Prior qualification
No formal prior academic qualification is required for entry into CAF.
Foundation qualification
Start with the foundations. Progress with confidence.
The Professional Certificate in Accountancy Foundations (CAF) develops essential bookkeeping, accounting and financial-literacy skills for candidates beginning their accountancy journey.
An ICPAS entry-level qualification · Pathway to CATT
2Core accounting modules
5–7Months typically taken by students
3Exam sittings each year
70%CAF examination pass mark
A practical introduction for candidates new to accounting.
CAF is an entry-level programme for individuals with little or no previous knowledge of accounting and finance. It is suitable for candidates who want to understand accounting fundamentals before progressing to further professional study.
The qualification develops essential skills in bookkeeping, basic accounting, business information and financial literacy, creating a foundation for the CATT qualification and entry-level opportunities in accounting and finance.
Expected preparation
A basic level of secondary-school knowledge is assumed.
Progression
Candidates who complete CAF may progress to the CATT qualification.
Two modules create the accounting foundation.
The modules combine transaction recording and financial statements with basic costing and management information.
Foundations in Financial Accounting
Develop an understanding of business transactions, source documents and the double-entry bookkeeping system.
- Recognise and record business transactions
- Post entries to ledger accounts
- Prepare a trial balance
- Develop basic financial statements
Foundations in Management Accounting
Learn to prepare and present basic cost and management information for organisational planning and control.
- Understand basic cost information
- Process management-accounting data
- Prepare basic management reports
- Support simple planning and control decisions
A recognised starting point with a visible next step.
CAF provides an achievable entry into professional accountancy education while preparing candidates for further development.
Professional recognition
Earn an accounting-foundations certificate from Somaliland’s professional accountancy body.
Employment foundation
Build knowledge relevant to entry-level bookkeeping and accounting-support roles.
Further study
Create the academic foundation needed to progress toward the CATT qualification.
CAF → CATT → CPACAF can be the first stage in a longer professional accountancy pathway. Progression remains subject to the requirements of each qualification.
Four steps from registration to examination.
Candidates can register throughout the year and prepare for one of the scheduled examination sittings.
Register
Apply online or through the ICPAS office. Registration is available throughout the year.
Book the exam
Select an available sitting, complete the booking and pay the applicable fees.
Attend tutorials
Receive academic support, guidance and structured explanation of the module content.
Prepare and sit
Complete your revision and sit the relevant CAF examination or examinations.
Important: fees, tutorial dates, registration deadlines and examination arrangements can be updated. Current ICPAS announcements and instructions for the applicable sitting take precedence.
Frequently asked questions in English and Somali.
Open any question to read the answer in both languages.
Candidate notice: the answers below explain the current CAF arrangements shown on the ICPAS page. Confirm changeable fees, dates and schedules before acting.
Ogeysiis arday: fadlan xaqiiji khidmadaha, taariikhaha iyo jadwalka hadda shaqaynaya ka hor inta aanad go’aan qaadan.
01Who is the CAF programme intended for?Yaa loogu talagalay barnaamijka CAF?
English
CAF is for people who want to learn accounting foundations, particularly those who have not studied accounting before or have been away from the subject for a long time.
Soomaali
CAF waxa loogu talagalay qofka doonaya inuu barto aasaaska xisaabaadka, gaar ahaan qof aan hore u soo baran accounting ama muddo dheer ka maqnaa.
02What qualification do I need to register?Maxaa la iga doonayaa si aan isu diiwaangeliyo?
English
No formal prior qualification is required. However, a basic level of secondary-school knowledge is assumed.
Soomaali
Shahaado hore oo rasmi ah lagama rabo ardayga CAF. Hase yeeshee, waxa la filayaa inuu leeyahay aqoonta aasaasiga ah ee heerka dugsiga sare.
03What must I do when applying?Maxaa la iga rabaa marka aan codsanayo?
English
Complete the CAF application form. It can be obtained from the ICPAS office or completed through the online application route.
Soomaali
Waxa lagaa rabaa inaad buuxiso foomka codsiga CAF. Foomka waxaad ka heli kartaa xafiiska ICPAS ama waxaad ku buuxin kartaa habka codsiga online-ka ah.
