Eligibility

1. Who can apply for ICPAS Professional Examination PE?
Graduates with a recognised university Degree in Accountancy or Commerce, Business Administration, Management, Banking and Finance or Economics with a major in accounting or related subjects; whose qualifications do not meet the direct entry requirements of ICPAS membership and not accredited by the Institute, are welcomed to submit their application for consideration.

2. What are the various outcomes of the assessment?
There are 3 possible outcomes of the assessment with one of the following options:

• Acceptance
  Applicants are accepted as ICPAS PE candidate and required to complete only 5 modules of the ICPAS PE within 5 years from the date of confirmation as ICPAS PE candidate.
  
  
• Partial Acceptance
  Applicants are accepted as ICPAS PE candidate subject to taking an additional Advanced Financial Accounting (FA) subject and / or up to 7 qualifying subject(s) requirement.
  
  
• Rejection
  Applicants’ qualifications do not meet our ICPAS PE entry requirements are advised to seek alternative qualifying routes.Applicants who do not meet the ICPAS PE assessment criteria will be rejected. The reason for rejection varies as it depends on the qualification background of the applicants. Unsuccessful applicants are then advised to seek other routes such as ICPAS / ACCA joint scheme.

ICPAS PE Module Examination

1. What if I exceeded the period for completion?
You will need to apply for extension to retain your previous passes, this is subject to approval.

2. What is the shortest time to complete?
If you attempt and pass maximum 3 modules per term, you could complete the whole program in 12 months.

3. Why is the Examination not conducted in Multiple Choice Questions style?
Professional Exam tests the ability of candidate in applying their knowledge to case scenarios through written essay. Certain modules may contain a section of multiple choice questions.

4. What happens if I fail the module?
You will enroll for the module when it is next available. There is no discount for examination.

5. What happens if for any reasons, I am unable to turn up for examination?
You will be considered as absent, there will not be any refund of examination fees. You will enroll for the module when it is next available.

6. What is the passing rate and passing mark?
The passing rate is not available to public, candidates should score equal or above 60% to get a pass.

7. How do I study for these modules?
Candidates can access the Candidate Dashboard to download a copy of the Study Guide of each module where it includes a weekly plan to guide candidates on their self-study. References will be made to recommended text or extra readings to enhance the candidates understanding. You may also form study groups with your fellow classmates and / or enroll for the workshops.

8. Where can I purchase the recommended textbook listed in the study guide?
You may purchase the main recommended textbook from our suppliers. Details can be found in the Recommended Textbook Purchase Procedures section in the website.

9. I am residing outside Singapore. Can I attempt the program if I qualify?
Yes. As this is a self-study program, you may download the module examination guide from ICPAS and study at your home country. You only need to travel to Singapore for your examination, and this can be done using the social visit pass.

Preparatory Course for ICPAS PE

1. What is the duration of each module?
Each module comprises of 5 sessions of 3 hours each and is usually held on weekday evenings or weekends to accommodate the working schedule of the candidates.

2. Must I attend the workshop?
This is optional for candidates sitting for the ICPAS PE. The workshop is examination focused and candidates are expected to come prepared with the pre-readings as detailed in the weekly study plan.

3. Why is the invoice generated for preparatory course under SAA-GE?
Preparatory course is conducted by the training arm of ICPAS, SAA Global Education (GE) Centre Pte Ltd (formerly known as Singapore Accountancy Academy).

4. Why do we need to go down personally to Raffles Quay Campus after we have enrolled for the preparatory course online?
Under the Private Education Act, all candidates are required to sign a student contract & pay the FPS insurance. Candidates are thus required to come down to Raffles Quay Campus within 2 working days from the date of online enrolment. For more details, please refer to Enrolment Procedures in SAA-GE website.

Other Membership Qualifying Conditions

1. Will I attain the CPA Singapore status once I complete ICPAS PE?
Upon completion of ICPAS PE, you may apply for the ICPAS Provisional Membership. Afterwhich, you will need to attend a 5 days Pre-Admission Course (PAC) and coupled with relevant working experience, you may then apply for CPA Singapore. The membership application details can be found at http://www.icpas.org.sg/mem_reg.asp. Alternatively, you may contact Membership Department at 6749 8060.

2. What are the subjects covered under PAC?
It covers accounting standards, auditing standards, professional ethics, tax matters and legal & other requirements.

3. What is the PAC passing requirement?
You must achieve attendance of more than 90% and a score of at least 65% in a test conducted at the end of the fifth day.

4. Where can I get more information on PAC?
The schedule and enrolment details are at www.icpas.org.sg or you may contact CPE Department at 6532 5312.

5. What is the practical working experience requirement?
You must have either 3 years of post-qualifying experience or 5 years of pre- and post-qualifying experience in the accounting field. The term post-qualifying experience refers to experience acquired after the ICPAS PE. Testimonials from employers to support all relevant work experience are required. The experience gained would be reviewed on a case-by-case, contact Membership Dept at 6749 8060 for more information.