What Is a Registered Cost Accountant (RCA)? CAT Level 2 Explained
Key takeaways
- Registered Cost Accountant (RCA) is Level 2 of the three-level Certified Accounting Technician pathway.
- It covers cost and management accounting, and is certified by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants with exams administered by NIAT.
- It is a standalone, intermediate credential — you can take it on its own, though it builds naturally on Level 1.
- Fees typically start at ₱4,500 (student rate) or ₱8,000 (professional rate).
The Registered Cost Accountant (RCA) is Level 2 of the Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) pathway. It certifies skills in cost and management accounting, is certified by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants, and is examined by NIAT in the Philippines. As an intermediate, standalone credential, you can take it on its own — though it builds naturally on the bookkeeping foundation from Level 1.
What you learn
Level 2 moves from recording transactions to understanding and managing costs:
- Understanding management information — how cost and management data support decisions.
- Materials, labour and overhead costs — the building blocks of product and service costs.
- Accumulating costs — bringing costs together across jobs, processes, and departments.
- Budgeting, planning and control — preparing budgets and monitoring performance.
- Estimating costs and revenues — forecasting to support pricing and planning.
These skills are central to management accounting roles and to running the cost side of a business.
Who it's for
The Registered Cost Accountant level suits:
- Students and graduates who already understand bookkeeping basics and want to specialize in costing.
- Bookkeepers and accounting staff ready to move into cost and management accounting.
- Working professionals in operations, manufacturing, or finance who work with budgets and costs.
What it costs
| Credential | Student rate (from) | Professional rate (from) |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Cost Accountant (RCA) | ₱4,500 | ₱8,000 |
Every enrolment includes a 3-month review subscription, and a failed exam can be retaken at a 50% discount. NIAT membership is paid separately after you pass. See current figures on the pricing page.
How to get certified
- Enrol in an upcoming Level 2 exam through an Authorized NIAT Training Provider.
- Prepare with NIAT-aligned practice questions and mock exams.
- Sit the exam on the scheduled date and receive your results 1–2 weeks later.
- Claim your credential by settling your NIAT membership after passing.
For study tips, see how to pass the CAT exam.
Where it fits in the pathway
Level 2 sits between Level 1 — Certified Bookkeeper (CB) and Level 3 (the full Certified Accounting Technician, covering taxation and payroll). Completing all three earns the full CAT credential, but each level stands on its own. For the big picture, read how to become a Certified Accounting Technician.
Ready to move up? Compare levels and pricing or start a free trial.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Registered Cost Accountant (RCA) credential cover?
Level 2 focuses on cost and management accounting — understanding management information; materials, labour and overhead costs; accumulating costs; budgeting, planning and control; and estimating costs and revenues.
Who certifies the Registered Cost Accountant level?
Level 2 is certified by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants, while NIAT administers the exam in the Philippines and an Authorized NIAT Training Provider handles preparation and registration.
Do I need to pass Level 1 before taking Level 2?
No. Each CAT level is an independent, standalone credential, so you can take Level 2 directly. That said, the bookkeeping fundamentals from Level 1 make the cost accounting topics easier to follow.
How much does the Registered Cost Accountant exam cost?
Fees typically start at ₱4,500 for the student rate and ₱8,000 for the professional rate, and every enrolment includes a 3-month review subscription. Confirm current rates on the pricing page.