Training Contract Exemption Assessment

Section 25 of the SAICA Training Regulations allows for a process of exemption from being under a training contract where comparable relevant experience has been gained outside of the SAICA training programme. This may include experience partially obtained within the training programme. The TCEA does not guarantee membership, it is purpose is to recognise prior learning gained through practical experience outside SAICA’s training contract.
Training Regulations

SAICA recognises that not all aspiring accountants have had the opportunity to follow the traditional qualification route towards AGA(SA) or CA(SA). However, many graduates have gained relevant practical experience in the workplace, developing competencies comparable to those developed within the SAICA training programme and which are required for these designations.

The Training Contract Exemption Assessment (TCEA) provides a mechanism for individuals to have their prior practical experience assessed towards possible exemption from the training contract component of the qualification route to AGA(SA) or CA(SA).

The TCEA has been updated to align to SAICA’s CA of the Future Competency Framework, the TCEA Implementation Principles and Processes Document.

TCEA Implementation Principles and Processes Document

Other applicable régulations.

Candidates who intend to write APC, will be required to have been “exempted” by the assessment to be granted an exemption status as required by the APC Regulations. For further information please refer to the APC Regulations

To get more information and overview of the TCEA and the assessment process please click here to register for an information session.”

Videos:

Corroborator:

Corroborator Manual

Sponsor

Sponsor Guide

Application for exemption from training under a training contract is available to individuals who are not currently serving under a SAICA training contract. To be eligible to apply for the TCEA, please see Part C – Eligibility and Practical Experience in Implementation Principle and Processes Document.

Individuals seeking to apply for the TCEA are required to express their interest by registering for the TCEA to have their eligibility assessed. No individual will be able to apply for the TCEA without confirmation of eligibility from SAICA.

As part of the expression of interest, individuals are required to complete and submit the following Application Form. Those intending to complete the form are required to have watched the video guidance and read the guidance documents (please see TCEA Material Resources).

Expression of Interest Opening

01 – 16 October 2026

Confirmation of Eligibility

By 30 October

All applicants who have expressed their interest to apply for the TCEA will be informed through e-mail of the outcomes of the eligibility review.

The eligibility review is conducted to determine whether the prospective applicant meets the eligibility requirements to apply for exemption from the SAICA Training Contract via the TCEA.

Expression of Interest dates and times will be communicated by SAICA on the website and may change from time to time.

Individuals are required to comply with application requirements as determined from time to time by SAICA

Eligible Applicants	Upon confirmation of eligibility, SAICA will provide individuals with the following forms and templates must be submitted for purposes of the application: Sponsor Form. Corroborator Form. Template A – Technical CV Template B – Demonstration of PVAA Learning Outcomes and Template C – Ethics Declaration.
Compulsory Group Guidance Sessions	Applicants may be required to attend compulsory guidance sessions as a pre-requisite for submitting the application. Further voluntary sessions may be requested at an additional fee. All eligible applicants will be informed of the dates for the guidance sessions.
Submission Date	26 February 2027 Applicants are required to submit all of the forms and templates by the relevant submission deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered or accepted. Applicants experiencing difficulties in completing any part of the submission are encouraged to contact SAICA for guidance well in advance of the submission deadline.
Submission	Please use the following to submit: Submission
Deposit	R2000 Applicants who are found to be eligible to apply may be required to pay a non-refundable deposit, the amount which is determined annually by SAICA and published and communicated on the SAICA website. This deposit is specific to a given submission period and cannot be transferred to subsequent submission periods. Eligible applicants who are intending to apply will be provided with an invoice.
Fees	R30000 Before the submission date, applicants will be required to settle the invoice and provide proof of payment alongside the submission.