NIAT Exam: Schedule, Fees, and Requirements (Philippines)
Key takeaways
- NIAT (the National Institute of Accounting Technicians) administers the Certified Accounting Technician exams in the Philippines.
- Exams are held on regularly scheduled dates; check the latest dates and deadlines on the pricing or enrolment pages.
- Fees typically start at ₱4,500 (student rate) or ₱8,000 (professional rate) per level, and every enrolment includes a 3-month review subscription.
- You register through an Authorized NIAT Training Provider; results are released 1–2 weeks after the exam, and NIAT membership is paid separately after you pass.
The NIAT exams are the official assessments for the Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) program in the Philippines, administered by NIAT — the National Institute of Accounting Technicians. Exams are held on regularly scheduled dates, with fees typically starting at ₱4,500 (student rate) or ₱8,000 (professional rate) per level. You register and prepare through an Authorized NIAT Training Provider, sit the scheduled exam, and receive your results 1–2 weeks later. After passing, NIAT membership is paid separately to claim your certification.
Who is NIAT?
NIAT (the National Institute of Accounting Technicians) is the body that administers the Certified Accounting Technician examinations in the Philippines. Training and registration are handled by Authorized NIAT Training Providers — for example, 1Punch Inc., which powers CAT Review PH. The provider manages your enrolment and exam preparation, while NIAT runs the examinations themselves.
Exam schedule
NIAT exams run on scheduled dates throughout the year for each of the three levels. Because exam dates and registration deadlines change with each cycle, the most reliable way to plan is to check the current schedule before you enrol. You can see upcoming exam dates and deadlines on the pricing page or when you enrol in an exam.
Fees
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 |
Keep in mind:
- Every enrolment includes a 3-month review subscription.
- A failed level can be retaken at a 50% discount.
- NIAT membership is paid separately, after you pass, and is required to receive your official certification.
Rates can change with each schedule, so confirm the current figures on the pricing page.
Requirements: who can register
The CAT program is open to a broad range of learners:
- Accounting students currently enrolled in BS Accountancy or related programs.
- Fresh graduates — those within six months of graduation, who qualify for the student rate with proof of their graduation date.
- Working professionals seeking an internationally recognized credential.
How to register
- Choose your level — start with Level 1 (Certified Bookkeeper) or the level that matches your experience.
- Check the schedule — confirm the exam date and registration deadline on the pricing or enrolment page.
- Enrol through an authorized provider, which handles your registration and preparation.
- Prepare with NIAT-aligned practice questions and mock exams.
- Sit the exam on the scheduled date.
Results and certification
Results are released 1–2 weeks after the examination. Once you pass, settle your NIAT membership (paid separately to NIAT) to receive your official credential — contact NIAT at [email protected] for current rates. If you don't pass, you can retake the level at a 50% discount.
New to the program? Start with our guide on how to become a Certified Accounting Technician, or start a 7-day free trial to begin preparing.
Frequently asked questions
Who administers the CAT exams in the Philippines?
NIAT — the National Institute of Accounting Technicians — is the official exam provider. You register for and prepare for the exams through an Authorized NIAT Training Provider such as 1Punch Inc.
How often are NIAT exams held?
Exams are offered on regularly scheduled dates. Because dates and registration deadlines change over time, check the current schedule on the pricing or enrolment pages before you plan your review.
How much do the NIAT exams cost?
Fees are set per level and typically start at ₱4,500 for the student rate and ₱8,000 for the professional rate. Every enrolment also includes a 3-month review subscription, and a failed exam can be retaken at a 50% discount.
What are the requirements to register?
The program is open to accounting students, recent graduates, and working professionals. Graduates within six months of graduation qualify for the student rate with proof of their graduation date.
When do I get my results, and what happens after I pass?
Results are released 1–2 weeks after the examination. After passing, NIAT membership fees are paid separately to NIAT to receive your official certification. Contact NIAT at [email protected] for current membership rates.