Examinations
“SAICA is carefully monitoring COVID-19 for any new developments relating to its impacts on examinations. Our priority is to protect the health and well-being of candidates and staff. We recommend checking the page on a regular basis.”
“SAICA is carefully monitoring COVID-19 for any new developments relating to its impacts on examinations. Our priority is to protect the health and well-being of candidates and staff. We recommend checking the page on a regular basis.”
Background
Candidates will write the April 2021 ITC in-person at multiple examination venues across the country, in the usual cities/towns where examination centers were held in the past (in some cases internationally approved venues will be used). SAICA have spent considerable time ensuring that, to the extent possible, all necessary health and safety protocols are put in place at each venue. Your health and safety is our primary concern. Each candidate will be assigned a desk for the duration of the examination. Candidates will have access to washrooms that will be frequently cleaned. Every effort will be made, where it is possible to do so, to accommodate candidates with co-morbidities for an in-person exam.
As a condition of writing the ITC, SAICA requires candidates and the invigilation staff (including volunteers) prior to the date of the exam to:
ITC candidates and invigilators who decline to sign the waiver will not be permitted entry to the April 2021 ITC.
In addition to the above two documents which need to be completed by 31 March 2021 from the beginning of April 2021, all individuals (candidates and invigilators) who will be at the April 2021 ITC venues are required to complete a weekly health questionnaire / update of health status. SAICA will send this declaration once a week for the two weeks leading up to the ITC. This is to confirm that there has been no change to your response to the initial survey and vulnerability assessment between the 31 March and 14 April 2021. The declaration will include the following questions:
Since you last submitted a response:
We find ourselves in significantly challenging and difficult times: a constantly changing world which is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. With these uncertain circumstances we all need to rapidly adapt to change. Like many other organizations, SAICA finds itself in the position of having to make some very difficult decisions, particularly about the upcoming SAICA professional examinations.
SAICA has to date wrestled with determining the best possible way forward. When the President clarified the different levels of lockdown for the country in 2020, SAICA was able to begin objectively evaluating and weighing up options. With the President clarifying the different lockdown levels for South Africa (as based on scientific facts), SAICA proceeded to evaluate the best possible way forward for the ITC and APC in 2021. The President has set out five levels that will be applied on a national level as well as on separate levels for each province, district and metro in the country to ensure that government’s response to the pandemic can be as precise and targeted as possible. The National Coronavirus Command Council is expected to determine the alert level based on an assessment of the various regional infection rates and the capacity of South Africa’s health system to provide care to those who need it.
Further, the Minister of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and Minister of Basic Education outlined their plans for the sector last week, and this has enabled SAICA to make reasonable predictions on the impact COVID-19 will have on the professional exams.
It is Important to note:
Other factors that need to be taken into account:
SAICA’s IPD Committee has approved changes to exam dates based on the following:
The revised and approved dates are set out as follows:
Exam name | Previous dates published | Current Exam date as approved by SAICA’s IPD Committee | Proposed exam results release date |
ITC 2020 (2nd sitting) |
24 & 25 June 2020 | 18 & 19 November 2020 | 26 February 2021 |
APC 2020 | 18 November 2020 | 17 December 2020 | 23 April 2021 |
ITC 2021 (1st sitting) |
27 & 28 January 2021 | 14 & 15 April 2021 | 18 June 2021 |
ITC 2021 (2nd sitting) |
23 & 24 June 2021 | 1 & 2 September 2021 | 5 November 2021 |
APC 2021 | 17 November 2021 | 1 December 2021 | As per normal Mid-February 2022 |
ITC 2022 (1st sitting) |
26 & 27 January 2022 | No change as yet to be reviewed on a regular basis depending on how circumstances change | Depends when exam is written |
Caution: While the above dates have been based on what was known at the time, it is SAICA’s intention to commit to the dates provided unless absolutely necessary. As more clarity is provided or if circumstances change (i.e. levels of lockdown, etc.), we may be forced to change the dates provided. The situation will be reviewed regularly and communication sent as soon as any updates are available.
Conclusion: We are on this journey together and SAICA will make every effort to ensure that the changes made resulting from by the COVID-19 pandemic cause as little disruption as possible. Every reasonable effort will be made to support candidates during these challenging times. Should you have any comment on the proposed changes kindly communicate this to mandio@saica.co.za or janinec@saica.co.za. A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document will also be posted shortly on the SAICA website.
Your understanding of the unique circumstances that have caused these changes as well as well as the necessity for the proposed changes is highly appreciated.
Preparing for this important examination takes a tremendous amount of effort, persistence and time. SAICA recognizes candidates’ drive to complete this milestone while also having concerns about their health and safety to reach this goal. As a result, SAICA, in consultation with public health authorities, is implementing extraordinary measures to protect the health and safety of everyone attending the April 2021 ITC. We have completed a thorough assessment of the risks and are confident that, with these measures in place, we are able to provide a safe environment that will effectively reduce the spread of COVID-19 at the ITC.
