How to Register for the ICAG Exams in Ghana: Complete 2026 Guide
ICAG · Registration · 2026
Every Chartered Accountant in Ghana started as an ICAG student. This guide walks through the whole registration process: who is eligible, what documents you need, how the student portal works, what you pay ICAG, how exemptions work, and what happens once you are registered. All fees are verified from official ICAG sources for 2026.
Every Chartered Accountant in Ghana started the same way: by registering as an ICAG student. The process is straightforward, but getting it right from the start saves time, money and frustration.
This guide walks you through every step of ICAG registration: who is eligible, what documents you need, how the student portal works, what fees you pay, how exemptions work, and what happens after you register. It is written for anyone considering the ICAG qualification, whether you are a WASSCE holder, a university student, a working professional, or an ACCA or CIMA member looking to add CA(Ghana) to your credentials.
All fees referenced in this guide are verified from official ICAG sources as of 2026.
Registration at a glance
- Minimum entry
- A senior secondary school certificate (WASSCE or SSSCE). No degree, completed university or employment is required.
- Where
- Entirely online, at the ICAG student portal: sms.icagh.org
- Registration fee
- GHS 400, paid once
- Annual subscription
- GHS 400, every year you remain a registered student
- Sittings
- Three a year: March, July and November
Who is eligible to register for the ICAG exams?
ICAG accepts a wide range of entry qualifications. You do not need an accounting degree to register. You do not need to be currently employed. And you do not need to have completed university. The minimum requirement is a senior secondary school certificate.
| Qualification | Requirement | Starting level |
|---|---|---|
| WASSCE | Six credits including English and Core Mathematics | Level 1 (all 14 papers) |
| SSSCE / GBCE | Six passes including English and Core Mathematics | Level 1 (all 14 papers) |
| Diploma / HND | Recognised tertiary qualification | Level 1 (exemptions may apply) |
| Bachelor’s degree (Accounting) | From a recognised university | Exemptions from Level 1 and some Level 2 papers. Other degrees are assessed case by case |
| Master’s degree (Accounting) | From a recognised university | Exempt from all Level 1 and most Level 2 papers (except Paper 2.5) |
| HND Accountancy | HND specifically in Accountancy | Exempt from all Level 1 papers plus Paper 2.3 |
| ACCA / CIMA / ICAN | Full membership of an IFAC-recognised PAO body | Subject-by-subject exemption assessment |
| ATSWA | Accounting Technician Scheme West Africa | Level 1 (exemptions may apply) |
| Level 300 MOU university student | Accounting or Finance at an ICAG MOU university | Special exemptions after completing Level 300 courses |
For Level 300 students at universities with an ICAG Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Accounting Option students are exempt from all Level 1 papers plus Paper 2.3 Audit and Assurance and Paper 2.6 Principles of Taxation. Finance Option students are exempt from all Level 1 papers, with possible additional exemptions for Audit and Assurance and Principles of Taxation depending on the courses already taken.
The key point: virtually anyone with at least a WASSCE can register. The qualification is designed to be accessible. What matters is not your starting point, it is the quality of your preparation once you begin. For a detailed breakdown of all exemption pathways, see the ICAG exemptions guide.
What documents you need before registering
Before you go to the ICAG student portal, have the following ready in digital format, as scanned copies or clear photographs.
Have these ready
- Your academic certificates: WASSCE result slip, degree certificate, HND certificate, or whichever qualification you are registering with. If you are applying for exemptions, you will also need your academic transcript showing individual courses and grades.
- A valid national ID: Ghana Card (preferable), passport, or voter’s ID.
- A passport-sized photograph: digital, clear and recent.
- If you belong to another PAO (ACCA, CIMA, ICAN) and want exemptions: your membership certificate and a letter of good standing from your professional body.
Have all of these ready before you start the online registration. It makes it easier to complete the entire process in one go.
Step by step: how to register on the ICAG student portal
ICAG registration is done entirely online through the ICAG Student Management System.
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Go to the ICAG student portal | Visit sms.icagh.org/login in your web browser |
| 2 | Select new student registration | Choose the option to register as a new ICAG student |
| 3 | Fill in your personal details | Name, date of birth, contact information and address |
| 4 | Upload your documents | Academic certificates, valid national ID and passport photograph |
| 5 | Select your qualification and entry level | Choose the qualification you are registering with (WASSCE, degree, HND and so on) |
| 6 | Apply for exemptions (if applicable) | If your qualification qualifies you, apply during registration. Exemption fees apply per paper |
| 7 | Pay your registration fee | GHS 400 one-time registration fee, paid online to ICAG |
| 8 | Receive confirmation | ICAG processes your registration and issues your student number |
Once you have your ICAG student number, you can register for your first exam sitting and, separately, enrol for tuition with a provider like MSL Business School. These are two independent processes: ICAG registration makes you an ICAG student, and tuition enrolment prepares you to pass.
