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1. Qualification + Practical Experience + Assessment = Designation holder

The journey to becoming a Chartered Business Accountant or related designation requires both academic learning and structured workplace experience.

Step 1. NQF Aligned Qualification
Candidates must first complete an NQF-aligned qualification in accounting, finance, or a related field. These qualifications provide the theoretical knowledge, technical foundation, and ethical grounding needed for the profession.

Step 2. Practical Experience
After achieving the academic milestone, candidates must obtain practical experience as required by the relevant designation. This is completed through years working in Finance Department in the private, public sector or academia OR from a CIBA Approved Training Office

3. What is an ATO?

An Approved Training Office (ATO) is a registered accountancy practice or finance organisation that meets CIBA’s standards to host and mentor accounting trainees.

It’s your official seal of quality: your on-the-job training counts toward CIBA professional designations.

Quick facts

  • Recognised by CIBA

  • Trainee mentorship embedded

  • Counts toward professional designations

4. Why become an ATO?

  • Access to trainee talent

    Trainees bring energy, digital fluency, and fresh perspectives. They’re eager to learn, take on real responsibilities, and free up your team’s time.

  • Grow capacity

    With the right mentoring, trainees support reconciliations, VAT submissions, and client queries reducing senior workload and building an internal talent pipeline.

  • Unlock grants & funding

    CIBA registered ATOs may qualify for discretionary grants to offset training costs (salaries, learning materials, IT resources).

  • Stand out

    ATO status signals a firm committed to professional development and CIBA’s high standards, enhancing credibility with clients, talent, and tenders.

5. How to Apply

Click here to check the requirements to be registered as an ATO