How to Become a Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) in the Philippines
Key takeaways
- The CAT credential is earned through three independent NIAT exam levels: Certified Bookkeeper (Level 1), Registered Cost Accountant (Level 2), and Certified Accounting Technician (Level 3).
- You can take any level without completing the previous one — each is a standalone, internationally recognized credential.
- Exams are administered by NIAT; you register and prepare through an Authorized NIAT Training Provider.
- Fees typically start at ₱4,500 (student rate) or ₱8,000 (professional rate) per level. NIAT membership is paid separately after you pass.
- Graduates within six months of graduation qualify for the discounted student rate.
To become a Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) in the Philippines, you pass three exam levels administered by NIAT (the National Institute of Accounting Technicians): Certified Bookkeeper (Level 1), Registered Cost Accountant (Level 2), and Certified Accounting Technician (Level 3). You register for and prepare for each exam through an Authorized NIAT Training Provider, sit the scheduled exam, and receive your results 1–2 weeks later. The levels are independent, so you can start at any level and stop whenever you choose — though completing all three earns you the full CAT credential.
What is a Certified Accounting Technician?
A Certified Accounting Technician is a practising accounting professional certified across bookkeeping, cost accounting, and taxation. In the Philippines, the qualification is delivered as a three-level pathway, with each level certified by an international body and examined locally through NIAT. It's designed for people who want a recognized accounting credential without first completing a full professional accountancy program — and each level you pass is a credential you can use on its own.
The three CAT levels
Each level builds practical, job-ready skills in a specific area of accounting:
| Level | Credential | Focus | Sample topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Bookkeeper (CB) | Practical accounting & bookkeeping | Recording business transactions; drafting financial statements; maintaining records |
| 2 | Registered Cost Accountant (RCA) | Cost & management accounting | Materials, labour & overhead costs; budgeting, planning & control |
| 3 | Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) | Taxation & payroll | Payroll, income tax, and business tax computations |
Each level is certified by a different international body — Level 1 by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (UK), Level 2 by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants, and Level 3 by the Institute of Accounting Technicians — while NIAT administers the exams in the Philippines.
Because the levels are independent certifications, you don't have to take them in order or complete all three. Many learners begin with Level 1 to build a foundation, but you can enrol directly in the level that matches your goals.
Who can take the CAT exams?
The program is open to a wide range of learners:
- Accounting students — those taking BS Accountancy, BSC major in Accounting, or related programs who want a professional credential while still in school.
- Fresh graduates — recent accounting graduates, who qualify for discounted student rates within six months of graduation.
- Working professionals — those already in the workforce who want an internationally recognized credential to advance their careers.
How much does it cost?
Pricing is set per level, with a discounted student rate and a standard professional rate:
| Level | Credential | Student rate (from) | Professional rate (from) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Bookkeeper (CB) | ₱4,500 | ₱8,000 |
| 2 | Registered Cost Accountant (RCA) | ₱4,500 | ₱8,000 |
| 3 | Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) | ₱4,500 | ₱8,000 |
A few things to keep in mind:
- Every enrolment includes a 3-month review subscription to help you prepare.
- If you fail a level, you can retake it at a 50% discount.
- NIAT membership is paid separately to NIAT after you pass, and is required to receive your official certification.
Rates can change with each exam schedule, so check the current figures and upcoming exam dates on the pricing page.
Step by step: how to get certified
- Choose your level. Decide whether to start with Level 1 (Certified Bookkeeper) or jump to the level that fits your experience.
- Register through an authorized provider. Enrol in an upcoming exam through an Authorized NIAT Training Provider, which handles your registration and preparation.
- Prepare. Work through the syllabus with practice questions and mock exams aligned to the NIAT coverage.
- Sit the exam. Take the scheduled NIAT examination for your level.
- Get your results. Results are released 1–2 weeks after the exam.
- Claim your certification. After passing, settle your NIAT membership to receive your official credential.
- Progress (optional). Move on to the next level whenever you're ready — or stop with the credential you've earned.
How to prepare for the CAT exam
The most reliable way to pass is consistent, targeted practice rather than last-minute cramming:
- Practice by topic. Work through questions concept by concept so you master the fundamentals before moving on.
- Take mock exams. Simulate the real exam to build timing and confidence.
- Focus on weak areas. Track which topics you get wrong and revisit them — this is where most score gains come from.
CAT Review PH offers all of this in one place, including an AI tutor that adapts to your weak areas, with a 7-day free trial of Level 1 and no credit card required. Start your free trial to see how it works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a Certified Accounting Technician?
There is no fixed duration. Each of the three levels is exam-based and independent, so you progress as quickly as you can prepare for and sit each scheduled NIAT exam. Results are released 1–2 weeks after each examination.
Do I need to complete all three levels?
No. Each level is a standalone credential recognized internationally — Level 1 gives the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation, Level 2 the Registered Cost Accountant (RCA), and Level 3 the full Certified Accounting Technician (CAT). Completing all three maximizes your recognition and career options.
Who administers the CAT exams?
The exams are administered by NIAT (the National Institute of Accounting Technicians), the official exam provider in the Philippines. You register and prepare through an Authorized NIAT Training Provider such as 1Punch Inc.
Can I retake a level if I fail?
Yes. You can retake any failed exam at a 50% discount on the regular examination rate, with targeted review materials to help you focus on weak areas.
Do fresh graduates pay the professional rate?
No. Graduates enrolling within six months of graduation receive the discounted student rate. You will need to provide proof of your graduation date during enrollment.
Are there additional fees after passing?
Yes. NIAT membership fees are not included in the exam fees and are paid separately to NIAT after you pass. Membership is required to receive your official certification. Contact NIAT at [email protected] for current rates.