The recently released 2024 SAICA Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) results show a striking increase in pass rates, sparking industry-wide discussions.
The overall pass rate jumped significantly from 52% in 2023 to 73% in 2024—a 34% rise over the 5-year average. First-time candidates achieved an 81% pass rate (the highest in six years), up from 63% in 2023, while repeat candidates improved from 38% to 63%.
SAICA credits the jump in pass rate to better candidate preparation. But is this the whole story?
SAICA APC 2024 Overall Pass Rate
What factors contributed to the jump in pass rate?
We believe one possible explanation is the return to in-office training. Most 2024 candidates benefited from two full(ish) years of practical, on-site learning, while the 2023 cohort—who recorded the lowest pass rate since 2019 at just 51%—completed most of their training remotely. Whether the 2023 exam was particularly challenging or the remote working environment played a role, the low base in 2023 definitely distorts and exaggerates the perceived improvement in 2024.
What other factors might have played a role?
Another factor could be the increasing use of AI tools in exam preparation. Many candidates report using AI to help analyse case studies and refine their responses. If true, this trend could lead to lasting shifts in how candidates prepare—and may eventually prompt SAICA to rethink how it assesses professional competence in a world where AI is part of the process.
Or, did SAICA intentionally make the exam easier?
Irrespective of the reason for the change, what does the increase in pass rate mean for employers?
As a result of this APC exam, 3,147 new CAs will enter the job market—881 more than last year which offers employers a wider pool of candidates. More choice. But with CVs at this stage of their careers all looking very similar to the next, how do employers efficiently identify the top performers before committing time to interviews?
What this means for employers
Employers need proactive and efficient hiring strategies to secure the right talent. Blue Recruiting offers access to the largest CA candidate networks, with pre-recorded video interviews available through CAsOnline. This allows employers to screen faster, go deeper, and make better hiring decisions—faster.
Whether the improved SAICA APC results are due to better preparation, office-based learning, AI, or simply an easier exam, one thing is clear: the hiring landscape is different, and the smartest employers will adapt accordingly.
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