Certification 1
ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria)
Nigerian professional accountancy qualification
What it is
ICAN is Nigeria’s principal professional accountancy body. Its professional route is structured through Foundation, Skills and Professional levels, with eligibility routes for university degree or HND holders and recognised equivalent qualifications. Successful candidates progress through the examination and experience requirements toward professional membership.
Who it is for
Accounting graduates and other eligible candidates who want a Nigeria-focused professional accountancy qualification and careers in audit, financial reporting, taxation, finance, public-sector accounting and related functions.
Eligibility / entry requirements
ICAN states that a professional student should hold a university degree or HND from an institution/qualification accepted by the Institute, or another approved entry route. Exemptions can apply depending on academic and professional qualifications.
Cost and fees
ICAN fees vary by registration status, level, number of papers, subscription and diet. For the 2026 professional examination information published by ICAN, examination fees include ₦40,740 for one Professional-level paper, with higher amounts for multiple papers. Registration and other charges are separate and should be checked on the current ICAN portal before payment.
Study centres
ICAN has study resources and learning support for professional students. Students should use the current ICAN materials and confirm approved tuition/study arrangements directly with ICAN or their chosen provider.
Examination centres
ICAN publishes examination centres for each examination diet. Published 2026 centre information includes locations such as Abuja, Lagos, Aba, Abeokuta, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu and many other Nigerian locations. Centre availability can change by diet.
Examination structure
The professional programme is organised into Foundation, Skills and Professional levels. The current professional examination timetable includes subjects such as Strategic Business Reporting, Strategic Financial Management, Advanced Taxation, Advanced Audit, Assurance & Forensic, Public Sector Accounting & Finance and Case Study.
How to register / get it
Start from the official ICAN student/professional registration route, create the required registration/payment reference, complete the online application and submit the requested supporting documents. Do not rely on third parties for examination registration.
Duration / stages
The time required depends on exemptions, examination progress, study pace and practical experience requirements. Candidates should plan around the current ICAN examination diets and their own exemption status.
Career benefits
ICAN can strengthen professional credibility for accounting, audit, tax, finance, reporting, compliance and public-sector roles. It is particularly relevant where employers request or value ICAN/ACA credentials.
Relevant career paths
Accounting, Audit & Assurance, Tax, Financial Reporting, Finance Management, Internal Audit, Forensic Accounting and Public & Government Accounting.
Official sourceCertification body / registration
Visit official information →Source / verification note
Primary sources: ICAN professional-student guidance, current ICAN examination-fee information and published examination-centre/timetable documents. Check the official site for the current diet before payment.