separate them into the academic, professional, and ethical categories. Without meeting each one, you cannot register as a chartered accountant in South Africa.

Main CA SA requirements:

• Academic: Accredited undergraduate degree and CTA/PGDA.
• Professional exams: Pass both ITC and APC.
• Training contract: Three years at a SAICA-accredited training office.
• Professional programme: Completion while under training.
• Fit and proper: Good standing with no professional misconduct.

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CA SA qualifications and why they matter

The CA SA qualifications are not just papers on a wall. Each is designed to prepare you for a different layer of the profession. The degree gives you foundation, the CTA sharpens technical ability, and the exams measure readiness for practice.

Key CA SA qualifications:

• Bachelor of Accounting (SAICA-accredited) – introduces all core areas.
• CTA/PGDA – integrates advanced knowledge across subjects.
• ITC certificate – proves technical ability.
• APC certificate – demonstrates professional judgement and ethics.

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Steps for becoming a CA in South Africa

Many students ask about the steps for becoming a CA because the journey feels overwhelming. Breaking it into a timeline helps. You need to see how each requirement leads into the next.

Steps for becoming a CA:

1. Choose a SAICA-accredited university and complete your degree.
2. Apply for CTA/PGDA and treat it like a full-time job.
3. Pass ITC to unlock your training contract.
4. Sign a three-year SAICA training contract and log your competencies.
5. Complete the professional programme while training.
6. Become eligible and write the APC.
7. Register with SAICA as a chartered accountant.

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Becoming a CA: more than passing exams

When people talk about becoming a CA, they often think only of long nights with textbooks. In reality, firms and clients expect more. The requirements train you to think independently, lead teams, and handle ethical decisions under pressure.

Skills you build while becoming a CA:

• Ability to apply accounting knowledge in real business cases.
• Communication and teamwork under deadlines.
• Professional integrity when balancing client and public interest.
• Adaptability to technology and data-driven tools.

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How to Become a Chartered Accountant in SA with a Non-CA Degree

• Enrol in a bridging programme such as the Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences (CTA stream).
• Progress to a postgraduate diploma like the PGDA or CTA.
• Write the ITC, complete articles, and proceed to the APC.

“If you don’t have a SAICA-accredited degree but it’s accounting-related, then you apply for the Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences,” explains Zintle Ntanjana.

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How to Become a Chartered Accountant in SA with a Non-Accounting Degree

• Start with the Advanced Certificate in Accounting Sciences (code 90017 at UNISA).
• Move on to the Advanced Diploma (CTA stream).
• Complete the postgraduate diploma, articles, ITC, and APC.

Even if you studied engineering or science, this pathway allows you to transition into accounting.

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How to Become a Chartered Accountant in SA with a Diploma

• The recognised option is the Diploma in Accounting Sciences (code 98200 at UNISA).
• After the diploma, enrol in the Advanced Diploma (CTA stream).
• Continue with a postgraduate diploma, articles, and board exams.

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How to Become a Chartered Accountant in SA with a Higher Certificate

For those who did not meet matric requirements:

• Start with the Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences (code 98201 at UNISA).
• Progress to either:
  • The Diploma in Accounting Sciences → Advanced Diploma → Postgraduate → ITC & APC.
  • Or, a SAICA-accredited Bachelor’s degree → CTA → ITC & APC.

This pathway is longer but makes the CA designation possible even if you struggled in school.

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Important Considerations Along the Way

• Accreditation: Always check if your degree, diploma, or training firm is SAICA-accredited. Doing articles at a non-accredited firm could waste three years.
• Exam Costs: The ITC costs around R6,000 per attempt, while the APC costs around R7,500. Budget for preparatory courses.
• Articles Choices: You can do TIP (Training in Public Practice) for auditing or TOPP (Training Outside Public Practice) for corporate work.

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Why Pursue Chartered Accountancy in South Africa?

The rewards of qualifying as a CA(SA) are enormous:

• Career Opportunities: CAs are in demand in South Africa and internationally.
• High Salaries: Among the top-paying professions in the country.
• Leadership Potential: Many CAs become executives or start successful businesses.
• Versatility: Work in finance, auditing, consulting, entrepreneurship, or government.

