Are you looking for information on how to join the Accounting Technicians Scheme West Africa and become an ATSWA student? This article answers the following questions.

What is ATSWA?

The Accounting Technicians Scheme West Africa (ATSWA) programme is run by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and is designed to produce middle level Accounting Technicians within the West African sub-region.

What are the objectives of ATSWA ICAN?

The objectives are to:

  1. provide a recognised qualification for the accounting and auditing staff employed in the public sector, industry, commerce and in various offices or practicing accountants
  2. help meet the need for middle level accounting personnel in the economy especially for the accounting and finance departments of various government agencies and corporations.

How many stages are there in ICAN ATSWA?

The ATSWA syllabus is divided into 3 parts or stages and each part consists of four (4) subjects.

Part 1 consists of:

  • Basic Accounting Processes and Systems (BAPS)
  • Business Law
  • Economics and
  • Communication Skills

Part 2 consists of:

  • Principles and Practice of Financial Accounting
  • Public Sector Accounting
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Information Technology

Part 3 consists of:

  • Principles of Audit
  • Cost Accounting
  • Preparing Tax Computations & Returns (Taxation)
  • Management

What is AAT Certificate?

AAT Certificate is awarded upon successfully completing the Accounting Technicians Scheme of West Africa (ATSWA) Examinations.

How many years does it take to finish ICAN ATSWA?

The duration for the completion of the 3 level/3 part examination is a minimum of 15 months for those with ordinary level (O Level such as SSCE, NECO) certificate and 6 to12 months for those with higher certificate (e.g OND) but not a degree certificate.

How many times is ICAN ATSWA written in a year?

The examination currently takes place twice a year i.e. March and September.

What are ATSWA learning materials?

ICAN provides materials that assist students in studying and preparing for the Examinations, these includes Study Packs, Insight and Mock Questions and Answers.

What are the minimum entry requirements to become an ATSWA Student?

You will require either of:

  • Five (5) credit passes in any subject including English Language and Mathematics in the West Africa School Certificate Examination, General Certificate of Education or Senior School Certificate of Education, NECO equivalent not more than two sittings or NABTEB.

  • Ordinary National Diploma of any Polytechnic recognised by the Council of the Institute

  • National Certificate in Education (NCE) from any College of Education.

How to register to become an ATSWA student

The following are the steps required to register:

1. The ATSWA registration fee is ₦6000 (bank charges not included) payable using any of the following methods of payment:

2. Use the transaction reference and receipt number to generate your PIN and SERIAL NUMBER here.

3. Click to submit on completion of the form.

4. Print out the completed form and sign it.

5. Attach the below documents and submit the hard copies to any of ICAN offices;

  • Original copy of the pay direct receipt/transaction reference
  • Certified photocopies of your credentials any (NECO, WASCE, NABTEB, OND, NCE)

NOTE: YOU WILL REQUIRE A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT OR ASSOCIATE ACCOUNTING TECHNICIANS (AAT) TO ENDORSE YOUR APPLICATION FORM & CREDENTIALS ON COMPLETION.