Training Pathway:

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in The Bahamas, applicants must meet educational and licensing requirements through accredited institutions. An earn a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field from a recognized university is the first requirement. The University of the Bahamas offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.

Certification Requirements:

Candidates typically pursue the certification through an approved institute of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA), like the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Once candidates successfully pass the exam, they are encouraged to register and apply for membership to BICA. Once registered, applicants may now apply for licensing to engage in practice. To apply for license, applicants must complete the form provided by BICA along a with recommendation from a public accountant certifying to the best of their knowledge that the applicant is of good character; evidence supporting that the applicant, for a cumulative period of thirty-six months, has met the requisite public practice requirements and payment of the License application fee. These licensing requirements can be found at BICA’s official website. https://www.bica.bs/membership-licencing/requirements-for-licensing/

Continuing Professional Development:

In The Bahamas, accountants must complete at least 120 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) every three-year reporting period to maintain their professional standing to ensure that accountants remain competent and up to date with industry standards.