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1. Referencing Your Designation in Documents  

2. Quick Overview  

Your CIBA designation represents more than your qualification, it’s proof of your professional integrity, CPD compliance, and ethical conduct. Using it correctly strengthens your personal brand and supports CIBA’s SAQA-recognised credibility. Incorrect use or misuse of designations while not in good standing can lead to disciplinary action and reputational damage.

Step-by-step guide to using your CIBA designation correctly in professional documents.  

3. Step-by-Step Instructions  

  • Check your membership status. Confirm that you are in good standing — fees paid, CPD logged, and annual declarations submitted.

  • Use the official designation format. Refer to your exact CIBA-registered title (e.g., Chartered Business Accountant in Practice (Chartered BAP or CBAC)

  • Add it correctly. Place your designation immediately after your name on reports, proposals, invoices, CVs, and other professional documents.

  • Include in your email signature. Add your designation next to your name and, where applicable, include the CIBA member logo or digital badge.

  • Avoid inventing or mixing titles. Only use the official abbreviation or full title as listed by CIBA — no alterations or combinations with unrelated credentials.

  • Follow the CIBA Member Brand Guide. Ensure the formatting, placement, and font comply with official branding standards.

4. What You’ll Need

  • Active CIBA membership in good standing.

  • Knowledge of your official designation title and abbreviation.

  • CIBA Member Brand Guide (available via accounts.myciba.org).

  • Professional documents where your designation will appear (emails, invoices, proposals, CVs, reports).

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid  

  • Using your designation while suspended

    → Wait until your membership is reinstated before referencing it.

  • Incorrect abbreviation

    → Use only official CIBA-approved abbreviations (e.g., CBAP, CBAC, CBKP).

  • Combining unapproved titles

    → Avoid mixing your designation with unrelated or misleading titles.

  • Over-stylising

    → Follow the standard layout and presentation rules in the Brand Guide — simple, clear, and professional.

6. Why This Matters

  • CIBA designations are legally recognised markers of competence under SAQA.

  • Misuse or unauthorised use can mislead clients, employers, or regulators.

  • CIBA regularly monitors designation usage to ensure alignment with ethics and recognition standards.

  • Consistent and accurate referencing enhances both your personal brand and the collective reputation of all CIBA members.

7. Related Resources 

  • CIBA Member Brand Guide 

  • How to Display Your Designation 

  • CIBA Code of Ethics 

8. Need More Help? 

  • Your Professional Portfolio Consultant (PPC): Find under Current Membership in your CIBA profile. 

  • Membership Support: Log a Ticket (select category Designation Usage or Branding)