What fees you pay to ICAG
There are four categories of fees payable directly to ICAG. These are separate from any tuition fees you pay to a tuition provider.
| Fee type | Amount (GHS) | When you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee | GHS 400 | Once, when you first register as an ICAG student |
| Annual subscription | GHS 400 | Once every year, for as long as you are a registered ICAG student |
| Exemption fee (per paper) | Level 1: GHS 711, Level 2: GHS 1,139, Level 3: GHS 1,380 | Only if you apply for exemptions, paid per paper exempted |
| Examination fee (per sitting) | Graduated by level and number of papers (see below) | Before each exam sitting, for the papers you intend to write |
Examination fees are graduated: the more papers you sit in a single sitting, the lower the per-paper cost. The full ranges for 2026 are below.
| Level | 1 paper | 2 papers | 3 papers | 4 papers | 5 papers | 6 papers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | GHS 511 | GHS 952 | GHS 1,297 | GHS 1,581 | n/a | n/a |
| Level 2 | GHS 911 | GHS 1,670 | GHS 2,305 | GHS 2,788 | GHS 3,485 | GHS 4,181 |
| Level 3 | GHS 1,104 | GHS 1,904 | GHS 2,636 | GHS 2,926 | n/a | n/a |
Important · Exam fees are paid per sitting
Exam fees are paid per sitting, not per qualification. If you fail a paper and re-sit it, you pay the exam entry fee again. This is why first-time pass rates matter financially: every re-sit is a direct additional cost.
For a complete breakdown of every cost across the entire ICAG qualification, including tuition, exam fees, registration and real-cost scenarios, see the true cost of becoming a Chartered Accountant in Ghana guide.
Understanding exemptions
Exemptions allow you to skip papers you have already demonstrated equivalent knowledge of through your prior qualifications. Exemptions are not automatic: you must apply for them during registration and pay the exemption fee per paper. The most common pathways are below.
| Your qualification | Papers exempted | Papers you still write |
|---|---|---|
| WASSCE / SSSCE only | None | All 14 papers |
| HND Accountancy | All 4 Level 1 papers plus Paper 2.3 Audit and Assurance | 5 Level 2 papers plus all 4 Level 3 papers (9 total) |
| Bachelor’s degree (Accounting) | All 4 Level 1 papers plus Paper 2.3 Audit and Assurance plus Paper 2.6 Principles of Taxation | Typically the remaining Level 2 papers plus all Level 3 papers |
| Master’s degree (Accounting) | All Level 1 plus all Level 2 except Paper 2.5 (PSAF) | Paper 2.5 plus all 4 Level 3 papers (5 total) |
| MOU university (Accounting Option) | All Level 1 plus Paper 2.3 plus Paper 2.6 | 4 Level 2 papers plus all 4 Level 3 papers (8 total) |
| MOU university (Finance Option) | All Level 1 papers (plus possible 2.3 and 2.6) | Up to 6 Level 2 papers plus all 4 Level 3 papers |
For a comprehensive guide to every exemption pathway, see the ICAG exemptions guide.
When are the ICAG exams?
ICAG holds three exam sittings per year: March, July and November. This gives you significant flexibility in how you plan your qualification journey.
| Sitting | Typical exam period | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|
| March | March | Announced by ICAG, typically 4 to 6 weeks before exams |
| July | July | Announced by ICAG, typically 4 to 6 weeks before exams |
| November | November | Announced by ICAG, typically 4 to 6 weeks before exams |
Level 1 exams are conducted online and can be taken from any suitable location with a compatible computer and internet access. Level 2 and Level 3 exams are written examinations held at designated exam centres, including Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale, Sunyani, Ho, Wa, Koforidua, Bolgatanga, Cape Coast, Tema and Monrovia (Liberia).
Registration for each exam sitting opens and closes on dates announced by ICAG. MSL Business School students receive timely updates on all registration deadlines, so you never miss a window.
What happens after you register
Once ICAG processes your registration and issues your student number, you are officially an ICAG student. Here is what happens next.
Pay your annual subscription
GHS 400 per year, payable to ICAG for as long as you are a registered student.
Choose your first papers
Decide which papers to sit in your first exam sitting. If you are starting at Level 1 with no exemptions, MSL recommends sitting all four Level 1 papers in your first sitting.
Register for exams
When ICAG opens registration for the next sitting, log into the student portal, select your papers, and pay the exam fees.
Enrol for tuition
Separately from ICAG registration, enrol with a tuition provider to prepare. This is where the quality of your preparation is determined.
Begin studying
The time between registration and your first exam is your preparation window. How you use it determines whether you pass the first time.
Progression rules you need to know
ICAG has specific rules governing how you progress through the levels. Understanding these before you register helps you plan your entire qualification journey.