04Can I progress to CATT after completing CAF?Markaan CAF dhammeeyo ma bilaabi karaa CATT?
English
Yes. Candidates who complete both CAF modules can progress to the CATT qualification.
Soomaali
Haa. Ardayga dhammeeya labada module ee CAF waxa uu u gudbi karaa barnaamijka CATT.
05How long does CAF usually take?Imisa bilood ayaan ku dhamayn karaa CAF?
English
Completion depends on how quickly the candidate meets the requirements. Students typically complete the examinations in approximately five to seven months.
Soomaali
Muddadu waxay ku xidhan tahay sida ardaygu u buuxiyo shuruudaha. Celcelis ahaan, ardaydu imtixaannada waxay ku dhammeeyaan qiyaastii shan ilaa toddoba bilood.
06Can I take both modules together?Ma wada qaadan karaa labada module?
English
Yes. A candidate may take one module or both modules, depending on readiness and the available sitting arrangements.
Soomaali
Haa. Ardaygu waxa uu qaadan karaa hal module ama labada module, iyadoo ku xidhan diyaar-garowgiisa iyo jadwalka fadhiga.
07Must the modules be taken in a particular order?Module-yada ma leeyihiin kala horrayn khasab ah?
English
No fixed order is required. A candidate may begin with either module.
Soomaali
Maya. Kala horrayn khasab ahi ma jirto; ardaygu waxa uu ku bilaabi karaa module-ka uu doorto.
08When are CAF examinations held?Goorma ayaa imtixaannada CAF la galaa?
English
The current page lists three examination sittings each year: April, August and December. Confirm the exact dates for your sitting.
Soomaali
Bogga hadda jira wuxuu sheegayaa saddex fadhi sannadkii: April, August iyo December. Fadlan xaqiiji taariikhda saxda ah ee fadhigaaga.
09When do examination tutorials begin?Goorma ayay bilaabmaan casharrada diyaarinta imtixaanku?
English
Tutorials are normally delivered in the months before an examination sitting. For example, preparation for an August examination may begin in May.
Soomaali
Casharrada diyaarintu badanaa waxay bilaabmaan bilaha ka horreeya imtixaanka. Tusaale ahaan, diyaarinta fadhiga August waxa laga yaabaa inay bilaabato May.
10On which days are tutorials normally held?Maalmahee ayaa casharrada diyaarinta la dhigtaa?
English
The current arrangement states Thursday and Friday at the ICPAS Building. Candidates should confirm the schedule for their sitting.
Soomaali
Jadwalka hadda jira wuxuu sheegayaa Khamiista iyo Jimcaha, waxaana lagu dhigtaa dhismaha ICPAS. Ardaygu waa inuu xaqiijiyaa jadwalka fadhigiisa.
11When does registration close?Goorma ayay xidhmaysaa is-diiwaangelintu?
English
Registration for a particular sitting closes before its tutorial period. General registration may remain available year-round, in which case a late applicant is placed in the next available sitting. Follow ICPAS announcements for exact deadlines.
Soomaali
Is-diiwaangelinta fadhiga gaarka ahi waxay xidhmaysaa ka hor bilowga casharradiisa. Diiwaangelinta guud way furnaan kartaa sannadka oo dhan, laakiin qofka ka daaha fadhi waxa loo wareejin karaa fadhiga xiga. Kala soco ICPAS taariikhaha saxda ah.
12What does the CAF fee cover?Khidmadda CAF maxay koobaysaa?
English
The current CAF information states that the student fee includes tutorials, the examination and learning books. Confirm the current amount and inclusions before payment.
Soomaali
Macluumaadka CAF ee hadda jira wuxuu sheegayaa in khidmadda ardaygu koobayso casharrada, imtixaanka iyo buugaagta. Xaqiiji lacagta iyo waxa ku jira ka hor bixinta.
13Can I retake an examination if I do not pass?Haddii aan imtixaan ku dhaco dib ma u geli karaa?
