The entry-level professional accounting qualification for West Africa. Earn the AATWA designation and gain direct exemptions into the ICAG chartered accountant programme — the fastest route to professional accounting in Ghana.
ATSWA gives you a recognised West African accounting qualification while building the fastest pathway to ICAG chartered accountant status.
On completion you earn the AATWA (Associate Accounting Technician West Africa) designation, recognised across all ABWA member countries.
ATSWA completers receive full exemptions from all 4 ICAG Level 1 papers plus Papers 2.3 (Audit) and 2.6 (Taxation) — skipping 6 of 14 ICAG exams.
Exams are held every March and September, giving you two opportunities per year to progress through each of the three parts.
Pass each paper independently before proceeding to Part II
Pass each paper independently before proceeding to Part III
Sit all 4 together. Pass at least 2 to earn credits. Complete all 4 within 6 sittings (3 years)
On completion: AATWA designation + ICAG exemptions
Pass all 12 ATSWA papers and you earn the Associate Accounting Technician West Africa (AATWA) designation. You also qualify for exemptions from 6 ICAG papers — meaning you only need to sit 8 of the 14 ICAG exams to become a Chartered Accountant.
Click each paper to see topics, then open the full course page for complete syllabus details, exam tips and career outcomes.
All 4 Part I papers must be passed before advancing to Part II. Credits are awarded for each paper passed individually.
All 4 Part II papers must be passed before advancing to Part III. Credits are awarded for each paper passed individually.
All 4 Part III papers must be sat together. You need to pass at least 2 papers before credits are granted. All 4 must be passed within 6 consecutive sittings (3 years), otherwise credits are cancelled.
Complete ATSWA and you automatically qualify for exemptions from 6 of the 14 ICAG papers — skipping all of ICAG Level 1 plus two Level 2 papers.
March and September each year. First sitting under the 2026 new syllabus: September 2026.
Each paper is 3 hours. Two sections: A (compulsory) and B (choice questions). 100 marks per paper.
50% per paper required. Credits are retained indefinitely for papers passed in Part I and Part II.
Association of Accountancy Bodies in West Africa (ABWA). Administered in Ghana by ICAG (www.icagh.com).
Join Profs Training Solutions for expert ATSWA tuition. HD video lectures, AI-powered practice tools, and a track record of first-attempt success across West Africa.
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