CIMA-to-CA(SA) Pathway (For New CIMA Students)

Thinking about becoming a CA(SA) but not following the traditional university/CTA route? You can start with CIMA, build strong finance and business skills, and later convert to CA(SA) through SAICA’s official conversion route for fully qualified CIMA members. This page explains how the journey works, who it’s for, and how CHARTERQUEST supports you at every step.

Who is this pathway for?

• Aspiring Chartered Accountants (with an NQF L7 Qualification) who want a flexible, work-friendly route and intend to become CA(SA) eventually.

• Students with an NQF L7 qualification who did not pass the ITC board exam and want a second chance via CIMA.

• Graduates and working professionals (with NQF L7) who prefer management accounting and business decision-making first, then transition to statutory reporting, audit and assurance through SAICA later.

What is the CIMA → CA(SA) pathway?

Phase 1: With an NQF L7 Qualification, start your CIMA studies, Complete CIMA’s Practical Experience Requirements (PER): 3 years of verified, relevant finance experience and qualify up to ACMA, CGMA. You will gain deep skills in management accounting, performance management, strategy, and business partnering.

Phase 2: Once you are an ACMA, CGMA and hold a recognised bachelor’s degree (NQF L7) or SAQA-evaluated equivalent, you can use SAICA’s conversion route to sit the SAICA Professional Programme and APC exam. After passing the APC, you may register as a CA(SA) with SAICA (subject to their requirements).

Note: The SAICA conversion route is only available to CIMA members who are ACMA, CGMA (or FCMA, CGMA) and who are graduates, registered with CIMA via education, exams, and practical experience (not via other means).

Timing guide: Many learners complete CIMA + PER in 2–3 years while working, then take 6–12 months for the SAICA Professional Programme and APC. Timelines vary by individual circumstances, work experience, and exam sitting.

Eligibility Guide (for those planning to start with CIMA)

You can start CIMA at various entry points based on your prior education, choosing either the Self-tailored route or the CGMA FLP Pathway. You can check your entry level on the CIMA website using CIMA's exemptions calculator. Check your exemptions here.

Start your Classes with CharterQuest via your opted pathway. Learn the difference between the Self-tailored (traditional) route vs the CGMA FLP here.

To ultimately convert to CA(SA) via SAICA, plan for these milestones:

• Aim for ACMA, CGMA: You must become a full CIMA member (ACMA, CGMA or FCMA, CGMA) through CIMA’s education, exams, and PER.

• Hold a recognised bachelor’s degree: A South African bachelor’s degree at NQF Level 7 (minimum 3 years, 360+ credits), or A foreign qualification that SAQA evaluates as equivalent to a South African NQF 7 bachelor’s degree.

If you don’t have a degree yet, you cannot qualify to meet the requirements to convert to SAICA via CIMA!

When you are ready to convert to SAICA:

• SAICA will verify that you are ACMA, CGMA via a Letter of Good Standing from CIMA and that you are a graduate with an NQF L7 qualification.

• You must successfully complete a SAICA-accredited Professional Programme.

• You must pass the APC within three consecutive calendar years of completing the Professional Programme.

Tip : Keep a detailed record of roles, responsibilities, and supervisor attestations throughout your CIMA journey to evidence PER and later demonstrate competencies expected by SAICA.