However, given the highly contagious nature of COVID-19, it is impossible to eliminate the risk of contracting the virus entirely. For those candidates who choose to write the April 2021 ITC, the waiver ensures that those candidates understand, acknowledge, and accept the risks associated with COVID-19 as a condition of writing the ITC. Once candidates have reviewed the safety measures, they should read the waiver and submit the acknowledgment to SAICA by no later than 31 March 2021.
ITC candidates who decline to sign the waiver will not be permitted to write the April 2021 ITC and will need to defer to the ITC scheduled for 01 & 02 September. Candidates need to be aware that this deferral still count towards an attempt. At this time, there are no guarantees that the public health situation will be different in September 2021. If candidates prefer not to write the exam in September 2021 they may transfer the exam fee paid to the September sitting, however SAICA need to be notified of this prior to the 14th of April 2021, to ensure that arrangements are not made for writing.
If tested positive ON or BEFORE 4 April and you are ASYMPTOMATIC from Monday 12th April, you may write the exam. SAICA will require that you have letter from your Doctor indicating when you were diagnosed with COVID-19 and that you no longer demonstrate any symptoms. There is no need for a repeat test as they may show up positive due to residual viral RNA in your system. According to the medical profession you are no longer infectious after 10 days, should you no longer have symptoms. Antigen test is also not going to give any guarantee.
If still SYMPTOMATIC on the 12th of April, then you cannot write.
If tested positive AFTER 4 April, then you cannot write as you have to be in isolation.
If you answer ‘Yes’ to any of the pre-screening questions, you can contact us at itc@saica.co.za to confirm the process going forward.
Yes, however this process is brief and invigilators will have masks at all time and aim to remain 1.5m during the verification process.
All invigilators, similar to candidates, will need to wear face masks at all times, including continuously sanitizing and washing of hands, before, during and after interaction with candidates at registration and handing out of materials. In addition, all invigilators would have signed the same waivers and declarations as candidates in relation to COVID-19 safety precautions.
As with previous ITCs, if you complete Day 1 but are unable to complete Day 2; you will forfeit the exam, as it is not possible to pass without writing Day 2. You will therefore need to defer to the ITC in September 2021, should you have remaining writing opportunities.
All students will have to wear a mask whilst writing. Some venues accept the use of shields, however most do not allow entry unless you wear a mask. Unfortunately, due to using venues for exam purposes, Candidates need to abide by the policy of the venue. Suggestion would be to bring both and should a venue allow for only face shield, which can then be worn while writing only. Entry and registration need a mask.
Candidates who are caught lying on any declaration will face serious consequences. Candidates that arrive at the venue not aware they have the virus should not pose a risk if everyone observe the safety protocols of masks at all times, sanitizing hands and maintain 1.5m from every interaction. It is highly unlikely that someone with the virus would be infectious if they are not showing any symptoms.
Yes, for the moment there is no need for a staggered start time. Should this change, candidates will be notified ahead of the time.
Day 1, session 1 is the most onerous in terms of finding your way, traffic, registration etc. It is therefore our recommendation to get to the venue as early as 6:30am.
Should any candidate experience an issue during the exam, a candidate will need to put up their hand and a designated invigilator for that area will approach and hear the issue and aim to address it.
Should you be unable to write the April ITC 2021, you will unfortunately forfeit one of your six opportunities to write the ITC. Should you have writing opportunities left, you will be eligible to write September ITC in 2021. Refer to the ITC regulations on eligibility (regulation 5.6)
Contact us at itc@saica.co.za, to see if we are able to assist you.
SAICA has and will make a tremendous effort to implement and observe the necessary safety protocols to prevent any spread of COVID-19, which is prone to a public setting which does not. Should a candidates feel unsafe, regardless of the measures taken, the waiver is clear on the matter and the candidate need to decide on the options available. Should you have any specific concerns, please contact itc@saica.co.za
A letter from your doctor will be required to confirm that the COVID-like symptoms experienced is not related to COVID-19. The declarations need to be completed as such and immediate confirmation sent to itc@saica.co.za
The risk assessment/ vulnerability questionnaire intention is to identify those candidates that are medically identified as more vulnerable to COVID-19. SAICA will aim to make necessary arrangements for such candidates, once the condition is confirmed.
You will be required to wear a face mask at all times. (From the time you enter the venue premises to the time you leave the venue premises)
When you arrive at the examination venue, you will need to be wearing your own face mask (SACA will not be providing face masks to exam candidates).
You will also be allowed to bring your own hand sanitizer. SAICA will provide you with a small container of hand sanitiser at your desk which you can use at your discretion.
