Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) is one of the most respected career paths in South Africa. But for many aspiring accountants, the terms PGDA and CTA can be confusing.
- Are they the same?
- Do you need both?
- And how do they fit into the SAICA CA(SA) qualification path?
This article breaks down everything you need to know — from what the CA journey looks like to how long it takes and how REGENT Business School’s Accounting Postgraduate Diploma can help you reach your goals.
Are CTA and PGDA the same?
The PGDA vs CTA South Africa debate is mostly about naming rather than content.
This is because the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) and the Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) are essentially the same qualification. Both are designed to meet the Initial Test of Competence (ITC) entry requirements set by SAICA.
Different universities simply use different names. While one institution may call it a CTA, another, like REGENT Business School, may refer to it as a PGDA.
Essentially, both serve the same purpose: preparing students for the first SAICA board exam and fulfilling a key step toward the CA(SA) designation.
What is the CA journey?
The Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) qualification path is one of the most structured and respected career routes in South Africa.
It’s carefully designed by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) to ensure that every qualified CA(SA) has a strong foundation in both academic knowledge and practical experience.
Becoming a CA(SA) involves three key stages: academic studies, professional exams, and hands-on training.
1. Academic qualification:
Your CA journey begins with a SAICA-accredited undergraduate degree. This is usually a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounting (NQF Level 7) qualification. This degree provides the essential grounding in financial accounting, taxation, auditing, and management accounting.
After completing your undergraduate degree, the next step is to enrol in a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting or Certificate in the Theory of Accounting. Both are NQF Level 8 qualifications.
This year of postgraduate study focuses on advanced accounting theory, complex financial reporting, and applied auditing and tax.
Most importantly, the PGDA/CTA satisfies the Initial Test of Competence entry requirements, meaning it qualifies you to write the first professional board exam.
2. Professional exams:
Once you’ve completed your PGDA/CTA, you’ll move on to SAICA’s two board exams:
- The Initial Test of Competence (ITC): This exam tests your understanding of accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management at an advanced level. Passing it demonstrates that you have mastered the academic foundations needed for professional practice.
- The Assessment of Professional Competence (APC): After gaining work experience, you’ll write the APC — the final step to the CA(SA) designation. This exam focuses less on theory and more on applying your knowledge in real-world business scenarios, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making.
These two exams together ensure that every CA(SA) meets the highest international standards of professional competence.
3. Practical training:
In parallel with or after completing your studies, you’ll need to complete a Chartered Accountant Training Contract (a structured internship) that typically lasts three years.
During this time, you’ll work at a SAICA-registered training office, often an auditing or accounting firm, where you’ll gain real-world experience in financial reporting, auditing, tax, and management.
You’ll also learn leadership, communication, and business strategy, the kind of skills that prepare you for senior roles like Financial Director, CFO, or CEO.
This practical phase is vital because it bridges the gap between theory and practice. It’s where aspiring CAs develop professional judgment, client-handling abilities, and the confidence to make complex financial decisions.
This journey combines theory, exams, and real-world experience to produce trusted financial experts and business leaders.
How many years does it take to complete CTA/PGDA?
The PGDA/CTA typically takes one year of full-time study after completing your undergraduate accounting degree.
However, the full CA(SA) route usually takes about seven years in total:
- 3 years for your undergraduate degree (BCom Accounting)
- 1 year for your PGDA/CTA
- 3 years for your training contract
Some students may take longer if they study part-time or repeat exams. While it’s a long journey, it’s one that pays off, both in reputation and career opportunities.
Does REGENT Business School’s Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting satisfy the SAICA requirement?
Yes! The REGENT Business School SAICA-accredited PGDA is designed to meet the academic requirements for the Initial Test of Competence.
This means graduates are eligible to sit for the ITC (the first SAICA board exam) upon successful completion of the programme.
REGENT’s Accounting Postgraduate Diploma offers flexible, online learning to accommodate working professionals and students who prefer studying at their own pace.
The programme not only builds advanced accounting knowledge but also sharpens analytical, ethical, and decision-making skills, all vital for success in the CA(SA) qualification path.
FAQ
What if my undergraduate BCom was not SAICA-accredited? Can I still pursue the PGDA/CTA?
Yes, but you’ll likely need to complete bridging or conversion courses to meet SAICA’s requirements before entering a PGDA/CTA programme. It’s best to contact the institution for guidance on your specific case.
Can I work full-time while studying for the PGDA/CTA?
It’s challenging but possible. Many universities, including REGENT, offer flexible online options so that employed students can balance work and study. However, due to the demanding nature of the content, part-time students may take longer to complete the path.
Do I need to complete my PGDA before starting my training contract?
Yes, in most cases. You must complete your PGDA/CTA before you can register a training contract with a SAICA-approved training office.
What career opportunities open up specifically after achieving the CA(SA) designation?
After completing all requirements and earning your CA(SA) title, you can pursue roles such as:
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Auditor
- Tax Specialist
- Financial Manager
- CEO
- Some CAs also move into consulting or entrepreneurship
Study a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting with REGENT
By completing a SAICA-accredited Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, you open the door to one of the most respected and globally recognised business careers.
From mastering complex financial principles to gaining real-world experience through your Chartered Accountant Training Contract, every stage builds your expertise and credibility.
With the REGENT Business School SAICA-accredited PGDA, you can take this next step confidently — supported by distance learning options, experienced lecturers, and a learning model designed to fit around your life.
