CIMA to SAICA – Fast Track Pathway
As of early 2026, the partnership between the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) offers a streamlined, fast-track pathway for qualified CIMA members (CGMAs) to obtain the CA(SA) designation.
Key Updates & Eligibility
- No IAC required: Eligible CIMA members are exempt from SAICA's first board exam, now called the Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC), restructured in January 2025.
- Direct to APC: Complete a SAICA-accredited Professional Programme and pass the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
- Revised Requirements: Must be a full CIMA member (ACMA/FCMA, CGMA) in good standing with an NQF 7 degree.
- APC Passage Rate: 61% passed in December 2025.
Eligibility Criteria for CIMA Members
- Recognized Degree: Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7, 360 credits) required. Degree does not need to be in accounting/finance.
- Membership in Good Standing: Must be an ACMA or FCMA, CGMA in good standing, with membership obtained through exams and Practical Experience Requirements (PER).
- Professional Programme: Enrol in and complete a SAICA-accredited Professional Programme.
- Pass the APC Exam: Successfully pass the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), held annually in November/December.
Intense Preparation: While CIMA members have strong technical knowledge, the APC requires a different, highly integrated, and SAICA-specific mindset. The Professional Programme bridges this gap, but reviewing the IAC-level material is a major advantage.
In summary: Studying the IAC material is highly recommended. Focus on filling technical gaps in financial reporting (IFRS) and South African tax, as these are the areas where CIMA and SAICA requirements differ the most.
Key Points to Note
- If you do not hold a recognized university degree, you cannot use this conversion route.
- The APC must be passed within three consecutive calendar years of completing the Professional Programme.
- CIMA members without relevant work experience might still need to complete a structured training contract.