ICAG FAQ · Ghana
Frequently Asked Questions: Becoming a Chartered Accountant in Ghana
Every question about the ICAG qualification, answered in one place: eligibility, exam structure, exemptions, fees, registration, and how MSL Business School prepares you to pass.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG) sets the Professional Qualifying Examination that leads to Chartered Accountant status in Ghana. This guide answers the questions students ask most often, from who is eligible to write, through the exemptions and fees, to the technology MSL Business School uses to prepare its students. Use the contents below to jump to any section.
Eligibility & exam structure
Who is eligible to write the ICAG professional qualifying exams?
To be eligible for the ICAG exams, you need to have one of the following qualifications.
Entry qualifications
- WASSCE
- Six credits, which must include English and Core Mathematics.
- SSSCE / GBCE
- Six passes, including English and Core Mathematics.
- Diploma, HND or Degree
- Various tertiary qualifications are accepted by the Institute.
- ATSWA
- A qualification from the Accounting Technician Scheme West Africa.
How is the ICAG exam structured?
The ICAG Professional Qualifying Examination is structured into three levels, with a total of 14 papers.
The three levels
- Level 1 — Knowledge
- 4 papers
- Level 2 — Application
- 6 papers
- Level 3 — Professional
- 4 papers
What specific papers are in each level?
The papers for each level are as follows.
| Level | Papers |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Financial Accounting; Business Management & Information Systems; Business & Corporate Law; Introduction to Cost & Management Accounting. |
| Level 2 | Financial Reporting; Management Accounting; Audit & Assurance; Financial Management; Public Sector Accounting & Finance; Principles of Taxation. |
| Level 3 | Corporate Reporting; Advanced Audit & Assurance; Advanced Taxation; Strategic Case Study. |
What is the passing mark for an ICAG paper?
Pass mark · Every paper
The pass mark for all ICAG papers is 50%.
Sitting rules & exemptions
Are there rules about which papers I can write at the same time?
Yes. While you can generally write any number of papers, the following rules apply.
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Level 1 nearly done | A Level 1 student with only one paper left to finish the level can add up to four papers from Level 2. |
| Level 1 blocks Level 3 | You cannot write a Level 3 paper if you have any outstanding papers in Level 1. |
| Level 2 blocks Level 3 | You cannot write a Level 3 paper if you have more than one paper remaining in Level 2. |
| Level 2 nearly done | A Level 2 student with one paper left can take it along with any number of Level 3 papers. |
Can I get exemptions from any papers?
Yes, exemptions are granted based on your existing qualifications.
| Qualification | Exemptions granted |
|---|---|
| WASSCE / SSSCE | No exemptions — you must write all 14 papers. |
| Diploma in Accounting | Exempt from all 4 Level 1 papers. No automatic Level 2 exemptions. |
| HND Accountancy | Exempt from all 4 Level 1 papers, plus Paper 2.3 Audit & Assurance at Level 2. |
| ATSWA holders | Exempt from all Level 1 papers, plus Audit & Assurance and Principles of Taxation at Level 2. |
| Bachelor’s in Accounting | Exempt from all Level 1 papers, plus Audit & Assurance and Principles of Taxation. |
| Master’s in Accounting | Exempt from all 4 Level 1 papers and all Level 2 papers except Paper 2.5 Public Sector Accounting & Finance. Level 3 cannot be exempted — all 4 Level 3 papers must still be written. |
| Other degrees & professional quals | Exemptions are considered on a subject-by-subject basis by reviewing your academic transcript. |
For the complete 2026 fee schedule, the PAO member exemption pathway for ACCA and CIMA members among others, the MOU university route, and the financial decision of whether to take each exemption or write the paper, read our comprehensive ICAG exemptions guide. For an instant personalised exemption check based on your specific qualification, use our free ICAG Exemptions Calculator.
Are there special exemptions for university students?
Yes. Level 300 Accounting or Finance students from universities that have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ICAG can receive special exemptions after successfully completing their Level 300 courses.
| Option | Exemptions granted |
|---|---|
| Accounting Option | Exempt from all Level 1 papers, plus Audit & Assurance and Principles of Taxation. |
| Finance Option | Exempt from all Level 1 papers. Further exemptions for Audit & Assurance and/or Principles of Taxation are granted only if the student has already taken those courses. |
See the full list of MOU universities and the standard exemption fees applicable to MOU students in our comprehensive ICAG exemptions guide. For an instant calculation of your specific MOU exemption fees, use our free ICAG Exemptions Calculator.