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Level 1 to Level 2 | At least 3 of the 4 Level 1 papers must be passed or credited before you can start Level 2. |
| Level 2 to Level 3 | At least 5 of the 6 Level 2 papers must be passed or credited before you can start Level 3. |
| Cross-level entry | A Level 1 student with only 1 paper remaining can add up to 4 Level 2 papers in the same sitting. |
| Level 3 restriction | You cannot write any Level 3 paper if you have any outstanding Level 1 papers. |
| Level 3 cannot be exempted | All 4 Level 3 papers must be written by every candidate, regardless of prior qualifications. |
These rules matter for planning how many sittings it will take to complete the qualification. A candidate with no exemptions who passes every paper first time can complete ICAG in as few as four sittings, approximately 18 months. A candidate with maximum exemptions, such as a Master’s in Accounting, can complete in as few as one to three sittings. For detailed guidance on planning your paper sequence for maximum efficiency, see the ICAG subject combination strategy guide.
Common registration mistakes to avoid
A few avoidable mistakes cost candidates time and money at the registration stage. Watch for these five.
Five registration mistakes to avoid
- Not applying for exemptions during registration. If you are eligible, apply at registration. Applying later can delay your progression and may require additional paperwork.
- Forgetting the annual subscription. Your ICAG student status lapses if you do not pay it, which can prevent you from registering for exams.
- Registering for exams without a preparation plan. Registering for papers you are not ready for wastes exam fees. Plan which papers you will sit, and secure adequate preparation time or tuition, before paying.
- Not keeping your portal login details. Your student number and portal credentials are needed every time you register for exams. Store them securely.
- Underestimating the Level 2 step-up. Many candidates who breeze through the Level 1 online tests are unprepared for the written, scenario-based format at Level 2. If you are moving up, invest in structured tuition, because the format change is significant.
Preparing for your first ICAG exam with MSL
MSL Business School is Ghana’s most-awarded ICAG tuition provider and an ICAG-Approved Partner in Learning, with 46 national awards, including the Overall Best Graduating Student across all three ICAG sittings in 2024. Registration with ICAG makes you a student. Preparation with MSL makes you a Chartered Accountant.
MSL delivers all 14 ICAG papers across all three levels, live online via Google Meet, with same-day recordings uploaded to the MSL Business School App. The tuition fees are simple: GHS 450 per paper at Level 1, GHS 550 per paper at Level 2, and GHS 600 per paper at Level 3. No registration fees, no hidden charges, no administrative add-ons.
As Ghana’s clear technology leader in professional education and the first and only provider with multimodal AI for professional exam students, MSL pairs award-winning tuition with the technology that defines modern exam preparation.
Ready to start your ICAG journey? Register with ICAG, then prepare to pass the first time with Ghana’s most-awarded ICAG tuition provider.
Explore MSL ICAG TuitionTo enrol for ICAG tuition or discuss your registration and sitting plan, contact MSL on WhatsApp at 053 050 4026, or visit MSL ICAG Tuition.
Registration in seven points
- Almost anyone with a WASSCE or SSSCE can register. No degree, completed university or job is required.
- Register entirely online at the ICAG portal (sms.icagh.org), with your certificates, ID and a photo ready.
- You pay ICAG a one-time GHS 400 registration fee and a GHS 400 annual subscription, plus exam fees per sitting and any exemption fees.
- Exemptions are not automatic: apply during registration and pay per paper exempted.
- There are three sittings a year (March, July, November); Level 1 is online, Levels 2 and 3 are written at centres.
- Progression is gated: at least 3 of 4 Level 1 papers before Level 2, at least 5 of 6 Level 2 papers before Level 3, and all four Level 3 papers must be written.
- ICAG registration makes you a student; tuition is a separate step that determines whether you pass.
Key registration terms
- Student number
- The unique ICAG identifier issued once your registration is processed; needed every time you register for exams.
- Annual subscription
- GHS 400 paid each year to keep your ICAG student status active.
- Exemption
- A paper credited on the basis of a prior qualification, applied for during registration and paid per paper.
- Sitting
- One of the three exam periods each year (March, July, November) in which you enter and write papers.
- PAO
- Professional Accounting Organisation, such as ACCA, CIMA or ICAN, whose members may receive exemptions.
- MOU university
- A university with a Memorandum of Understanding with ICAG, whose Level 300 students receive defined exemptions.
- Credited
- A paper counted as cleared for progression, whether through a pass or an exemption.
- Progression rule
- An ICAG rule setting how many papers must be cleared at one level before you can start the next.
Sources: registration steps, eligibility and progression rules are based on the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana student registration process. Fees are sourced from ICAG’s official 2026 studentship fee schedule. This guide is a plain-language explanation and is not a substitute for ICAG’s official guidance. Always confirm current requirements, fees and deadlines on the ICAG student portal (sms.icagh.org) before registering.
