Knowledge Centre

 As a Licensed Specialist, you’re more than a practice owner- you’re authorised to deliver regulated services that reduce risk, protect businesses, and unlock growth across the economy.

CBAP (Licensed Specialist) 

1. What It Is

The CBAP – Licensed Specialist status combines your Chartered designation with a licence from CIBA, giving you the authority to provide regulated services beyond standard accounting.

Examples include:

  • Licensed Tax Practitioner: registered with SARS through CIBA

  • Licensed Independent Reviewer: authority to perform independent reviews under the Companies Act

  • Licensed Business Rescue Practitioner: guiding distressed companies back to health

Each licence allows you to do more than record numbers: it empowers you to protect businesses, safeguard jobs, and support economic stability

2. Requirements

  • To qualify as a CBAP: Licensed Specialist, you need:

  • CBAP designation (NQF 7, 4 years operational-level experience, CIBA interview)

  • Relevant licence application and approval through CIBA

  • Compliance with regulatory requirements linked to that licence (e.g. SARS, CIPC, FSCA)

3. Why It Matters to You

  • Premium authority: Licences allow you to provide services that uncertified accountants cannot.

  • Bigger impact: You help SMEs survive, grow, and keep contributing to GDP.

  • Client trust: Licences signal you’re not only competent, but accountable to regulators and CIBA.

  • Higher fees: Specialist services mean premium billing opportunities.

4. Key Rules, Standards, or Requirements

  • Your CBAP designation must be active (with CPD and declarations current).

  • Each licence has its own compliance rules (SARS registration, Companies Act requirements, etc.).

  • All licensed specialists must adhere to CIBA’s ethics code and regulatory frameworks.

5. How to Apply

  • Obtain CBAP designation — ensure you meet CBAP requirements first.

  • Select licence — decide which specialist licence(s) fit your practice (tax, independent review, etc.).

  • Apply through CIBA — submit supporting documents and meet regulatory criteria.

  • Approval and registration — once licensed, you may legally deliver specialist services.

6. Maintaining Your Designation & Licence

  • To keep your CBAP – Licensed Specialist status active, you must:

  • Complete annual CPD in line with CIBA’s CPD policy.

  • Submit your annual compliance and ethics declaration.

  • Maintain licence-specific requirements (e.g. SARS tax practitioner renewal, reviewer compliance).