Build your independent career in practice, from Bookkeeper to Licensed Specialist. 

CIBA gives you the designations, licences, and backing to win better clients, grow your firm, and deliver trusted services to SMEs, NPOs, and communities. 

Apply for a Designation

Why This Matters 

Running a practice means more than compliance , it’s building trust, growth, and independence for clients and yourself.

The Practice Career Pathway 

Path: Bookkeeper → Accountant in Practice → Licensed Specialist (Tax · Independent Review · Business Rescue) 

Trainee Accountant (in practice) 
Keep clients compliant and cashflow stable. 
You’ll do: books, VAT, payroll, CIPC updates, basic management reports. 
You’ll need: accuracy, client communication, standardised workflows. 
Next step: Accountant in Practice. 

A circular diagram illustrating a finance department's outsourced processes, divided into sections labeled Lead, Prepare, Report, Plan, and Record. Surrounding these are stages like CBAP, Business Rescue, Business Advisory, Bookkeeper, Financial Admin, Accounting Officer, and Tax, with an inner ring of specialist licenses, including CBAP with specialist license, and outer sections labeled Business Review, Business Advocacy, and Independent Review.

Accountant-in-Practice (AIP) 
Your clients’ outsourced finance partner. 
You’ll do: monthly management accounts, forecasts, SARS engagements, advisory. 
You’ll need: reporting, tax basics, pricing, engagement letters, tools. 
Next step: Licensed Specialist. 

Your Designation Levels (Practice) 

  • Chartered Bookkeeper (CBK) → bookkeeping services with credibility. 

  • Chartered Business Accountant in Practice (CBAP) → full outsourced finance; advisory. 

  • CBAP + Licences → add specialist authority (Tax, Independent Review, Business Rescue). 

Why it helps: clients choose you over nondesignated providers; fewer disputes; you can standardise pricing and grow a team.

Licensed Specialist (addon licences) 
Sell highvalue services with formal recognition. 
Options: 

  • Tax Practitioner (Advisor) — tax planning, objections/appeals, represent with SARS. 

  • Independent Reviewer — Companies Actrecognised review engagements. 

  • Business Rescue — turnaround plans, stakeholder management. 
    (Optional addons your clients may need: immigration/visa financial reports, finance for NPOs, farmers, legal practitioners, creative artists.) 

See Practice Guides & Pricing Templates

Licences & What They Allow 

  • Tax Practitioner (Advisor): tax advice, submissions, represent clients with SARS. 

  • Independent Reviewer: perform review engagements for qualifying companies. 

  • Business Rescue: appointed to rescue distressed entities. 

  • Other specialist reports: e.g., immigration/visa financials for Home Affairs. 

Check If You Qualify for a Licence

Practice Building Toolkit Provided by CIBA 

Proposal & engagement letter templates 

Pricing calculators for monthly packages 

Practice management software discounts 

PI insurance cover and ethics guidance 

Memberonly referrals via chambers & partnerships 

Access the Practice Toolkit

“Becoming a CBAP turned my hustle into a business. Clients take me seriously and I’ve added an Independent Review licence for higher value work.”

— Sipho M., CBAP 

Read More Member Stories

FAQs (Commerce)

  • Yes, your designation proves level, not sector only. 

  • Yes, career resources and reference letters. 

  • No, designations complement qualifications and experience.

Start Your Chartered Journey Today 

No long process. No risk. Recognition that lasts a lifetime.

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