The Zambia Institute of Charted Accounts – ZICA, one of the prestigious professional bodies in Zambia has announced the release of the December 2019 ZICA examinations results in its four programmes which include Charted Accountant Zambia Program, Diploma in Accountancy, Diploma in Taxation and Diploma in Public Sector Financial Management.
The CA Zambia level recorded a decrease in the overall pass rate for knowledge and Advisory levels as well as all levels of the Diploma in Accountancy programme. ZICA Chief Executive Officer and Secretary Bonna Kashinga revealed that the a higher pass rate was recorded in the Diploma in Public Sector Financial Management programme at 83% while the lowest pass rate was recorded in the Advisory level of CA Zambia at 26%.
The 2019 examinations written from December 9th, to December 13th, recorded a total entry of 8,496 compared to 7,962 entries in June 2019, representing an increase of 6.7%. Speaking to the media in Lusaka on January 24, 2020, Kashinga explained that out of 8,496 entries for December 2019 examinations, 1,274 entries were absent from the examinations representing an absenteeism rate of 15% compared to 14% in June 2019.
He added that of those present in the examinations 5,056 entries were male candidate representing 70% of the entries while 2,166 entries were female candidates representing 30% of the entries compared to percentages recorded in June 2019 were male candidates recorded 70.5% while female candidate recorded 29.5%.
The institute recorded an increase in the overall performance of the candidate that sat for the December 2019 examinations in the Diploma in Public Sector Financial Management and all levels of the Diploma in Taxation programme compared to the June 2019 examinations.
He added that the institute observed lack of appropriate qualified lectures in selected provinces which led to a number of ZICA students studying under self-study mode with statistics showing that students on full time study perform better compared to those on self-study and part time study programme.
The institute has since announced its plans to digitalize study materials starting this year stating that the digital journey is aimed at accelerating the way business will be conducted focusing at interacting more with students through digital channels.
In addition, the ZICA CEO disclosed that the institute has a plan to upgrade from Diploma programmes to Degree programmes but that not for the year 2020. ZICA has also opened registration for the March 2020 examinations and its due date for payment of the relevant examination fees is 7th February 2020.
