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Give your firm an official Practice Number

As a CBAP you hold a personal designation number. But to trade as a professional firm, sign reports, and add partners, you need a Practice Number, and an Incorporated Company (Inc.)

Apply for a Practice Number

What Is a Practice Number?

Your designation number identifies you as a professional. A practice number identifies your firm as a recognised accounting practice with CIBA. 

A Practice Number is mandatory if you want to:

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Register your practice as an Incorporated Company (XYZ Accountants Inc) with CIPC.

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Issue Accounting Officer or Independent Review reports in the firm's name.

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Expand with partners and specialist directors.

  • Under the Companies Act: 

    • Professional firms may only register as Incorporated Companies (Inc.), not as (Pty) Ltds. 

    • In an Inc., all directors are personally liable for professional work — exactly as with attorneys or medical practices. 

    • This balances firm recognition with accountability, ensuring public trust. 

    Example: Smith, Mokoena & Partners Inc. — a CIBA-registered practice with its own practice number. 

    • Sign reports as a firm — Independent Reviews, Accounting Officer reports, and other statutory sign-offs. 

    • Add partners — each with their own CIBA designation and specialist area (tax, advisory, valuations, BRP). 

    • Scale your brand — build a practice identity beyond your personal name. 

    • Win more clients — funders and corporates prefer Incorporated practices. 

    1. Hold a CIBA Designation (CBAP or higher). 

    2. Form an Incorporated Company (Inc.) at CIPC. 

    3. Directors = CIBA-designated professionals. 

    4. All directors remain personally liable for their work. 

    5. Apply to CIBA for a Practice Number. 


      Approval = your firm is recognised, and you can trade, sign reports, and expand. 

Support & Resources 

  • Guide: How to Register an Inc. with CIPC 

  • Template: Standard Practice Constitution 

  • CPD: Running a Multi-Partner Practice 

  • Annual: Practice Management Conference 

Need help choosing the right structure?

Book a call with Practice Support

FAQs 

  • A: Only if you operate as a sole practitioner. For any firm or partnership, you need a practice number. 

  • A: Yes, only CIBA-recognised professionals may be directors in an Incorporated Practice. 

  • A: No. New professional firms must be Incorporated Companies (Inc.). CCs are historic only; Pty Ltds are not allowed for professional practices