<P> The eventual outcome of this dispute was that the CPA governing body changed its name to SAIPA, the South African Institute of Professional Accountants, and its members designation changed to Professional Accountant (SA) without a corresponding acronym . </P> <P> The requirements to earn the designation are: </P> <Ul> <Li> Academic: A degree with a major in financial accounting and with tax, management accounting, auditing and commercial law as subjects . </Li> <Li> Practical training or experience: at least 3 years under a SAIPA recognised Learnership, or 6 years of relevant verifiable experience . </Li> <Li> SAIPA Professional Evaluation: This is a three - hour examination offered twice yearly covering financial accounting, auditing, taxation, commercial law, management accounting and practice management . </Li> </Ul> <Li> Academic: A degree with a major in financial accounting and with tax, management accounting, auditing and commercial law as subjects . </Li>

The role of south african institute of chartered accountants