English
Yes. The current page states a USD 30 re-examination fee. A candidate scoring from 60% to 69% may retake the same paper free of charge at the immediately following sitting. Confirm the latest fee and rule before booking.
Soomaali
Haa. Bogga hadda jira wuxuu sheegayaa khidmad dib-u-imtixaan oo USD 30 ah. Ardayga hela 60% ilaa 69% waxa loo oggol yahay inuu warqaddaas bilaash ugu celiyo fadhiga xiga. Xaqiiji khidmadda iyo xeerka hadda shaqaynaya.
14Can I reschedule my examination?Imtixaanka dib ma u dhigan karaa?
English
Yes, if ICPAS is notified at least two weeks before the examination. The current rule permits only one rescheduling.
Soomaali
Haa, haddii ICPAS lagu wargeliyo ugu yaraan laba toddobaad ka hor imtixaanka. Xeerka hadda jira wuxuu oggol yahay hal mar oo keliya in dib loo dhigo.
15How do I request an examination rescheduling?Sideen u codsadaa dib-u-dhigista imtixaanka?
English
Notify ICPAS by email or telephone at least two weeks before the examination, then complete the designated online rescheduling request form.
Soomaali
ICPAS ku soo wargeli email ama telefoon ugu yaraan laba toddobaad ka hor imtixaanka, dabadeedna buuxi foomka online-ka ah ee dib-u-dhigista.
16What if an emergency occurs within two weeks of the examination?Maxaa dhacaya haddii xaalad degdeg ahi timaaddo laba toddobaad gudahood?
English
Approval depends on the circumstances. ICPAS may consider documented emergencies such as illness or unforeseen work travel. Submit the request form and supporting evidence, such as a medical report.
Soomaali
Oggolaanshuhu wuxuu ku xidhan yahay xaaladda. ICPAS waxay tixgelin kartaa xaalado caddeyn leh sida xanuun ama safar shaqo oo lama filaan ah. Gudbi codsiga iyo caddaynta, sida warbixin caafimaad.
17What is the CAF examination pass mark?Waa imisa calaamadda lagu gudbo imtixaanka CAF?
English
The pass mark is 70% or above.
Soomaali
Imtixaanka CAF waxa lagu gudbaa 70% ama wax ka badan.
18When will I receive my examination result?Goorma ayaan helayaa natiijada imtixaanka?
English
Results are issued within 21 working days after the examination sitting has ended.
Soomaali
Natiijada waxa ardayga loo diraa 21 maalmood oo shaqo gudahood marka fadhiga imtixaanku dhammaado.
19How will I receive my result?Sideen ku helayaa natiijadayda?
English
Each student receives the result through the email address registered with ICPAS.
Soomaali
Arday kastaa natiijadiisa wuxuu ku helayaa email-ka uga diiwaangashan ICPAS.
20Can I appeal an examination result?Cabasho ma ka gudbin karaa natiijada imtixaanka?
English
Yes. Results pass through internal checking, but a candidate may appeal within one week after release. ICPAS states that an appeal decision will be issued within no more than 21 days.
Soomaali
Haa. Natiijooyinka waxa ay maraan hubin gudaha ah, hase yeeshee ardaygu wuxuu cabasho gudbin karaa toddobaad gudihii marka natiijada la sii daayo. ICPAS waxay ku soo saaraysaa go’aanka laga gaadhay cabashada ugu badnaan 21 maalmood.
21Will ICPAS call me whenever there is an announcement?ICPAS telefoon ma iga soo wacaysaa marka ogeysiis jiro?
English
No. ICPAS communicates with candidates by email. Monitor the email address registered with the Institute. If messages are missing, contact 518066, +252 63 7755 761 or info@icpasorg.com during working hours.
Soomaali
Maya. ICPAS waxay ardayda kula xidhiidhaa email. Si joogto ah ula soco email-kaaga diiwaangashan. Haddii aadan helin farriimaha, kala xidhiidh 518066, +252 63 7755 761 ama info@icpasorg.com xilliyada shaqada.
Ready to begin CAF?
Apply online or contact ICPAS if you need guidance about registration, the next tutorial cycle or the applicable examination sitting.
