Child holding up a semi-circular chart showing various acronyms related to student financial aid.

The CIBA Qualification: From Bookkeeper to CFO 

One pathway. Multiple levels. Six Chartered designations 

How the CIBA Qualification Work

Flowchart showing the progression to becoming a Chartered professional, divided into post-designation and pre-designation categories. Post-designation includes licenses, CPD, and ethics; pre-designation includes assessment, experience, and education.

  • A single qualification system owned by CIBA, delivered via CIBA accredited learning partners (universities / colleges), and awarded by CIBA. 

  • Three pillars at every level:  Education (curriculum) + Practical Experience (PER) + CIBA Assessment → Chartered designation. 

  • Ethics & Professional Skills threaded through the journey  

Our Qualification Levels

CIBA owns and defines professional standards, integrating knowledge, practice, and integrity to develop world-class finance professionals. 

    • Bookkeeping Principles & DoubleEntry 

    • Payroll Processing & VAT Essentials 

    • Accounting Software Applications 

    • Business Communication & Ethics 

    • AI and Digital Transformation  

    • Critical Thinking  

    • Economics  

    • Financial Administration & Internal Controls 

    • MonthEnd Processes & Reconciliation 

    • Working Capital Management (Debtors, Creditors) 

    • Statutory Returns & Compliance Basics 

    • AI and Digital Transformation  

    • Critical Thinking  

    • Economics  

    • Financial Reporting (IFRS/GAAP) 

    • Corporate Tax & Compliance 

    • Management Accounting & Costing 

    • Business & Corporate Law 

    • Assurance & Audit Techniques 

    • AI and Digital Transformation  

    • Critical Thinking  

    • Economics  

    • Independent Review & Accounting Officer Duties 

    • Tax Practice & Advisory 

    • SME Advisory Fundamentals 

    • Compliance in Practice Environment 

    • AI and Digital Transformation  

    • Critical Thinking  

    • Economics  

    • Corporate Finance & Capital Planning 

    • Risk Management & Governance 

    • Leadership & Performance Strategy 

    • Strategy Execution & Decision-Making 

    • AI and Digital Transformation  

    • Critical Thinking  

    • Economics  

    • Strategic Finance & Global Markets 

    • Board-Level Reporting & Stakeholder Management 

    • Growth Strategy & Change Leadership 

    • Ethics in Leadership 

    • AI and Digital Transformation  

    • Critical Thinking  

    • Economics  

Our Ethics & Professional Skills Component 

Ethics and Continuous Learning is what set you apart.

A dedicated Ethics & Professional Skills component runs across the journey, combining CIBA’s ethics standards with continuous professional development. Through CPD you’ll sharpen technical knowledge, stay on top of trends, strengthen practice management, and adapt to new technologies, ensuring you remain trusted and future-ready.

 Practical Experience Requirement (PER)  

Experience that proves competence.

Record and verify your on-the-job experience (months vary by level) against performance objectives with supervisor sign-off, so employers and regulators can trust your capability.

Chartered BK         - > 12 Months

Chartered FAdmin - > 18 Months

Chartered BAC      - > 3 years

Chartered BAP       - > 4 years

Chartered FM       - > 4 years

Chartered CFO      - > 8-10 years

How to Record Your Experience

Use CIBA's digital logbook ("My CIBA Experience")

Supervisor guidelines (must be recognized accountant or leader)

Acceptable work types (internship, part-time, consultancy)