IAC results lauded

There is reason to celebrate at the University of Cape Town (UCT), which achieved an impressive 96% pass rate in the January 2026 Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) for first-time candidates.

Out of 196 UCT students who wrote the exam, 188 passed, marking a significant increase from 150 passes in 2025. The pass rate for UCT candidates is therefore 96%, with no repeat candidates included. This also means that 90% of the total postgraduate diploma in accounting (PGDA) class of 2025 passed the IAC on their first attempt, which is a phenomenal throughput rate and achievement.

The IAC, formerly known as the Initial Test of Competence (ITC), is the first of two qualifying exams administered by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). It assesses core technical competencies required of aspiring chartered accountants (CAs) and is an important landmark on the path to full qualification.

The good news does not end there. Five PGDA graduates are included on the honours list (comprising 23 candidates who achieved at least 75% for the IAC). Of the five candidates, four candidates were placed in the top 10.
 

“The results reflect the outstanding performance of our students.”

The Faculty of Commerce is also celebrating a Thuthuka pass rate of 95%, well above the national average of 80%. This reflects a throughput rate of 86% for the 2025 Thuthuka class. What’s more, 15 academic trainees all passed the January IAC.

Excellence

Commerce dean, Professor Suki Goodman, commented: “The faculty is extremely proud of the January 2026 IAC results. The results reflect the outstanding performance of our students and are a testament to their commitment and dedication to their professional development. Equally, the results reflect the excellence of the teaching team involved in preparing students for the assessment. Our colleagues in the College of Accounting work tirelessly to support our students’ success. It is deeply rewarding when this collective effort pays off.”

Associate Professor Goolam Modack, head of the College of Accounting at UCT, added: “We celebrate and honour the students who have passed and are now one step closer to becoming CAs(SA). These results reflect their hard work, perseverance and resilience. We know that they are carried by the prayers and support of their loved ones. In many instances their success is important not only for themselves but also for their families and communities, a way out of poverty, and a signpost to what is possible.

“A massive thank you and well done to the College team (academics, administrators, academic trainees and tutors) for all their efforts to support our students. These results are an encouragement and validation of their commitment, time and care. Thank you to the deanery and the executive for their support and encouragement.
 

“These results are testament to the strength of the academic project at UCT and an affirmation that we are a place where human potential is unleashed.”

“We know that we have students who are likely disappointed with their IAC results in January 2026. In addition to our SAICA-endorsed undergraduate programmes and the PGDA, UCT offers a Preparatory Board Course for students across all universities to prepare for January and June sittings of the IAC. We trust that these students will work with our board course to prepare for the next sitting in June this year, which represents an opportunity to get back on track.”

In conclusion, Associate Professor Modack said: “Lastly, we head into the UCT Open Day and the opening [of] applications for the 2027 academic year, these results are testament to the strength of the academic project at UCT and an affirmation that we are a place where human potential is unleashed.”

According to SAICA, the January 2026 IAC assessed candidates against its updated CA of the Future Competency Framework. SAICA noted that although the overall pass rate for first-time candidates has declined from last year’s 82% (now at 77%), this still reflects a solid performance in the first of SAICA’s professional assessments, which is written at the end of a SAICA-endorsed postgraduate programme.