What is the ACCA JES?
The Joint Examination Scheme explained in plain English — why Caribbean students need dual registration and what it means in practice.
What is the Joint Examination Scheme?
The Joint Examination Scheme (JES) is a formal partnership between ACCA and local professional accountancy bodies in certain countries. The idea is simple: ACCA handles the global qualification, while the local body handles professional recognition within that country.
If you live and study in a JES country, you are generally required to register with both ACCA and the local body simultaneously. This is called dual registration. Both registrations are maintained throughout your studies.
The JES applies to 18 countries worldwide, including several in the Caribbean. There is currently no JES agreement for Guyana (ICAG operates independently of the scheme) or the Cayman Islands — but local registration is still strongly recommended.
Why It Matters for Caribbean Students
Danelle Lezama, FCCA, on JES: "Many Caribbean students don't find out about dual registration until they're almost finished — and it creates delays. The local body registration is not optional in JES countries. Get it done at the same time you register with ACCA."
- Your ACCA qualification may not be legally recognised locally without the local body registration
- Many Caribbean employers (banks, Big 4, government) require both memberships for senior roles
- Audit sign-off rights in T&T, Jamaica and Barbados require local membership
- Registration fees are modest — typically USD $50–150/year — and are worth every cent
Caribbean Spotlight
Trinidad & Tobago
ICATT — Institute of Chartered Accountants of Trinidad and Tobago
As a T&T-based student, registering with ACCA automatically triggers a requirement to also register with ICATT. ICATT membership gives you recognition within the local profession and is required to practise as a Chartered Accountant in T&T. Many employers specifically look for ICATT membership.
Visit ICATTJamaica
ICAJ — Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica
Jamaican ACCA students must also register with ICAJ. Dual registration ensures your qualification is recognised under Jamaican law and opens doors to senior finance roles across the island. ICAJ also runs its own CPD programme.
Visit ICAJBarbados
ICAB — Institute of Chartered Accountants of Barbados
Barbadian students completing ACCA are required to register with ICAB for their qualification to be recognised locally. ICAB membership is often a prerequisite for senior accounting roles in the public and private sectors.
Visit ICABGuyana
ICAG — Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana
Guyanese ACCA students should register with ICAG as part of the JES agreement. With Guyana's rapidly expanding economy, ICAG membership combined with ACCA qualification is increasingly in demand.
Visit ICAGAll JES Countries — Reference
| Country | Local Body | Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | BIBF | — |
| Bangladesh | ICAB | — |
| Barbados | ICAB | Caribbean |
| Belize | ICAB | Caribbean |
| Botswana | BICA | — |
| Cayman Islands | CIIPA | Caribbean |
| Ghana | ICAG | — |
| Guyana | ICAG | Caribbean |
| Jamaica | ICAJ | Caribbean |
| Kenya | ICPAK | — |
| Malawi | ICAM | — |
| Malaysia | MIA | — |
| Nepal | ICAN | — |
| Nigeria | ICAN | — |
| Pakistan | ICAP | — |
| Sri Lanka | CA Sri Lanka | — |
| Trinidad & Tobago | ICATT | Caribbean |
| Zimbabwe | ICAZ | — |
Always verify with ACCA directly
JES requirements change. This guide reflects current information but always confirm the latest requirements at the official ACCA source before registering.