How To Get CPA (K) Certificate in Kenya

The designation CPA(K) is reserved for members of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is the statutory title of qualified accountants, who have passed the mandatory Certified Public Accountant Examination. In Kenya, the Official recognised examining body for CPAs is KASNEB.

Completion of the CPA Course is a requirement for registration as a member of ICPAK. After attaining ICPAK Membership, a member is allowed to use the CPA(K) designation. The CPA certification is intended for those students who wish to qualify and work as professional accountants, auditors, finance managers, tax specialists and financial consultants.

After successfully completing your CPAs, you should follow the following steps to register as a member of ICPAK.

1. Follow this LINK to fill in your personal information.

2. Submit the fully filled online form along with the following documents :

• Two recent passport size photos
• Academic certificates from the lowest academic level to the highest Academic level.
• A copy of your ID card.
• Certificates for the three CPA  parts or a notification from KASNEB or result slips. These certificates have to be certified by a Notaries Public.
• Letter from your employer
• For Full Membership, pay the required membership fees (details in the application form)

To be admitted as a Full Member, you are required to have 3 years of professional experience. Applicants who do NOT meet this requirement can join the Associate Category.

Upon completion of these steps, you will be issued with a registration certificate.

ICPAK Membership Categories

1. Non-practising Member

This type of membership open to:

• All CPA graduates who have experience of 3 years or more
• Holders of Foreign Accountancy Qualifications as specified in section 26(2) of the Accountants Act.
• NB-One is not allowed to offer audit or accountancy services to the public and for this, one needs to apply to get a practising certificate.

Requirements for Registration as a Non-practising ICPAK Member

• A duly filled registration application
• Copies of all KASNEB result notifications.
• Copy of KCSE /KCE certificate.
• Copy of National ID.
• 2 coloured passport photos of the applicant.
• Employment record for the last 3 years (By way of recommendation letters from the employer(s), (If unemployed the applicant should specify this fact in the application form).
• Application Fee: Kshs.22,200
• An annual subscription of Kshs 11,200

2. Practising Member 

This type of membership open to:

• All existing ICPAK members who have experience of an additional 2 years or more in external audit supervised by a licensed practising member of ICPAK.

Requirements for Registration as an ICPAK Practising Member

1. A duly filled Registration Application
2. A Copy of the Registration Certificate from ICPAK.
3. A Copy of the individual PIN Certificate
4. Applicant should be up to date on his Continuous Professional Development (CPD) hours for the last three years
5. Letters of reference from employer(s) covering the previous two years confirming professional  integrity
6. A letter from a practising firm of accountants confirming experience in independent audit work
7. Copy of National ID.
8. 2 coloured passport photos of the applicant.
9. Statements of two referees detailing their knowledge of the applicant. One of the referees must be a practising Accountant under whom the applicant has worked.
10. Application fee Kshs.10,000 payable to ICPAK.
11. An annual subscription fee of Kshs. 21,200

3.Overseas Member

This type of membership open to:

• Members who are non-residents of Kenya.

Requirements

1. A duly filled registration application
2. Copies of all KASNEB result notifications.
3. Copies of academic certificates.
4. Copy of pages 1-5 of their passport
5. 2 coloured passport photos of the applicant.
6. Employment record for the last 3 years (By way of recommendation letters from the employer(s), (If unemployed the applicant should specify in the application form).

Membership fees

Application fee
Kenyan Citizens: Kshs. 27,200

Foreigners: Ksh. 29,200
Annual Renewal Fees: Ksh. 8,950

4. Associate Member

This type of membership open to:

• CPA graduates with less than 3 years experience in; Local law, Taxation, Accounting/auditing
• Holders of Foreign Accountancy Qualifications with less than 3 years experience in; Local law, Taxation, Accounting/auditing

Requirements for Registration

1. A duly filled registration application
2. Copies of all KASNEB result notifications.
3. Copy of KCSE /KCE certificate.
4. Copy of National ID.
5. 2 coloured passport photos of the applicant.
6. A cheque of Kshs.3,700  payable to ICPAK

Duration of being an Associate member – a maximum period of three years

Application Fee Kshs. 3,700

Annual subscription Kshs. 3,200

ICPAK Membership benefits

Here are some of the benefits that come with being an ICPAK member.

1. Affinity card – ICPAK Smart, an international Visa Debit Card

• Insurance-An exclusive rate on motor vehicle insurance.
• Professional publications – a free copy of ‘The Accountant’ magazine, and access to their electronic bulletin, the E-connect
• Publications for sale – discounted prices on latest editions of IFRSs and ISAs handbooks

Member discounts

1. KCA University – 20% discount on all training courses at KCA University to the principal member, 10% to the spouse and 10% to two children

2. Toyota Kenya

• 3.5% discount on the retail price on the purchase of a private car
• 4.5% discount on the retail price on the purchase of commercial cars
• 15% discount on the purchase of genuine Toyota spare parts
• 15% on repairs and maintenance of pre-owned and locally acquired Toyota motor vehicles

ICPAK also provides its members with access to tools and information to help them improve their performance.

• Technical Support – They provide members with technical advice and any other information needed
• Professional Standards – They regularly update members on professional standards
• Legal Advice – ICPAK  Legal department provides free personal or professional legal advice on request.

For further inquiries, you can contact ICPAK on :

P.O. Box 59963-00200, CPA Center, Ruaraka, Thika road. Nairobi, Kenya

E-mail: icpak@icpak.com, memberservices@icpak.com

Tel: 020-2304226/020-2304227 / 020-8068570 /020-8068571

MOBILE: 0727-531006 / 0721-469169 /0721-469796/0726-504902, 0733856262