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CPD Requirements for Accounting Professionals

Last updated: 1 Mar 2026

Controlling Body
Various (SAICA, SAIPA, IRBA, ACCA, CIMA, FPI, SAIT)
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Duration
Ongoing (annual requirement)
Salary Range
N/A — CPD is a maintenance requirement, not an income-generating qualification

What is CPD?

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a mandatory requirement for all registered accounting and finance professionals in South Africa. Whether you are a CA(SA), PA(SA), RA, ACCA, CIMA, CFP, or tax practitioner, your controlling body requires you to complete a minimum number of CPD hours each year to maintain your designation. CPD ensures that professionals stay current with changes in legislation, accounting standards, tax law, and best practices. Activities that count towards CPD include attending seminars, completing online courses, writing professional articles, mentoring, and structured workplace learning. Non-compliance can result in suspension of your designation or removal from the professional register.

CPD Requirements by Body

  1. 1

    SAICA (CA(SA))

    Annual
    Minimum 20 verifiable CPD hours per year. Must include structured learning activities relevant to your role. SAICA does not prescribe a fixed total — members must apply a reflective approach and ensure CPD is relevant to their competency needs.
  2. 2

    SAIPA (PA(SA))

    Per 3-year cycle
    Minimum 40 CPD hours per rolling 3-year period, with at least 20 hours being verifiable. Must include topics relevant to accounting, tax, or business advisory.
  3. 3

    IRBA (Registered Auditors)

    Annual
    Minimum 20 verifiable CPD hours per year for auditors in public practice. Must include topics on auditing standards, ethics, and audit methodology. IRBA may conduct compliance reviews.
  4. 4

    ACCA

    Annual
    Minimum 40 CPD units per year, of which at least 21 must be verifiable. ACCA members must submit an annual CPD declaration. Topics must be relevant to your role and career development.
  5. 5

    CIMA (CGMA)

    Annual
    Minimum 40 CPD hours per year, with at least 20 hours being verifiable. Topics must span professional, technical, and business skills. CIMA members complete an annual CPD cycle via the online portal.
  6. 6

    FPI (CFP®)

    Annual
    Minimum 35 CPD hours per year, of which at least 18 must be FPI-approved verifiable activities. Must include hours on ethics and financial planning competencies.
  7. 7

    SAIT (Tax Practitioners)

    Annual
    Minimum of verifiable CPD hours as specified by SAIT — typically 20 hours per year. Must include tax-specific topics. SAIT reports compliance to SARS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don't complete my CPD?
Failure to meet CPD requirements can result in your controlling body suspending or cancelling your professional membership and designation. For tax practitioners, non-compliance may affect your SARS registration. Most bodies provide a grace period or remediation process, but persistent non-compliance leads to de-registration.
What activities count as verifiable CPD?
Verifiable CPD activities include: attending professional seminars and conferences, completing online courses from approved providers, university or postgraduate study, writing professional articles or research papers, presenting at conferences, and some structured workplace training. Unverifiable CPD includes general reading, informal learning, and self-study without certification.
Can I complete my CPD online?
Yes. All major controlling bodies (SAICA, SAIPA, ACCA, CIMA, FPI, SAIT) accept online CPD activities from approved providers. Many bodies offer their own online CPD platforms. Webinars, e-learning courses, and virtual conferences all count towards verifiable CPD hours.

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