ICAN Examinations Fees in Nigeria 2025

As accounting professionals in Nigeria seek to advance their careers, obtaining certification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) remains one of the most prestigious and valuable credentials. However, prospective candidates often struggle to find accurate, up-to-date information about the total costs involved. This comprehensive guide, ICAN Examinations Fees in Nigeria 2025, breaks down all expenses associated with becoming an ICAN-certified accountant in 2025, helping you plan your professional journey effectively.

Registration and Admission Fees

The journey toward ICAN certification begins with registration. As of 2025, new students must pay a one-time registration fee of ₦15,000. This covers your initial processing and entry into the ICAN database as a student member. This fee has remained relatively stable compared to previous years, representing ICAN’s effort to keep entry barriers manageable.

Upon successful registration, candidates must also pay an annual subscription fee of ₦7,500 to maintain their student membership status. This recurring expense ensures continued access to ICAN resources, student support services, and eligibility to sit for examinations.

Examination Structure and Associated Costs

ICAN’s certification pathway follows a structured approach with three distinct levels:

1. Foundation Level

The Foundation Level consists of five papers that introduce candidates to the fundamental principles of accounting. Current examination fees for 2025 stand at:

Per paper: ₦8,500
Complete level (all five papers): ₦42,500

First-time candidates typically register for 2-3 papers per sitting, resulting in an initial examination cost of approximately ₦17,000-₦25,500.

2. Skills Level

After successfully completing the Foundation Level, candidates proceed to the Skills Level, which comprises five more specialized papers. The examination fees for this level in 2025 are:

Per paper: ₦9,800
Complete level (all five papers): ₦49,000

Most candidates spread these examinations across multiple sittings, typically taking 2-3 papers at a time, which amounts to ₦19,600-₦29,400 per sitting.

3. Professional Level

The final hurdle in the ICAN journey is the Professional Level, consisting of five advanced papers that test candidates’ application of accounting principles in complex scenarios. The 2025 examination fees are:

Per paper: ₦10,500
Complete level (all five papers): ₦52,500

At this stage, most candidates take 1-2 papers per sitting due to the increased difficulty level, representing a cost of ₦10,500-₦21,000 per examination period.

Study Materials and Resources

Beyond the official fees, candidates must factor in the cost of study resources:

ICAN Study Packs

ICAN provides official study packs for each level, which are highly recommended for successful preparation:

Foundation Level Study Pack: ₦25,000
Skills Level Study Pack: ₦28,000
Professional Level Study Pack: ₦30,000

These materials are comprehensive and aligned with the current examination syllabus, making them a worthwhile investment despite their cost.

Third-Party Materials and Coaching

Many candidates supplement ICAN’s official resources with third-party materials and coaching:

External review materials: ₦8,000-₦15,000 per level
Past question compilations: ₦5,000-₦10,000
Mobile app subscriptions with practice questions: ₦3,000-₦7,000 monthly

Tuition and Coaching Classes

While not mandatory, many candidates enroll in preparatory classes through accredited tuition centers:

Foundation Level courses: ₦70,000-₦120,000
Skills Level courses: ₦80,000-₦150,000
Professional Level courses: ₦100,000-₦180,000

Online coaching options have emerged as more affordable alternatives, typically costing 30-40% less than traditional classroom programs while offering greater flexibility.

Exemptions and Their Financial Implications

Candidates with relevant academic qualifications may qualify for exemptions from certain papers, potentially reducing the overall cost:

Accounting graduates can receive exemptions for most Foundation Level papers, saving approximately ₦34,000 in examination fees
Holders of relevant master’s degrees may receive additional exemptions at the Skills Level
Exemption processing fees range from ₦5,000-₦10,000 per paper depending on the level

It’s worth noting that while exemptions reduce examination costs, they come with their own processing fees that must be factored into your budget.

Induction and Certification Fees

Upon successful completion of all examination requirements, candidates must pay additional fees to become fully certified:

Induction fee: ₦75,000
Practice license (for those intending to establish accounting firms): ₦50,000
Certificate collection: ₦10,000

These represent the final financial hurdles before achieving full ICAN membership status.

Total Cost Breakdown

To provide a clearer picture, here’s an estimated total cost breakdown for completing the ICAN program without exemptions in 2025:

Category	Cost Range (₦)
Registration and annual dues (3 years)	37,500
Examination fees (all levels)	144,000
Study materials (official)	83,000
Supplementary resources	30,000-60,000
Tuition (optional)	250,000-450,000
Final certification fees	85,000
Total without tuition	379,500-409,500
Total with tuition	629,500-859,500

Cost-Saving Strategies

Despite the significant investment, several strategies can help manage ICAN-related expenses:

Take advantage of employer sponsorship programs – Many accounting firms and companies offer partial or full sponsorship for promising employees.
Apply for ICAN scholarships – ICAN offers merit-based scholarships for outstanding students, covering examination fees and study materials.
Join study groups – Sharing resources with fellow candidates can significantly reduce the cost of preparation materials.
Maximize first-attempt passes – Each retake adds to the overall cost, making thorough preparation crucial.
Utilize online resources – Many free or low-cost resources are available online, including webinars, tutorial videos, and practice questions.

Investing in Your Accounting Career

While the path to becoming an ICAN-certified accountant represents a significant financial investment ranging from ₦380,000 to ₦860,000 depending on your approach, the long-term career benefits often justify the expense. ICAN certification typically leads to salary increases of 30-50% and opens doors to senior positions across various sectors.

When planning your ICAN journey, it’s advisable to look through ICAN Examinations Fees In Nigeria 2025, and also spread the costs over time by taking a staged approach to examinations. Additionally, exploring sponsorship opportunities through employers or applying for scholarships can substantially reduce your personal financial burden.

As with any professional qualification, the ICAN certification is best viewed as an investment in your future career prospects rather than merely an expense. With proper planning and budgeting, this prestigious qualification remains accessible to dedicated accounting professionals across Nigeria.

Your journey to becoming a chartered accountant begins with the right guidance. Trace School of Professional Studies offers everything you need to excel in ICAN examinations—expert tutors, flexible learning options, and a proven track record of success. Don’t miss this opportunity to achieve your career goals. Visit Trace School of Professional Studies now to enroll and take the first step toward a brighter future.

ICAN Fees in Nigeria 2025: Cost Breakdown & Budgeting Tips