Foundation qualification
Start with the foundations. Progress with confidence.
The Professional Certificate in Accountancy Foundations (CAF) develops essential bookkeeping, accounting and financial-literacy skills for candidates beginning their accountancy journey.
An ICPAS entry-level qualification · Pathway to CATT
2Core accounting modules
5–7Months typically taken by students
3Exam sittings each year
70%CAF examination pass mark
A practical introduction for candidates new to accounting.
CAF is an entry-level programme for individuals with little or no previous knowledge of accounting and finance. It is suitable for candidates who want to understand accounting fundamentals before progressing to further professional study.
The qualification develops essential skills in bookkeeping, basic accounting, business information and financial literacy, creating a foundation for the CATT qualification and entry-level opportunities in accounting and finance.
Prior qualification
No formal prior academic qualification is required for entry into CAF.
Expected preparation
A basic level of secondary-school knowledge is assumed.
Progression
Candidates who complete CAF may progress to the CATT qualification.
Two modules create the accounting foundation.
The modules combine transaction recording and financial statements with basic costing and management information.
Foundations in Financial Accounting
Develop an understanding of business transactions, source documents and the double-entry bookkeeping system.
- Recognise and record business transactions
- Post entries to ledger accounts
- Prepare a trial balance
- Develop basic financial statements
Foundations in Management Accounting
Learn to prepare and present basic cost and management information for organisational planning and control.
- Understand basic cost information
- Process management-accounting data
- Prepare basic management reports
- Support simple planning and control decisions
A recognised starting point with a visible next step.
CAF provides an achievable entry into professional accountancy education while preparing candidates for further development.
Professional recognition
Earn an accounting-foundations certificate from Somaliland’s professional accountancy body.
Employment foundation
Build knowledge relevant to entry-level bookkeeping and accounting-support roles.
Further study
Create the academic foundation needed to progress toward the CATT qualification.
CAF → CATT → CPACAF can be the first stage in a longer professional accountancy pathway. Progression remains subject to the requirements of each qualification.
Four steps from registration to examination.
Candidates can register throughout the year and prepare for one of the scheduled examination sittings.
Register
Apply online or through the ICPAS office. Registration is available throughout the year.
Book the exam
Select an available sitting, complete the booking and pay the applicable fees.
Attend tutorials
Receive academic support, guidance and structured explanation of the module content.
Prepare and sit
Complete your revision and sit the relevant CAF examination or examinations.
Important: fees, tutorial dates, registration deadlines and examination arrangements can be updated. Current ICPAS announcements and instructions for the applicable sitting take precedence.
Frequently asked questions in English and Somali.
Open any question to read the answer in both languages.
Candidate notice: the answers below explain the current CAF arrangements shown on the ICPAS page. Confirm changeable fees, dates and schedules before acting.
Ogeysiis arday: fadlan xaqiiji khidmadaha, taariikhaha iyo jadwalka hadda shaqaynaya ka hor inta aanad go’aan qaadan.
01Who is the CAF programme intended for?Yaa loogu talagalay barnaamijka CAF?
English
CAF is for people who want to learn accounting foundations, particularly those who have not studied accounting before or have been away from the subject for a long time.
Soomaali
CAF waxa loogu talagalay qofka doonaya inuu barto aasaaska xisaabaadka, gaar ahaan qof aan hore u soo baran accounting ama muddo dheer ka maqnaa.
02What qualification do I need to register?Maxaa la iga doonayaa si aan isu diiwaangeliyo?
English
No formal prior qualification is required. However, a basic level of secondary-school knowledge is assumed.
Soomaali
Shahaado hore oo rasmi ah lagama rabo ardayga CAF. Hase yeeshee, waxa la filayaa inuu leeyahay aqoonta aasaasiga ah ee heerka dugsiga sare.
03What must I do when applying?Maxaa la iga rabaa marka aan codsanayo?
English
Complete the CAF application form. It can be obtained from the ICPAS office or completed through the online application route.
Soomaali
Waxa lagaa rabaa inaad buuxiso foomka codsiga CAF. Foomka waxaad ka heli kartaa xafiiska ICPAS ama waxaad ku buuxin kartaa habka codsiga online-ka ah.
