Support Centre

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1. Transferring Independent Reviewer (IR) Rights to CIBA

Transfer your Independent Reviewer (IR) status to CIBA - keep your IR status uninterrupted

2. What You Need to Know

  • IR signing rights do not transfer automatically; you’ll apply for IR status with CIBA.

  • If you select Chartered Business Accountant in Practice Plus, note it includes Tax and Independent Review licenses; otherwise, apply for the specific licenses you need. 

3. Why It Matters to You

  • Keep your earning power: Your Independent Review (IR) signing rights enable you to continue offering and billing for review engagements under your CIBA membership - ensuring no interruption to your revenue stream.

  • Preserve your professional credibility: Maintaining IR status through CIBA confirms to clients, banks, and regulators that you remain a licensed, accountable professional operating under a trusted and recognised institution.

4. Step-by-step instructions 

  • Register your profile (CIBA Member Portal)

    • Create profile → upload ID/Passport and CV.

  • Obtain CIBA Membership: Associate (prerequisite)

    • Pay the CIBA Member: Associate fee → membership activates → prerequisite for any designation/license (including IR).

  • Apply for a Designation (Transfer Route)
    Upload general designation docs:

    • Qualifications

    • Professional Designation Certificate (proof of full membership at previous body)

    • Letter of Good Standing

    • Independent Reviewer certificate from previous professional body ≤ 6 months old

  • Make payment

    • Complete payment to move to verification/assessment.
      Note: If you hold/need licences, choose Designation PLUS to activate/manage IR Licence.

  • Verification & Assessment

    • Designation verification & assessment

    • Independent Reviewer License verification & assessment

  • Approval & Activation

    • Log in to your CIBA Membership profile:

          • Download your Designation/License(s) Certificate(s)

          • Access your CPD dashboard, digital badge and other rewards.

  • Resigning from your previous Professional Body

    • Resign only after CIBA designation and licenses are approved and activated.

    • Ensure all documents are submitted and the transfer is complete before the other membership ends.. 

5. What you’ll need

  • Recognised CIBA designation (in Practice where applicable)

  • CBAP Plus which includes licenses

  • Evidence of IR certification + recent CPD

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid (if applicable) 

  • Don’t: Expect automatic carry-over - Instead, do: complete the IR transfer to CIBA.

  • Don’t: Only updating your website - Instead, do: update all engagement letters and proposals once approved and incorporate your CIBA seals and certificates.

7. Related Resources

  • Requirements & Documentation Needed (D — Designations & Licences)

  • Upgrading Your Designation (D — Designations & Licences)

  • Using Professional Practice Guides (H — Using CIBA Services)

  • Professional Branding: (K - Displaying Your Chartered Status)

8. Need more help

Unsure about IR eligibility? Submit a Support Ticket with your IR background and evidence list.