In order to minimize risks, less than 250 candidates will be writing at any allocated building. There might be staggered start times and arrival processes will be in place to prevent congestion. Registration lines will require you to ensure safe distancing between you and the next candidate.
As of October 2020 the following is in place:
We are constantly monitoring the situation across the country and if necessary additional measures maybe added.
In addition to the measures described above, candidates will be required, as a condition of writing the November 2020 ITC, to confirm in advance that neither they, nor anyone in their household:
Personal protection equipment (including face masks) will be required to be worn / used by each candidate and invigilator on each day of the ITC. Candidates and invigilators will be required to wear such personal protection equipment when in the common areas of the building.
To maintain physical distancing guidelines, start times might be staggered, as needed, to minimize the number of candidates entering and exiting the venue at the same time. Advised arrival times will be provided to candidates in advance of the examination.
Please be advised that the following Board Courses are recognised by SAICA should you elect to defer your April ITC attempt to September (see communication issued on 11 March 2021 on the special dispensation for repeat candidates who still have at least one attempt left to write the ITC).
More information about each programme is attached for your information. Please contact the Board Course provider directly should you have any further questions about their programme.
Please note that it is the candidates responsibility to register for and complete the their selected Board Course, as well as meet that Board Course providers requirements for completion
The revised and approved dates are as follows:
Exam name | Current exam date as published | Confirmed:
New exam date as approved by SAICA’s IPD Committee |
Proposed:
Exam results release date |
Proposed:
Registration Dates |
ITC June 2020
(2nd sitting) |
24 & 25 June 2020 | 18 & 19 November 2020 | 26 February 2021 | Transfer existing registrations to new date and suspend current registrations, reopen 1st September (1 Sept – 26 Oct 2020) |
APC November 2020 | 18 November 2020 | 17 December 2020 | 23 April 2021 | 1 October 2020 – 15 November 2020 |
ITC January 2021
(1st sitting)
|
27 & 28 January 2021 | 10 & 11 March
OR 14 & 15 April 2021 (These dates are provisional see **NOTE 1**) |
18 June 2021 | 5 Jan – 28 Feb 2021
OR 8 Feb – 26 Mar 2021 |
ITC June 2021
(2nd sitting) |
ITC 23 & 24 June 2021 | 1 & 2 September 2021 | 5 November 2021 | 23 June – 6 August 2021 |
APC November 2021 | APC 17 November 2021 | 1 December 2021 | As per normal Mid-February 2022 | 7 Sept – 12 November 2021 |
ITC January 2022
(1st sitting) |
ITC 26 & 27 January 2022 | No change has been discussed as yet and this will be reviewed on a regular basis and may change depending on how circumstances change | Depends when exam is written | Registration Dates TBC |
**NOTE 1**: Regarding the provisional dates for ITC January 2021 deferral
Given the extent of the uncertainty around the 2020 academic calendar at universities (exam and supplementary exam dates), SAICA has agreed to consult further with academics and training officers on the impact of the change in date. Two dates, which are provisional, are provided in order to assist universities with their planning. The final decision on the date will, therefore, not be provided at this stage, however, we hope to stick to one of the two dates provided.
There are a variety of reasons why SAICA has decided to move the dates for the 2020 and 2021 sittings of the ITC and APC assessments. These include, among others:
There are also some benefits to postponing all exam sittings including the fact that due to lockdown restrictions, APC candidates may have lost out on some of the practical experience they need to gain during their training contract, delaying the APC exam will give them an opportunity to gain further practical experience needed to develop the competencies. It will also allow the Professional Programme Provider and opportunity to conduct proper summative (final) venue based assessments.
Following the President’s announcement on the five levels of lockdown that will see South Africa get back to normal, as well as clarification from the Minister of Higher Education and Training and the Minister of Basic Education SAICA’s Initial Professional Development (IPD) Committee met twice and rigorously debated the best way forward for both ITC and APC candidates. A number of different options were considered before coming to the current and final revision to exam dates for 2020 and 2021.
SAICA aimed, through its first communication (8 May 2020), to give as much certainty to all stakeholders regarding examination dates, as possible. We therefore intend to stick to the exam dates as set out above (Q1). Based on the necessary planning, resources, etc. that go into resourcing and administering an exam of this nature, moving the exam dates earlier than November is highly unlikely.
Where dates could change is if, for example, it becomes known that the November ITC sitting cannot be offered (e.g. extended lockdown level 5 still in place). Dates may not be earlier but under extreme circumstances could be moved later. (We really hope for this not to be the case)
Due the postponement of the June ITC to November 2020, if you have already registered and paid, this (registration and payment) will be transferred to the new date.
Due the postponement of the June ITC to November 2020, candidates who have not yet paid should make this payment by no later than 30 September 2020.