04Can I progress to CATT after completing CAF?Markaan CAF dhammeeyo ma bilaabi karaa CATT?
English
Yes. Candidates who complete both CAF modules can progress to the CATT qualification.
Soomaali
Haa. Ardayga dhammeeya labada module ee CAF waxa uu u gudbi karaa barnaamijka CATT.
05How long does CAF usually take?Imisa bilood ayaan ku dhamayn karaa CAF?
English
Completion depends on how quickly the candidate meets the requirements. Students typically complete the examinations in approximately five to seven months.
Soomaali
Muddadu waxay ku xidhan tahay sida ardaygu u buuxiyo shuruudaha. Celcelis ahaan, ardaydu imtixaannada waxay ku dhammeeyaan qiyaastii shan ilaa toddoba bilood.
06Can I take both modules together?Ma wada qaadan karaa labada module?
English
Yes. A candidate may take one module or both modules, depending on readiness and the available sitting arrangements.
Soomaali
Haa. Ardaygu waxa uu qaadan karaa hal module ama labada module, iyadoo ku xidhan diyaar-garowgiisa iyo jadwalka fadhiga.
07Must the modules be taken in a particular order?Module-yada ma leeyihiin kala horrayn khasab ah?
English
No fixed order is required. A candidate may begin with either module.
Soomaali
Maya. Kala horrayn khasab ahi ma jirto; ardaygu waxa uu ku bilaabi karaa module-ka uu doorto.
08When are CAF examinations held?Goorma ayaa imtixaannada CAF la galaa?
English
The current page lists three examination sittings each year: April, August and December. Confirm the exact dates for your sitting.
Soomaali
Bogga hadda jira wuxuu sheegayaa saddex fadhi sannadkii: April, August iyo December. Fadlan xaqiiji taariikhda saxda ah ee fadhigaaga.
09When do examination tutorials begin?Goorma ayay bilaabmaan casharrada diyaarinta imtixaanku?
English
Tutorials are normally delivered in the months before an examination sitting. For example, preparation for an August examination may begin in May.
Soomaali
Casharrada diyaarintu badanaa waxay bilaabmaan bilaha ka horreeya imtixaanka. Tusaale ahaan, diyaarinta fadhiga August waxa laga yaabaa inay bilaabato May.
10On which days are tutorials normally held?Maalmahee ayaa casharrada diyaarinta la dhigtaa?
English
The current arrangement states Thursday and Friday at the ICPAS Building. Candidates should confirm the schedule for their sitting.
Soomaali
Jadwalka hadda jira wuxuu sheegayaa Khamiista iyo Jimcaha, waxaana lagu dhigtaa dhismaha ICPAS. Ardaygu waa inuu xaqiijiyaa jadwalka fadhigiisa.
11When does registration close?Goorma ayay xidhmaysaa is-diiwaangelintu?
English
Registration for a particular sitting closes before its tutorial period. General registration may remain available year-round, in which case a late applicant is placed in the next available sitting. Follow ICPAS announcements for exact deadlines.
Soomaali
Is-diiwaangelinta fadhiga gaarka ahi waxay xidhmaysaa ka hor bilowga casharradiisa. Diiwaangelinta guud way furnaan kartaa sannadka oo dhan, laakiin qofka ka daaha fadhi waxa loo wareejin karaa fadhiga xiga. Kala soco ICPAS taariikhaha saxda ah.
12What does the CAF fee cover?Khidmadda CAF maxay koobaysaa?
English
The current CAF information states that the student fee includes tutorials, the examination and learning books. Confirm the current amount and inclusions before payment.
Soomaali
Macluumaadka CAF ee hadda jira wuxuu sheegayaa in khidmadda ardaygu koobayso casharrada, imtixaanka iyo buugaagta. Xaqiiji lacagta iyo waxa ku jira ka hor bixinta.
13Can I retake an examination if I do not pass?Haddii aan imtixaan ku dhaco dib ma u geli karaa?
