What is the SAICA Accounting Technician SA (AT(SA)) designation?

Source: The Tax Faculty

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What is the SAICA Accounting Technician SA (AT(SA)) designation?

The AT(SA) designation is a professional membership title granted by the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

To earn this designation, candidates must fulfill criteria that include a work-integrated component, which blends theoretical education with practical experience in the workplace.

This designation is designed to prepare individuals for entry-level to mid-level roles in accounting.

What is required to apply for the AT(SA)?

Applicants must fulfill the following requirements to qualify for the SAICA AT(SA) designation:

1. Complete an NQF 5 Accounting Qualification successfully.

2. Achieve the minimum workplace experience through any of the three routes recognized by SAICA.

   
   

What are the requirements on the three SAICA workplace experience routes?

Route 1 – Registered Formal Learnership

This pathway entails undertaking a formal SAICA-approved learnership over a structured 12-month duration. It encompasses practical training, logbook submission and monitoring, mentorship, and supervised practical experience.

Participants must also participate in work-integrated learning and successfully pass the Test of Professional Competency (TOPC) exam during or following the learnership. This organized method is perfect for those who favor structured workplace training.

Route 2 – Standard Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners with at least 24 months of documented, verifiable experience in accounting or finance can apply for recognition without the 12-month learnership. They must also pass the Test of Professional Competency (TOPC).

Route 3 – Extended Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This pathway enables learners to seek recognition for up to 60 months (5 years) of prior experience in accounting or finance, making it perfect for professionals with significant, long-term experience in the industry. The experience must be meticulously documented through employment history and corroborator statements and included in a comprehensive Portfolio of Evidence (POE).

Based on SAICA's verification of the workplace competencies against the required competencies, successful completion of the Test of Professional Competency (TOPC) may also be mandated by SAICA.