CPD Requirements
for Accounting Professionals
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 y...
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
SAICA (CA(SA))
AnnualMinimum 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.
SAIPA (PA(SA))
Per 3-year cycleMinimum 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.
IRBA (Registered Auditors)
AnnualMinimum 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.
ACCA
AnnualMinimum 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.
CIMA (CGMA)
AnnualMinimum 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.
FPI (CFP®)
AnnualMinimum 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.
SAIT (Tax Practitioners)
AnnualMinimum 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?
What activities count as verifiable CPD?
Can I complete my CPD online?
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