If you're a B.Com graduate aiming to become a certified accounting professional in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA) offers a clear path—but with strict eligibility conditions that have recently been updated.
Let’s break it down step by step, based on the latest official SOCPA guidelines.
✅ Who Is Eligible for SOCPA Associate Membership?
SOCPA accepts applicants who meet any of the following conditions:
Bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting
- Fully accepted.
Diploma in Accounting (minimum 2 years)
- Must be from a Saudi university or an accredited equivalent.
Associate Diploma in Accounting (1–2 years)
- Accepted only if the applicant completes the qualifying training program for the Accounting Technician Exam.
Bachelor’s degree in administrative sciences (e.g., B.Com)
- Accepted only if the degree is classified at Level 6 or higher under the Saudi educational framework and includes at least 15 academic hours in accounting.
- ⚠️ Important Update (2025): A 2-year B.Com degree is no longer accepted on its own, as it does not meet Level 6 classification.
Holders of approved professional certificates, such as:
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant – US, Canada, etc.)
- CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
- CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
- CA (Chartered Accountant – UK, India, Pakistan, etc.)
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
- PIPFA (Pakistan Institute of Public Finance Accountants)
- AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians)
- ICMA (Institute of Cost and Management Accountants – Pakistan or other recognized bodies)
๐ Official Sources:
๐ Required Documents
To apply for SOCPA membership, you’ll need:
- A copy of your degree and transcript (with 15 accounting hours clearly shown)
- National ID (for Saudis) or passport (for non-Saudis)
- Personal photo (optional for women)
- Attestation documents (if degree is from outside Saudi Arabia)
- Payment of fees:
- 500 SAR annual subscription
- 575 SAR one-time certificate validation fee (for foreign degrees)
๐️ What Is a “Recognized University”?
SOCPA accepts degrees from universities that are:
- Accredited by the Saudi Ministry of Education, or
- Attested by the relevant authorities in your home country and the Saudi Cultural Mission.
For example, if you studied in Pakistan, your degree must be:
- Recognized by HEC (Higher Education Commission)
- Attested by the Saudi Embassy and Saudi Cultural Mission
❓ What If You Have a 2-Year B.Com?
If you hold a 2-year B.Com degree, here are your options:
- Earn a recognized professional certificate (e.g., CPA, CMA, ACCA, ICMA, etc.)
- Complete a top-up degree or additional accounting coursework from a recognized university to meet Level 6 standards.
- Enroll in SOCPA’s fellowship program to fulfill the academic hour requirements.
๐ฃ️ What If Someone Got SOCPA Membership with a 2-Year B.Com Before?
That’s completely valid. In the past, SOCPA accepted 2-year B.Com degrees if they included 15 academic hours in accounting and were properly attested. Many professionals obtained membership under those rules.
However, as of 2024–2025, SOCPA has updated its policy. Now, only degrees that meet Level 6 classification or higher are accepted. This change reflects a shift toward stricter academic standards.
So if someone got membership earlier, it was under the previous criteria, which are no longer in effect.
๐ฏ Why SOCPA Membership Matters
SOCPA membership is essential for:
- Practicing accounting or auditing in Saudi Arabia
- Getting recognized by employers and government bodies
- Accessing professional development and training
- Meeting regulatory requirements for accounting roles
๐ ️ Final Tip
If you're unsure whether your degree meets the eligibility criteria, get it evaluated early. You can also contact SOCPA directly or consult a credential evaluation service.
One step can change your professional future.
Start your SOCPA journey today—with the right degree, the right documents, and the right guidance.
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