SAICA is engaging with providers of the ITC repeat programme to discuss how best these courses can be revised to accommodate the change to the exam date. Each repeat course provider will communicate directly to candidates in this regard.
Yes, on condition that the concession was not awarded for a temporary disability. Confirmation, if not sure, can be requested from itc@saica.co.za. Only applications for new conditions/diagnosis after October 2019, will be considered for evaluation by the special concession panel, subject to potentially requiring more testing to be done.
The syllabus applicable for the June ITC 2020, will be the same for the November ITC 2020, no changes will be implemented to the coverage of the curriculum.
These deadlines for request to access to information will remain in place however, SAICA can only scan and email these once the SAICA offices open up to allow access to the scripts. SAICA is working on obtaining access to its office to deliver on back dated requests as soon as possible.
SAICA is engaging with providers of the APC repeat programme to discuss how best these courses can be revised to accommodate the change to the exam date. Each repeat course provider will communicate directly to candidates in this regard.
The minimum requirement of 20 months will not change but the period will be calculated up to the day before the revised APC date. SAICA will confirm all candidate’s’ eligibility by calculating the number of months served up to the 16 February 2021. Candidates who are eligible to write the APC in February 2021 must have:
Under normal circumstances, APC results are usually released in the middle of February each year. Therefore, on receipt of a successful APC result (and assuming the training contract has been discharged), the registration as a CA(SA) member will be delayed by 2.5 months. Based on the suggested changes in the APC dates, we anticipate the results would only be available towards the end of April. This unfortunately further impacts a person who has had their training contract discharged prior to this by another two months. SAICA is unable to release the results earlier (due to the rigour and length of the marking processes) and this is one of the unintended consequence of the changes to exam dates.
Successful completion of the ITC is one of the requirements to be eligible to write the APC. Some candidates, having successfully completed ITC, are eligible to sit APC within the same calendar year as passing the June ITC (due to the 20-month time served under a training contract). Some prospective APC candidates may even already have completed their training contacts.
SAICA acknowledge that the results of the November ITC, due to be released end of February, will result in ITC candidates who may be successful following the November 2020 sitting, will not be able to write the APC in February 2021 given the timing of the ITC November results. They are still able to write the APC at the end of 2021.
We appreciate that these candidates will find this situation unfair.
New Exam Date | Proposed Results Release | |
ITC June 2020
(2nd sitting) |
18 & 19 November 2020 | 26 February 2021 |
APC November 2020 | 17 February 2021 | 23 April 2021 |
The above decisions were made based on the information available to SAICA at this time as well as the high level of uncertainty as to when we will be allowed to continue with professional exams activity. (Please note the exam itself extends beyond just writing the exam. Activities include: Printing exam papers; Secure storage of printed materials and scripts; Finding suitable venues; Finding invigilators that are suitable and not at a higher risk; Finding markers who are available; Being able to manage the required social distancing requirements for markers at the mark centre.)
Further, and probably more importantly, the health and well-being of students aligned to the overarching intention of the regulations associated with the various lockdown levels was considered in making these decisions.
In this regard, our starting point was when was the earliest we could possibly consider, safely running the second ITC sitting (June ITC) as our priority. As the most likely time to do this is November, we are prioritising the ITC June 2020 exam so that it can still be written in 2020. This, in turn, has a knock on effect on the timing of the APC and therefore this exam in turn has been moved out to February 2020.
Based on the safety and health protocols, the marking will not be able to be conducted on the same basis as before, hence the marking can only be done (with the same high level and robust manner) over a longer period, enabling SAICA to only release November ITC results end of February 2021.
Further, to enable SAICA to run a ITC for the current 2020 University students, SAICA would need to run the first ITC for 2020 cohort as early as possible to when it is anticipated to be the end of the academic year, which within the limitation of SAICA resources can only be done March or April, leaving the only time to write the APC is February.
SAICA has also decided that it would be in the best interest of currently eligible APC candidates not to defer the exam by later than February 2021.
In summary, SAICA is unable to release the results of the November ITC earlier or defer the APC exam to a later date, which will enable successful ITC November candidates to write the APC February. These candidates will be able to prepare for the 2021 during 2021 and write this at the normal time (which is planned for two weeks later than the current timing).
Please refer to the detail in the questions above. SAICA unfortunately cannot offer the APC earlier or later than February 2021, due to the decision to run the second ITC sitting in November 2021. We also need to allow the Professional Programme Providers the opportunity to fully complete their professional programme, which includes having a venue based final assessment.
Please refer to our responses to the questions above.
SAICA currently have a venue in London (UK) which can possible be expanded to cater for more candidates in this area.
SAICA is willing to investigate the feasibility of having an exam venue in the country/city where you are based. This could, however, have further cost implications and will need to be investigated on a case by case basis. Please contact APC@saica.co.za should you be impacted.