Taking & registering for ICAG exams
When and where can I take the ICAG exams?
The exams are held three times a year: in March, July and November.
Where each level is examined
- Level 1
- Conducted online and can be taken from any suitable location with a compatible computer and internet access.
- Levels 2 & 3
- Held at various centres, including Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale, Sunyani, Ho, Wa, Koforidua, Bolgatanga, Cape Coast, Tema, and Monrovia (Liberia).
How do I register as an ICAG student?
You register on the ICAG student portal at sms.icagh.org/login.
Open the portal
Go to sms.icagh.org/login and select “I want to register as a student at ICAG”.
Complete your details
Fill out the required registration information.
Upload your documents
Be prepared to upload soft copies of your certificates, a valid national ID, and a passport-sized photograph.
The costs: ICAG & MSL fees
What fees do I pay directly to ICAG?
The fees below are paid directly to ICAG and are separate from any tuition you pay to a learning provider. Latest fees updated for 2026.
Fees payable directly to ICAG
- Registration fee
- GHS 400 — a one-time fee paid when you first register as an ICAG student.
- Annual subscription
- GHS 400 — paid once every year.
- Exemption fee (per paper)
- Level 1 — GHS 711; Level 2 — GHS 1,139; Level 3 — GHS 1,380. Paid only when you apply for exemptions.
- Examination fee
- Graduated by the number of papers you sit per level — see the table below.
ICAG examination fees are graduated: the per-paper cost falls the more papers you sit in a single session.
| Level | One paper | Full level |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | GHS 511 | GHS 1,581 (4 papers) |
| Level 2 | GHS 911 | GHS 4,181 (6 papers) |
| Level 3 | GHS 1,104 | GHS 2,926 (4 papers) |
What fees are payable to MSL Business School?
MSL Business School’s ICAG fee structure is simple and transparent. You only pay a tuition fee per paper, charged per exam sitting. There are no hidden charges, registration fees, or administrative add-ons.
MSL tuition · per paper, per sitting
- ICAG Level 1
- GHS 450 per paper
- ICAG Level 2
- GHS 550 per paper
- ICAG Level 3
- GHS 600 per paper
Studying with MSL Business School
Why should I choose MSL Business School for my ICAG tuition?
MSL Business School is dedicated to providing world-class exam preparation to help you pass the first time. Our students have an excellent track record, with 46 National Awards, including achieving the Overall Best Graduating Student Award in all three ICAG exam sittings in 2024. To see our award-winning students, visit our awards page.
How does MSL Business School deliver its classes?
We use the best technology to ensure you can pass the first time. All our classes are delivered live online via Google Meet, providing a flexible and accessible learning environment.
What if I miss a live class? Are recordings available?
Yes. Recordings of every live session are uploaded to the MSL Business School App on the same day the class is held. This gives you the complete flexibility to study anytime and anywhere, without restrictions.
What technology does the MSL Business School App offer to ICAG students?
MSL Business School is Ghana’s clear technology leader in professional education — the first and only provider with multimodal AI for ICAG students. The MSL Business School App is a fully integrated learning platform purpose-built for ICAG preparation, accessible across Android, iOS and Windows. Its features include:
Inside the MSL Business School App
- MSL AI (Multimodal)
- Open any lesson for an instant AI-generated summary, turn any topic into quizzes and flashcards on demand, ask questions through text or voice, and upload a photo of an ICAG exam question to work through it step by step. MSL AI keeps conversation memory across your session, so it learns the context of how you study. This is the first multimodal AI deployed in Ghana’s professional examination space.
- Same-day recordings
- Full access to recordings of every live class, uploaded the same day the class is held. Study anytime, anywhere, without restrictions.
- Interactive study tools
- Built-in quizzes with a leaderboard for friendly competition, flashcards for spaced revision, and AI-generated lesson summaries that convert any topic into a structured revision aid.
- MSL SmartConnect
- A peer collaboration feature that lets you connect with course mates, send messages, share images and files, and stay up to date with class announcements.
- Learning streaks, XP & leaderboards
- Consistency tools that track your daily study activity, reward sustained effort, and create healthy competition across the cohort.
- Modern, fast interface
- A clean design optimised for speed and stability across devices, with seamless progress sync so you can move between phone, tablet and laptop without losing your place.
The bottom line
No other ICAG tuition provider in Ghana operates a multimodal AI learning platform of this scope.
How can I register for tuition with MSL Business School?
You can register by visiting mslbusinessschool.com/icag, or contact us on WhatsApp at 053 050 4026.
