Membership
If you are full and current member of SAICA and hold the CA(SA) designation, you can apply for ICAEW membership without sitting any further exams or completing any further practical experience requirements. However, if you wish to apply for the Audit Qualification (AQ), you will need to pass additional exams and complete further practical experience.
Practising certificate
If you intend to practise in the UK once you are an ICAEW member you must apply for an ICAEW practising certificate and you can do this when completing the online membership application form. You can also cite your membership time with SAICA towards the 2-year membership requirement for a practising certificate.
Audit Qualification (AQ)
If you wish to obtain audit signing rights in the UK, you will need to hold the Audit Qualification (AQ) once you have become an ICAEW member. You will also need to hold an ICAEW practising certificate and be nominated for responsible individual (RI) status by a firm of registered auditors.
The SAICA qualification is not recognised by the Financial Reporting Council for the award of the AQ in the UK. You will therefore be required to pass additional examinations and complete an additional period of practical experience to obtain the AQ.