ATSWA Examination Guide
The Accounting Technicians Scheme, West Africa (ATSWA) examination is a twice-yearly exam — held in March and September — that qualifies candidates as Accounting Technicians across West Africa. It is run by the Association of Accountancy Bodies in West Africa (ABWA) and administered in Nigeria by ICAN. The syllabus is split into three parts, each with four subjects, and registration is done online at icanportal.org/ats/examinations.
This guide covers what ATSWA is, how the exam is structured, the September and March diets, and how to register. Because dates and fees change every diet, confirm the current details on the ICAN website before you pay.
What is the ATSWA examination?
ATSWA was introduced in 1989 to produce the middle-level accounting manpower that West African economies need. Passing it earns the Accounting Technician (AT) qualification and can also serve as a stepping stone — ICAN grants ATSWA-qualified candidates exemptions when they progress to the professional (chartered accountant) programme.
The exam is open to registered ATSWA students of the Institute. You must have a registration number before you can sit any diet.
Exam structure: three parts, twelve subjects
The ATSWA syllabus is divided into three parts, and each part has four subjects:
| Part | Focus |
|---|---|
| Part I | Foundations — basic accounting, business law, economics, communication |
| Part II | Intermediate — financial accounting, costing, taxation, audit basics |
| Part III | Final — preparing financial statements, management, public sector, IT |
For the exact current subject list per part, check the official ATSWA syllabus on icanig.org — ICAN updated its syllabus and examination regulations with effect from the November 2025 diet.
When are the exams held?
ATSWA examinations hold twice a year, in March and September, usually over two days. Recent diets:
- September 2025 diet: exams held 23–24 September 2025 (registration 29 May – 18 September 2025).
- March 2026 diet: exams held 24–25 March 2026 (registration 20 November 2025 – 19 March 2026).
As a rule of thumb, registration for the September diet opens around May, and for the March diet around November.
How to register for an ATSWA diet
- Confirm your status. Log in and check your examination/financial status on the ICAN student portal before paying.
- Pay your fees. Use Pay-Direct at a commercial bank, or pay online with a Verve, Mastercard, or Visa card.
- Register online. Complete the registration form at icanportal.org/ats/examinations, uploading a passport photograph and signature where required.
- Print your documents. Print the completed form, timetable, exam centres, and the rules on examination offences. Download your docket before exam day.
Study texts and the Insight materials are available free to registered candidates at ICAN district and liaison offices, and as downloads on the ICAN website.
Frequently asked questions
How many times a year is the ATSWA exam held?
Twice — in March and September.
How many subjects are in the ATSWA exam?
Twelve, grouped into three parts of four subjects each.
Who runs ATSWA?
It is conducted under the Association of Accountancy Bodies in West Africa (ABWA) and administered in Nigeria by ICAN.
Where do I register?
Online at icanportal.org/ats/examinations, but only after you have an ICAN/ATSWA student registration number.
Does ATSWA help with the ICAN professional exams?
Yes. ATSWA-qualified candidates are granted exemptions when they move on to ICAN’s professional programme — see the ICAN students’ regulations and syllabus.
Related: ICAN registration · ICAN Foundation syllabus · ATS programme to ICAN certification