Chartered Accountancy (CA)
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP)
Programme Overview
The Chartered Accountancy (CA) Qualification is the premier professional accountancy qualification offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP).
The qualification is designed to develop highly competent accounting and finance professionals with expertise in financial reporting, taxation, audit and assurance, management accounting, corporate reporting, business strategy, governance, sustainability, technology and data analytics.
ICAP’s Education Scheme 2025 represents a modernised structure of the CA qualification, incorporating emerging areas including artificial intelligence, data analytics, governance, ethics and sustainability while maintaining a strong focus on core professional accountancy competencies.
Qualification Structure
Under Education Scheme 2025, the CA pathway comprises the following major stages:
-
Qualifying Assessment Test (QAT)
Where applicable, candidates are required to pass the QAT before registration.
The QAT assesses:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Analytical Reasoning
Students meeting the prescribed academic eligibility criteria may be exempt from the QAT.
-
Pre-Requisite Competencies (PRC)
The PRC stage establishes the fundamental knowledge required before students progress to the Certificate in Accounting and Finance.
The PRC comprises:
- PRC 1 – Fundamentals of Accounting
- PRC 2 – Quantitative Analysis for Business
- PRC 3 – Business and Economic Insights
-
Certificate in Accounting and Finance (CAF)
The CAF stage develops the core technical competencies required for progression towards the professional stages of Chartered Accountancy.
The CAF comprises eight subjects:
| Code | Subject |
| CAF 1 | Financial Accounting and Reporting |
| CAF 2 | Taxation Principles and Compliance |
| CAF 3 | Data, Systems and Risks |
| CAF 4 | Business Law Dynamics |
| CAF 5 | Management Accounting |
| CAF 6 | Corporate Reporting |
| CAF 7 | Business Insights and Analysis |
| CAF 8 | Audit and Assurance Essentials |
Professional Recognition
Upon successful completion of the prescribed examinations, practical training and other requirements of ICAP, candidates become eligible for membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan and may use the professional designation Chartered Accountant (CA) in accordance with ICAP’s applicable regulations.
ICAP’s FAQ states that Chartered Accountancy is recognised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) as equivalent to a Master of Commerce (M.Com.) involving 16 years of schooling in Pakistan, subject to the applicable requirements.
Career Opportunities
The Chartered Accountancy qualification provides a strong professional foundation for careers in:
- Audit and Assurance
- Financial Reporting
- Taxation
- Corporate Finance
- Management Accounting
- Financial Management
- Risk Management
- Internal Audit
- Corporate Governance
- Business Advisory
- Investment and Financial Analysis
- Strategic Management
- Sustainability Reporting
- Data and Technology-enabled Finance
Professional Development
ICAP’s Education Scheme 2025 has been designed to ensure that future Chartered Accountants possess both traditional accountancy expertise and the modern competencies required by employers and businesses.
The revised curriculum places particular emphasis on technology, artificial intelligence, data analytics, sustainability, governance, ethics and strategic decision-making, alongside the core principles of accounting, audit, taxation and finance.