Will I get reminders about important ICAG deadlines if I am a student at MSL?
Yes. As a member of the MSL Business School community, you will receive timely updates on all key registration deadlines, so you are always well-informed.
Where can I get more information?
For any further questions, reach out to us on WhatsApp at 053 050 4026.
Membership & cross-body routes
Are there special rules for members of other Professional Accounting Organisations who want to become ICAG members?
Members of other Professional Accounting Organisation (PAO) bodies recognised by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) — for example ACCA UK, CIMA UK, ICAN and SAICA — who want to become members of ICAG may apply for exemptions for all subjects that will not be registered for examination. After the Institute approves the exemptions, you pay for them before registering for the examinations.
The subjects to be taken in the ICAG examinations by members of other PAOs are:
| Paper | Subject |
|---|---|
| Paper 2.5 | Public Sector Accounting & Finance |
| Paper 3.3 | Advanced Taxation |
| Paper 3.2 | Advanced Audit & Assurance — if it was not written and passed under the PAO. |
See the complete PAO exemption pathway, including all reduced fees and the full paper-by-paper exemption schedule. For an instant calculation of your PAO exemption fees as an ACCA, CIMA, ICAN or SAICA member, use our free ICAG Exemptions Calculator.
When can I call myself a “Chartered Accountant”?
After successfully passing all required examinations and gaining the required practical experience, you can apply for Full Membership of ICAG. The process involves three stages.
Complete the induction course
ICAG’s induction course is a required step before admission.
Submit your membership form
Provide details of your work experience and referees who are ICAG members in good standing.
Admissions Committee review
The application is reviewed by the Admissions Committee of ICAG before your final admission.
Practical experience · The requirement
Before becoming a Full Member, you must obtain a minimum of three years of relevant practical experience in an approved training environment. This can be gained in an accounting or auditing firm, working under a qualified accountant in a private or public organisation, or teaching an accountancy-related subject in an accredited tertiary institution, among others.
Key terms in this guide
- ICAG
- Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana. The professional body that regulates accountancy in Ghana and sets the Professional Qualifying Examination.
- WASSCE
- West African Senior School Certificate Examination. The standard secondary-school certificate; six credits including English and Core Mathematics meet the ICAG entry requirement.
- SSSCE / GBCE
- Earlier Ghanaian senior-secondary and business certificates accepted for ICAG entry with six passes including English and Core Mathematics.
- ATSWA
- Accounting Technician Scheme West Africa. A technician-level accountancy qualification that satisfies ICAG entry and carries Level 1 and some Level 2 exemptions.
- MOU university
- A university with a Memorandum of Understanding with ICAG, allowing eligible Level 300 Accounting or Finance students to receive special exemptions.
- PAO
- Professional Accounting Organisation. An IFAC-recognised body such as ACCA, CIMA, ICAN or SAICA, whose members can join ICAG through a defined exemption route.
- IFAC
- International Federation of Accountants. The global body that recognises professional accountancy organisations worldwide.
- Exemption
- A paper a candidate does not have to write because an existing qualification already covers it. Exemptions are applied and paid for through ICAG.
- Diet / Sitting
- A single examination session. ICAG holds three diets a year, in March, July and November.
Key points to remember
- The ICAG qualification has three levels and 14 papers: Level 1 (4), Level 2 (6) and Level 3 (4), with a 50% pass mark on every paper.
- Exams are held three times a year — March, July and November. Level 1 is online; Levels 2 and 3 are sat at centres across Ghana and in Monrovia.
- Exemptions depend on your qualification, from none for WASSCE/SSSCE up to all of Level 1 and most of Level 2 for an accounting Master’s; Level 3 can never be exempted.
- ICAG charges a GHS 400 registration fee and GHS 400 annual subscription, plus graduated examination fees and per-paper exemption fees.
- MSL tuition is flat and transparent: GHS 450 (L1), GHS 550 (L2), GHS 600 (L3) per paper per sitting, with no hidden charges.
- MSL delivers live online classes with same-day recordings and the only multimodal AI learning platform in Ghana’s professional-exam space.
Ready to start your ICAG journey? Prepare with Ghana’s most awarded professional-education provider and the first and only multimodal AI built for professional exam students.
Explore MSL ICAG TuitionInformation on this page reflects ICAG requirements, fees and procedures current as of 2026 and is subject to change by the Institute. Always confirm current details on the ICAG student portal at sms.icagh.org before registering. MSL Business School is an ICAG-Approved Partner in Learning.