You’ve decided to get certified. You’ve picked the credential, found a training provider and mapped out your study timeline. Then the fee page loads, and the excitement turns into a calculation.

CFA, ACCA and PMP are some of the most respected credentials a Nigerian professional can earn, and they are also priced in dollars and pounds. This guide covers what each one costs and the main ways to pay for it, so you can choose an approach that suits your income and your timeline.

What do CFA, ACCA, ICAN and PMP actually cost? 

Before choosing how to pay, you need to know what you’re paying for. These are the main exam body fees. Training and study materials are separate.

CFA: From 2026, the one-time enrolment fee has been removed, and you pay a registration fee per level. Level I and II are $1,140 at early registration and $1,490 at standard registration. Level III is slightly higher. Resits cost the same as the original fee, which is why passing the first time matters so much.

ACCA: Costs come in layers. You pay a one-off registration fee, an annual subscription to keep your student status active, and an exam fee for every paper you enter. Fees are charged in pounds, and late entry costs far more than early entry, sometimes more than double.

PMP: The exam costs $555 for non-members and $405 for PMI members. Membership costs about $129 plus a one-time $10 application fee. Local training for the required 35 hours typically runs between ₦150,000 and ₦250,000.

ICAN: Costs are in naira and are spread across the stages of the qualification, from ATSWA through the Foundation, Skills and Professional levels. You pay a registration fee, then exam fees for each sitting, plus exemption fees if you qualify to skip certain papers based on a degree or another qualification. Once you pass, there is also a one-off induction fee to become a member. Because ICAN is paid for in naira, you avoid the exchange rate swings that affect the other three. 

How to Pay For Your CFA, ICAN, ACCA & PMP Exams When You Don’t Have The Full Money at Once

Because most of these fees are tied to foreign currencies, the naira amount can shift between the day you plan and the day you pay. Keep that in mind as you read through the options below.

1. Personal savings

This seems like the most straightforward route. You set a target, save monthly and register when you hit it. 

The upside: There’s no debt and no obligation to anyone.

The catch: For a credential with multiple exams, such as ACCA’s papers or CFA’s three levels, saving the full amount can take long enough that you miss registration windows or pay late fees. Naira depreciation can also push the target further away while you save.

Best for: Professionals with a flexible timeline and a comfortable monthly surplus.

2. Exam financing 

Exam financing lets you pay now and repay later in instalments, so the exam fee stops being a barrier to starting. This way you can go through your exams even when you don’t have the full amount at once.

With Edubanc Exam Financing, once your application is approved, the exam body is paid in full directly, which secures your registration without delay. You then repay in monthly instalments over a period of up to seven months. It supports certifications including ACCA, CFA and other professional exams, and it is open to salary earners in reputable organisations.

Here’s what to know before you apply:

• Repayment continues whether or not you pass. Your repayment schedule stays as agreed. If you don’t pass, you can reapply for support in a future exam cycle.
• It protects you from late fees and rate changes. Registering early at a fixed price can be cheaper than waiting to save.
• It suits a steady income. Because repayment is monthly, it works best when you have a reliable salary.

Best for: Salary earners who have a clear exam date, don’t want to miss an early registration window, and can comfortably manage monthly repayments.

3. Training provider instalment plans

Some training centres let you pay tuition in stages instead of all at once. This can ease the cost of prep courses and mock exams.

Do check what the plan covers. Instalments usually apply to the provider’s tuition only, so the exam body fees (CFA Institute, ACCA, PMI) are still due separately, and in foreign currency.

Best for: Candidates whose highest upfront cost is training rather than the exam fee.

4. Cooperative societies, thrift and group savings

Many Nigerian professionals fund big goals through workplace cooperatives, ajo or esusu groups, and structured savings circles. These work because the discipline is built in, and the payout often arrives as a lump sum, which suits an exam fee well.

The upside: Low or no interest, and a community that holds you accountable.

The catch: Timing. You may wait for your turn or your cooperative’s loan cycle, and that may not match your exam registration deadline.

Best for: Professionals who already belong to a cooperative or trusted savings group.

5. Scholarships and discounts

It is worth checking before you pay in full. The CFA Institute runs a scholarship programme for eligible candidates, and early registration alone can save you hundreds of dollars on CFA and a significant amount on ACCA. Some training providers also offer discounts for early enrolment or group sign-ups.

Scholarships are competitive and have deadlines, so treat them as a bonus rather than your only plan.

Best for: Everyone, as an extra layer on top of whichever payment route you choose.

Which option fits you?

• Your employer has a learning budget: Start with sponsorship, and use financing to bridge any gap before reimbursement.
• You have time and a surplus: Savings plus early registration is your cheapest route.
• You need to register before a deadline: Exam financing lets you lock in the early rate now.
• You want to spread training costs: Look at provider instalment plans, then cover exam fees another way.

Many professionals combine two or three of these. For example, you might pay for training through savings and fund your exam fee through financing or sponsorship.

6. Employer sponsorship

Many organisations reimburse exam fees, and some cover study materials too. This is especially common in banking, consulting, audit and multinational firms, where a CFA, ACCA, ICAN or PMP holder directly adds value.

If you plan to ask, a few things help:

• Make a business case. Explain how the skills apply to your role and your team’s goals.
• Ask what is covered. Registration fees, training and materials may be treated separately.
• Understand the terms. Some employers require you to stay for a set period after qualifying, or to repay the cost if you leave early.
• Ask before you pay. Reimbursement policies often require approval in advance.

Best for: Professionals in organisations with a learning and development budget, or those who can make a strong case for one.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Paying late. Late registration for ACCA and CFA costs far more than early registration.
• Forgetting the hidden costs. Subscriptions, membership, study materials and resits add up beyond the headline exam fee.
• Ignoring exchange rate risk. Fees set in dollars or pounds mean the naira amount can change. Plan with a buffer.
• Borrowing without a repayment plan. Whatever route you choose, make sure the monthly figure fits comfortably inside your income.

Our Verdict

There’s no single best way to pay for CFA, ACCA, ICAN or PMP. The right choice depends on your income, your deadline and what your employer is willing to cover. If you can save comfortably and have time, that is the cheapest path. If you can get sponsorship, take it. If neither fits and a registration deadline is approaching, financing lets you move now instead of waiting a year and paying more later.

Whichever route you take, the goal is the same: don’t let the cost of the exam decide when your career moves forward.