| Stage | Code | Module / Subject | Requirement / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Qualifying Assessment Test (QAT) | English Language | Required where applicable before registration | |
| 1. Qualifying Assessment Test (QAT) | Mathematics | Required where applicable before registration | |
| 1. Qualifying Assessment Test (QAT) | Analytical Reasoning | Required where applicable before registration | |
| 2. Pre-Requisite Competencies (PRC) | PRC 1 | Fundamentals of Accounting | Foundation stage |
| 2. Pre-Requisite Competencies (PRC) | PRC 2 | Quantitative Analysis for Business | Foundation stage |
| 2. Pre-Requisite Competencies (PRC) | PRC 3 | Business and Economic Insights | Foundation stage |
| 3. Certificate in Accounting and Finance (CAF) | CAF 1 | Financial Accounting and Reporting | Core technical competency |
| 3. Certificate in Accounting and Finance (CAF) | CAF 2 | Taxation Principles and Compliance | Core technical competency |
| 3. Certificate in Accounting and Finance (CAF) | CAF 3 | Data, Systems and Risks | Core technical competency |
| 3. Certificate in Accounting and Finance (CAF) | CAF 4 | Business Law Dynamics | Core technical competency |
| 3. Certificate in Accounting and Finance (CAF) | CAF 5 | Management Accounting | Core technical competency |
| 3. Certificate in Accounting and Finance (CAF) | CAF 6 | Corporate Reporting | Core technical competency |
| 3. Certificate in Accounting and Finance (CAF) | CAF 7 | Business Insights and Analysis | Core technical competency |
| 3. Certificate in Accounting and Finance (CAF) | CAF 8 | Audit and Assurance Essentials | Core technical competency |
| 4. Graduate Conversion Course (GCC) | Business Concept and Environment | Alternative pathway for eligible degree holders | |
| 4. Graduate Conversion Course (GCC) | Taxation Principles and Compliance | Alternative pathway for eligible degree holders | |
| 4. Graduate Conversion Course (GCC) | Management Accounting | Alternative pathway for eligible degree holders | |
| 4. Graduate Conversion Course (GCC) | Corporate Reporting | Alternative pathway for eligible degree holders | |
| 4. Graduate Conversion Course (GCC) | Audit and Assurance Essentials | Alternative pathway for eligible degree holders | |
| 5. Hands-on Courses | Presentation and Personal Effectiveness | Practical and professional skills | |
| 5. Hands-on Courses | MS Office for Business | Practical and professional skills | |
| 5. Hands-on Courses | English Communication Skills | Practical and professional skills | |
| 6. Certified Finance and Accounting Professional (CFAP) | Advanced Corporate Reporting | Professional stage | |
| 6. Certified Finance and Accounting Professional (CFAP) | Corporate Laws and Governance | Professional stage | |
| 6. Certified Finance and Accounting Professional (CFAP) | Sustainability Reporting and Assurance | Professional stage | |
| 6. Certified Finance and Accounting Professional (CFAP) | Strategic Business Finance | Professional stage | |
| 6. Certified Finance and Accounting Professional (CFAP) | Tax Practices and Planning | Professional stage | |
| 6. Certified Finance and Accounting Professional (CFAP) | Audit, Assurance and Data | Professional stage | |
| 7. Integrated Modules | AI and Data Analytics | Emerging professional competency | |
| 7. Integrated Modules | Governance and Ethics | Emerging professional competency | |
| 8. Strategic Case Study | Strategic Case Study | Integrates technical knowledge, professional judgement and strategic business thinking | |
| 9. Practical Training | Practical Training with an Approved Training Organisation | Completed in accordance with ICAP's prescribed training requirements |
Students may enter the Chartered Accountancy (CA) pathway through different routes depending on their previous academic qualifications.
Students who have secured a minimum of 60% marks in Intermediate (HSSC) or an equivalent qualification recognised by IBCC are eligible for registration and are required to undertake the Pre-Requisite Competencies (PRC) stage, unless they qualify for an exemption.
Students who have secured 50% or more but less than 60% marks in HSSC, A-Level or an equivalent qualification are required to pass the Qualifying Assessment Test (QAT) before becoming eligible for registration.
ICAP also provides entry routes for holders of Associate Degrees, four-year degrees and recognised professional accountancy qualifications, including ACCA, PIPFA, ICMAP and CIMA (UK). Eligibility, exemptions and the applicable entry stage depend on the candidate’s previous qualification and ICAP’s prescribed requirements.
Tuition Fees and Financial Support
Tuition fees payable to the external university must be paid directly to the University by the specified deadline. Students will receive full payment details and the relevant due date in their Acceptance Letter once admission to the programme has been confirmed. These tuition charges are payable each academic year throughout the degree.
TMUC’s institutional fees are collected separately on a yearly basis and can be paid in two installments as well, that is Aug/Sept and Dec/Jan.
For information about fees, payment schedules, and admissions, contact the TMUC Admissions Team in each city or call; 0303 3332448
- TMUC Islamabad; 0370 5251310
- TMUC Rawalpindi;0326 8380140
- TMUC Lahore; 0328 4218684
- TMUC Peshawar; 0370 0071778
- TMUC Abbottabad ; 0326 8380139
- TMUC Gujranwala; 0303 3332453
- TMUC Faisalabad; 0322 6084489
- TMUC Karachi/MiTE; 0326 8080222
- TMUC Multan
A limited number of scholarships and financial concessions are available to eligible students under various categories that are Merit, Talent and Need Based. As fee waivers are subject to availability and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.