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Tips for Aspiring Chartered Accountants

• Choose the Right University: Look at pass rates for board exams before applying.
• Be Persistent: Many successful CAs did not pass on the first attempt.
• Use Support Networks: Connect with mentors, peers, and professional bodies.
• Plan Early: Select the right high school subjects to avoid delays later.

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FAQs on How to Become a Chartered Accountant in SA

1. Chartered Accountant Entry Requirements

To meet the chartered accountant entry requirements in South Africa, you must first have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with strong marks in Mathematics and English. Most universities demand at least 60–70% in Pure Mathematics and around 50–60% in English. A high APS score (for example, 34 or above at the University of Pretoria) is often required for competitive entry.

After matric, the entry requirements continue at the university level:

• Enrol in a SAICA-accredited accounting degree (Bachelor of Accounting Sciences or equivalent).
• Complete the Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) postgraduate year.
• Sign a three-year training contract with an accredited audit firm, corporate company, or government body.
• Pass the two SAICA board exams: the Initial Test of Competence (ITC) and the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).

These entry requirements ensure that students entering the CA(SA) pipeline are academically prepared and committed to the rigorous process.

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2. Chartered Accountant Qualifications Needed

The chartered accountant qualifications needed in South Africa include both academic and professional credentials. At the academic stage, you need:

• Undergraduate Qualification: A three-year Bachelor’s degree in Accounting Sciences or an equivalent degree accredited by SAICA.
• Postgraduate Qualification: A Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA), which is a one-year postgraduate diploma that prepares you for board exams.

Beyond academics, you must complete the professional stage:

• Training Contract (Articles): A three-year structured programme where you gain 3 600 hours of practical work experience.
• Board Exams: Pass both the ITC and APC.

Once you meet these qualifications, you are officially registered as a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) with SAICA.

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3. Chartered Accountant Subject Requirements

The chartered accountant subject requirements begin in high school and continue into university.

At high school level:

• Pure Mathematics is compulsory. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for CA(SA) pathways.
• English is required for most universities since it is the primary language of teaching and learning.
• Subjects like Accounting and Business Studies are recommended but not compulsory.

At university level, your degree and CTA year will cover four compulsory subjects:

• Financial Accounting
• Auditing
• Taxation
• Financial Management

These subject requirements are non-negotiable since they form the foundation of a Chartered Accountant’s expertise.

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4. What Does a Chartered Accountant Do?

If you are asking what does a chartered accountant do, the answer goes beyond simply “balancing books.” In South Africa, a CA(SA) is a business leader and financial strategist. Their responsibilities include:

• Auditing and Assurance: Checking the accuracy of financial records and ensuring compliance with accounting standards.
• Financial Reporting: Preparing financial statements for companies, investors, and regulators.
• Tax Advisory: Managing corporate and personal tax obligations.
• Business Strategy: Advising management and boards on growth, restructuring, and investments.
• Risk Management: Identifying risks and ensuring proper financial controls.

Because of their training, Chartered Accountants are often promoted into executive roles such as CFOs, CEOs, and directors. They are valued not just for technical knowledge but for leadership, decision-making, and strategic thinking.

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5. Chartered Accountant Salary per Month in SA

The chartered accountant salary per month in SA is among the highest for professionals in the country. Salaries vary based on experience, sector, and employer, but here are realistic averages:

• Entry-Level (Trainees / First Year of Articles): Around R18 000 – R25 000 per month.
• Newly Qualified CA(SA): Once you complete articles and board exams, salaries typically rise to R35 000 – R60 000 per month.
• Mid-Level CAs: With 5–10 years of experience, monthly salaries often range between R70 000 – R120 000.
• Senior Executives / CFOs / Partners: At this level, salaries can exceed R150 000 – R300 000 per month, depending on the organisation and industry.

This makes chartered accountancy one of the most lucrative career paths in South Africa, with opportunities to earn even more internationally.

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Conclusion

Now you know how to become a chartered accountant in SA through the standard university route, bridging pathways, or alternative qualifications like diplomas and higher certificates. The journey is demanding, involving years of study, board exams, and training contracts, but the rewards are worth it. Whether your goal is to work abroad, lead a corporation, or run your own firm, the CA(SA) designation equips you with the skills and credibility to succeed.