The RA Qualification

At School
The first step in a career as an auditor is choosing Pure Maths and English and passing these subjects very well. Remember different universities have different entry requirements.
At University
(Degree)
You must enrol for an Accountancy Degree that is accredited by SAICA. This degree is 3 or 4 years depending on the university. You need to complete this degree and meet the university’s requirements for entry into the Honour/CTA
At University
(Honours Degree)
This is your Honours Degree. This is a 1 year or 2 year degree depending on the university you have enrolled with. After completing your CTA you will start with your articles.
Articles

Depending on your qualification at entry into the training programme or articles, your articles could be 3, 4 or 5 years. The general three year articles will include the following:

  • Year 1 – Immediately after your CTA you write your first board exam. This exam is called the Initial Test of Competence (ITC). This exam is written in January and there is another opportunity in June each year.
  • Year 2 – In November of your second year your write your second board exam, this is called the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)
Qualify as a CA (SA)
Once you qualify as a CA. You can choose to work in many industries as an Accountant, Financial Manager or Financial Director. You can even work in other countries.
The Audit Development Programme (ADP)
The ADP is a specialisation period after you have qualified as a CA. It takes a minimum of 18 months. You must do this period at an auditing firm that is registered with the IRBA. During this period you will gain experience in auditing at a more senior level, you will also be involved in tasks that are more complex. This means that you become a specialist as an auditor. You will be allowed to sign audit opinions only once you have successfully completed this ADP and registered with the IRBA.
Qualify as an RA
You have now arrived!! Welcome to the world of Auditing.