Knowledge Centre
1. Designations vs. Qualifications – Understanding the difference
A qualification gets you in the door. A designation keeps you in the game — and makes sure people pay you what you’re worth.
2. What You Need to Know
Qualification: An academic achievement, awarded by a university or training institution. It demonstrates theoretical knowledge gained at a point in time.
Designation: A professional status awarded by a recognised body like CIBA. It proves your competence, credibility, and commitment to ethical standards and ongoing learning.
Example: You might hold a BCom Accounting degree (qualification). But if you also carry the Chartered Business Accountant in Practice (CBAP) designation, it tells the world you’ve gone beyond theory — you’ve proven yourself in practice, and you’re accountable to CIBA.
3. Why It Matters to You
Career advantage: Employers hire and promote professionals with designations, not just qualifications.
Market value: Clients will pay more for accountants who can prove ongoing competence.
Trust factor: Qualifications show you studied. Designations show you’re credible, current, and monitored.
Mobility: A qualification belongs to the institution. A designation belongs to you, wherever you work.
4. Frameworks and Standards
Qualifications: Governed by the Department of Higher Education & Training and SAQA.
CIBA Designations: Registered on the SAQA database and subject to oversight, CPD, and professional codes
5. How to Apply
Get the qualification — complete your degree, diploma, or other relevant studies.
Apply for a designation — match your qualification and experience to a CIBA designation.
Stay active — complete annual CPD and adhere to CIBA’s ethical standards.
Leverage it — use your designation in your title, email signature, and practice branding.