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1. Independent Reviewer 

 Some companies don’t need a full audit, but they still need someone to check their financials. That’s where an Independent Review comes in. It’s a way to give clients limited assurance that their financial statements are in good shape, without the cost of an audit. If you’re a CBAP with an active Independent Reviewer license, you can legally offer this service.

2. Explainer Video (top of page) 

  • 1–3 min video from a staff member or subject expert explaining: 

  • What the topic is 

  • Why members should care 

  • How it connects to their work, compliance, or earning power 

3. What You Need to Know (Definition & context) 

An Independent Review provides limited assurance on a company’s financial statements by applying specific procedures without conducting a full audit. It helps determine whether the financials appear reasonable, following international standards.

This service is often required for small to medium businesses, especially those that are owner-managed based on their Public Interest (PI) score, as set out in the Companies Act and Regulations.

CIBA independent review license holders are legally permitted to perform reviews for entities with a PI score less than 100 and help clients meet compliance, banking, or investor requirements.

You must have an active Independent Reviewer license with CIBA to do this work. It’s a regulated service, doing it without a license is not allowed.

4. Why It Matters to You

With a CIBA Independent Reviewer license, you can:

  • Legally conduct Independent Reviews for companies with a public interest score below 100.

  • Provide SMEs with a cost-effective alternative to a full audit.

  • Help clients stay compliant with the Companies Act.

  • Expand your service offering and earn more through assurance work.

  • Position yourself as a qualified and trusted financial professional.

5. Frameworks, Standards, or References

Standards and Pronouncements

Acts and Regulations

 CIBA Tools and Templates

6. How to Apply

  1. Be a member of CIBA with the CBAP designation. Learn more about being a CBAP designation holder

  2. Find out more about obtaining additional licenses

  3. Apply for your license through the CIBA Licensing Portal

  4. Register with SARS via your eFiling profile

    Complete the required annual CPD training and declarations to keep your license valid. You need to stay in good standing, remaining compliant with annual CPD and reporting rules.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid (if applicable) 

❌ Obtain the CIBA independent review license before you offer review services.

❌ The CIBA license DOES NOT permit holders to perform audit engagements. Only auditors registered with IRBA are allowed to undertake audit engagements.

❌ Always check that the client’s public interest score permits the entity to have an independent review.

✅ Use CIBA’s tools and CPD events to stay on the right track.

8. Related Resources