For Immediate Release | Kigali, 17 December 2025 The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR) is proud to announce the official launch of the revamped Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Qualification, marking a major milestone in the transformation of professional accountancy education in Rwanda.

This new CPA qualification is more than a syllabus update — it is a strategic re-design of how accountants are trained, assessed, and prepared for leadership in a fast-changing global economy. It reflects ICPAR’s commitment to developing competent, ethical, digitally-enabled, and work-ready professionals who can drive value in both the public and private sectors.

Why a New CPA?

The accounting profession is evolving rapidly. Employers now demand professionals who can do more than apply technical rules — they need accountants who can think critically, use data and technology, exercise sound judgment, and uphold the highest ethical standards.

The new ICPAR CPA qualification has been developed to:

• Align with International Education Standards (IES) and global best practice
• Respond to Rwanda’s economic transformation agenda and national development priorities
• Embed digital finance, public financial management, and strategic thinking at the core of learning
• Produce professionals who are work-ready, adaptable, and globally competitive

This transformation ensures that Rwanda’s CPA designation remains relevant, respected, and future-focused.

A Modern, Competency-Based Structure

The revamped CPA qualification is built on a competency-based approach, focusing on real-world application rather than rote memorisation. It is structured into four progressive levels, each designed to build technical expertise, professional skills, and judgment step by step:

1. Technical Level

Lays the foundation of accounting knowledge and professional values:

• Financial Accounting
• Management Accounting
• Taxation
• Audit and Assurance

2. Operation level

Develops application skills and operational decision-making:

• Ethics, Law and Governance
• Digital Finance
• Financial Management
• Financial Reporting
• Advanced Taxation.

3. Strategic Level

Builds strategic insight, leadership, and sector-specific expertise:

• Strategic Management
• Advanced Audit and Assurance
• Advanced Financial Reporting
• Advanced Financial Management
• Managing Business Performance
• Managing Performance in the Public Sector
• Advanced Public Financial Management

4. Professional Level

The final stage focuses on integrated, real-life decision-making through a Test of Professional Competence, with two pathways:

• Public Sector Pathway, or
• Private Sector Pathway

This ensures the CPA qualification reflects the distinct competencies required across Rwanda’s economy.

Flexible Learning, Strong Support

To support student success, ICPAR has introduced a modern learning and support model, including:

• Free digital learning materials available upon exam booking
• A blended learning approach combining self-study and accredited tuition providers
• Structured mock exams and practice opportunities
• Examiner guidance, technical articles, and student support initiatives

This approach gives students flexibility, while ensuring quality, consistency, and accessibility.

Robust and Fair Assessment

The new CPA qualification will be assessed through secure, invigilated examinations, designed to test knowledge, application, analysis, and professional judgment.

• Exams will initially be paper-based, ensuring reliability and accessibility
• ICPAR has a clear roadmap towards computer-based examinations (CBE) in the medium term
• Assessments are contextualised to the Rwandan legal, business, and public sector environment
• Strong quality assurance processes ensure fairness, transparency, and credibility

Phased Implementation and Transition Arrangements

ICPAR is adopting a carefully phased rollout to ensure clarity and minimal disruption:

• Technical and Operational Levels will be the first to launch
• The Strategic Level will be introduced two sittings later
• The Professional Level will follow one sitting after the Strategic Level

Support for Current Students

• Clear and transparent transition rules have been established
• Students will receive appropriate exemptions or transfers based on progress under the existing syllabus
• No fee increases will apply during the transition period

This approach reflects ICPAR’s commitment to fairness, continuity, and student confidence.

Key Examination Dates

The new CPA qualification will be examined four times per year:

• February
• May
• August
• November

Detailed timetables and guidance will be published on the ICPAR website.

A Qualification for the Future

The revamped CPA qualification positions ICPAR as a regional leader in professional accountancy education. It strengthens Rwanda’s talent pipeline, enhances public sector accountability, supports private sector growth, and ensures that CPAs remain trusted advisors in an increasingly complex world.

New. Bold. Future-Ready.

The new ICPAR CPA qualification is here, and it is built for the accountants Rwanda needs today and tomorrow.

For More Information

Email: education@icparwanda.com

Website: www.icparwanda.com