English
Yes. The current page states a USD 30 re-examination fee. A candidate scoring from 60% to 69% may retake the same paper free of charge at the immediately following sitting. Confirm the latest fee and rule before booking.
Soomaali
Haa. Bogga hadda jira wuxuu sheegayaa khidmad dib-u-imtixaan oo USD 30 ah. Ardayga hela 60% ilaa 69% waxa loo oggol yahay inuu warqaddaas bilaash ugu celiyo fadhiga xiga. Xaqiiji khidmadda iyo xeerka hadda shaqaynaya.
14Can I reschedule my examination?Imtixaanka dib ma u dhigan karaa?
English
Yes, if ICPAS is notified at least two weeks before the examination. The current rule permits only one rescheduling.
Soomaali
Haa, haddii ICPAS lagu wargeliyo ugu yaraan laba toddobaad ka hor imtixaanka. Xeerka hadda jira wuxuu oggol yahay hal mar oo keliya in dib loo dhigo.
15How do I request an examination rescheduling?Sideen u codsadaa dib-u-dhigista imtixaanka?
English
Notify ICPAS by email or telephone at least two weeks before the examination, then complete the designated online rescheduling request form.
Soomaali
ICPAS ku soo wargeli email ama telefoon ugu yaraan laba toddobaad ka hor imtixaanka, dabadeedna buuxi foomka online-ka ah ee dib-u-dhigista.
16What if an emergency occurs within two weeks of the examination?Maxaa dhacaya haddii xaalad degdeg ahi timaaddo laba toddobaad gudahood?
English
Approval depends on the circumstances. ICPAS may consider documented emergencies such as illness or unforeseen work travel. Submit the request form and supporting evidence, such as a medical report.
Soomaali
Oggolaanshuhu wuxuu ku xidhan yahay xaaladda. ICPAS waxay tixgelin kartaa xaalado caddeyn leh sida xanuun ama safar shaqo oo lama filaan ah. Gudbi codsiga iyo caddaynta, sida warbixin caafimaad.
17What is the CAF examination pass mark?Waa imisa calaamadda lagu gudbo imtixaanka CAF?
English
The pass mark is 70% or above.
Soomaali
Imtixaanka CAF waxa lagu gudbaa 70% ama wax ka badan.
18When will I receive my examination result?Goorma ayaan helayaa natiijada imtixaanka?
English
Results are issued within 21 working days after the examination sitting has ended.
Soomaali
Natiijada waxa ardayga loo diraa 21 maalmood oo shaqo gudahood marka fadhiga imtixaanku dhammaado.
19How will I receive my result?Sideen ku helayaa natiijadayda?
English
Each student receives the result through the email address registered with ICPAS.
Soomaali
Arday kastaa natiijadiisa wuxuu ku helayaa email-ka uga diiwaangashan ICPAS.
20Can I appeal an examination result?Cabasho ma ka gudbin karaa natiijada imtixaanka?
English
Yes. Results pass through internal checking, but a candidate may appeal within one week after release. ICPAS states that an appeal decision will be issued within no more than 21 days.
Soomaali
Haa. Natiijooyinka waxa ay maraan hubin gudaha ah, hase yeeshee ardaygu wuxuu cabasho gudbin karaa toddobaad gudihii marka natiijada la sii daayo. ICPAS waxay ku soo saaraysaa go’aanka laga gaadhay cabashada ugu badnaan 21 maalmood.
21Will ICPAS call me whenever there is an announcement?ICPAS telefoon ma iga soo wacaysaa marka ogeysiis jiro?
English
No. ICPAS communicates with candidates by email. Monitor the email address registered with the Institute. If messages are missing, contact 518066, +252 63 7755 761 or info@icpasorg.com during working hours.
Soomaali
Maya. ICPAS waxay ardayda kula xidhiidhaa email. Si joogto ah ula soco email-kaaga diiwaangashan. Haddii aadan helin farriimaha, kala xidhiidh 518066, +252 63 7755 761 ama info@icpasorg.com xilliyada shaqada.
Ready to begin CAF?
Apply online or contact ICPAS if you need guidance about registration, the next tutorial cycle or the applicable examination sitting.