
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.)
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:
Register your practice as an Incorporated Company (XYZ Accountants Inc) with CIPC.
Issue Accounting Officer or Independent Review reports in the firm's name.
Expand with partners and specialist directors.
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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.
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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.
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Hold a CIBA Designation (CBAP or higher).
Form an Incorporated Company (Inc.) at CIPC.
Directors = CIBA-designated professionals.
All directors remain personally liable for their work.
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?
FAQs
Q: Can I use my personal designation number instead of a practice number?
A: Only if you operate as a sole practitioner. For any firm or partnership, you need a practice number.
Q: Do all directors in an Inc. need CIBA designations?
A: Yes, only CIBA-recognised professionals may be directors in an Incorporated Practice.
Q: Can I still register a CC or Pty Ltd?
A: No. New professional firms must be Incorporated Companies (Inc.). CCs are historic only; Pty Ltds are not allowed for professional practices.