KASNEB Examinations
KASNEB currently offers the following examinations:
Vocational certificate courses
These are short-term, skills-based programmes currently in the areas of entrepreneurship and innovation, graphic design, information and cyber security and block chain technology. The courses are ideal both for fresh high school graduates and established professionals in various areas willing to diversify their knowledge and competencies in the above areas.
The vocational certificate courses are administered in two levels, with each level requiring an average of three months, thus a total of six months.
Entrants with high school certificates will start with Level I which covers basic skills. Other entrants with post-high school qualifications covering the basic skills will enter at Level II.
The minimum entry for the vocational certificates is a KCSE certificate. The courses can be pursued through a tuition-based programme or privately. Tuition-based programmes (physical or virtual classes) are however recommended due to the interactiveness with facilitators and other students which are key in imparting the requisite technical and soft skills.
The examinations will be administered primarily on a computer-based platform.
The details on each of the vocational programmes are summarised below:
(i)
Vocational Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
The course imparts basic knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to apply entrepreneurship skills and generate innovative ideas to start and manage a new business or grow an existing entity.
(ii)
Vocational Certificate in Graphic Design
The course imparts basic knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to generate and enhance graphic designs according to set specifications.
(iii)
Vocational Certificate in Information and Cyber Security
The course imparts basic knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to identify information and cyber threats and risks and implement programmes to protect information and databses.
(iv)
Vocational Certificate in Blockchain Technology
The course imparts knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to develop a simple blockchain program and undertake blockchain transactions.
(b)
Certificate in Accounting and Management Skills (CAMS) course
The course imparts knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to prepare basic accounts and financial statements for a small enterprise or non-complex environment and apply basic management and marketing skills in business.
The course is mainly for persons who wish to qualify and work as entry level accounting and management personnel.
The CAMS course is administered in two levels, with each level requiring an average of six months, thus a total of one year.
The minimum entry requirement is KCSE mean grade D or a vocational certificate.
The course is fully tuition based with requirements for students to sit for continuous assessment tests (CATs), which constitute 15% of the final score for assessment purposes.
The examinations will be administered primarily on a computer-based platform.
(c)
Diploma Courses
Kasneb currently administers three diploma programmes; Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD), Diploma in Data Management and Analytics (DDMA) and Diploma in Computer Networks and Systems Administration (DCNSA).
The diploma courses are administered in two levels, with each level requiring an average of one year, thus a total of two years.
The minimum entry for the diploma courses is KCSE mean grade C-. Persons with certificate and other higher qualifications from recognised institutions are also eligible for entry. The courses can currently be pursued through a tuition-based programme or privately. Tuition-based programmes (physical or virtual classes) are however recommended due to the interactiveness with facilitators and other students which are key in imparting the requisite technical and soft skills.
A summary on each of the diploma programmes is presented below:
(i)
Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD) course
The course imparts knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to prepare financial and management accounts and financial statements for small and medium sized enterprises and compute basic taxes for a business.
The course is aimed at persons who wish to qualify and work as middle level accountants providing technical support to professional accountants, auditors, tax practitioners and related areas.
(ii)
Diploma in Data Management and Analytics (DDMA) course
The course imparts knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to undertake non-complex design of databases, mine and analyse data for decision making.
The DDMA will be administered on a computer-based platform.
(iii)
Diploma in Computer Networks and Systems Administration (DCNSA) course
The course imparts knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to design, configure, test and secure and manage non-complex networks.
The DCNSA will be administered on a computer based platform.
(d)
Professional Courses
Kasneb currently administers five professional courses, as summarised below:
(i)
Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
(ii)
Certified Secretaries (CS)
(iii)
Certified Investment and Financial Analysts (CIFA)
(iv)
Certified Credit Professionals (CCP)
(v)
Certified Information Systems Solutions Expert (CISSE)
The professional courses are administered at Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced Levels. Each level requires an average of one year, though candidates are advised to provide for an additional one year to meet requirements for internship/practical experience
The minimum entry requirement for the professional courses is KCSE mean grade C+. Persons with diplomas or other higher-level qualifications from recognised institutions are also eligible for entry. The courses can be pursued through a tuition-based programme or privately. Tuition-based programmes (physical or virtual classes) are however recommended due to the interactiveness with facilitators and other students which are key in imparting the requisite technical and soft skills.
A summary on each of the professional courses is presented below:
(i)
Certified Public Accountants (CPA) course
The course imparts knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to, among other competencies:
• Prepare accounts and financial statements including for complex entities in both the private and public sectors.
• Use computerised accounting systems
• Practically apply data analytical tools analyse data and reach conclusions.
• Undertake audit and assurance services
• Apply advanced financial management skills to evaluate various financial aspects of a business for decision making
• Prepare management accounts
• Apply leadership and management skills in practice to manage teams and achieve results
The course is aimed at persons who wish to qualify and work or practice as professional accountants, auditors, finance managers, tax managers and consultants in related areas in both public and private sectors.
Assessment will be conducted in a variety of ways, including examinations, practical papers, workshops attendance and practical experience.
In addition to the above papers, prior to certification, candidates will be required to
• Attend workshops on ethics, soft skills and emerging issues organised by Kasneb and ICPAK and earn IPD hours)
• Obtain 1-year practical experience, or alternatively attend workshops on work based simulation organised by Kasneb and ICPAK.
In order to assist CPA students to obtain the requisite practical experience and internship opportunities, they will be registered as student members of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) under a programme called the Trainee Accountants Practical Experience Programme (TAPEF). Through TAPEF, ICPAK working in consultation with Kasneb will assist students as much as possible to link with professional accountants who will mentor them towards obtaining the necessary practical experience.
(ii)
Certified Secretaries (CS) course
The course imparts knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to, among other competencies:
• Practice and promote principles of good governance within public and private sector entities
• Implement and comply with legal, regulatory and ethical requirements in practice
• Ensure proper conduct and management of meetings
• Undertake consultancy and advisory services in corporate secretarial and related practices
• Manage boardroom dynamics
• Undertake governance and compliance audits
The course is aimed at persons who wish to qualify and work or practice as corporate secretaries, policy formulators and consultants in governance, governance and compliance auditors and administrators at county and national levels and in the private sector.
Assessment will be conducted in a variety of ways, including examinations, projects and workshops attendance.
(iii)
Certified Investment and Financial Analysts (CIFA) course
The course imparts knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to, among other competencies:
• Apply financial tools and concepts in analysis and valuation of investment and securities
• Manage and grow portfolios of investments
• Analyse various types of investments including equity investments, fixed income investments and derivatives
• Manage corporate finances
• Apply financial modelling and analytical tools in investments analysis
The course is aimed at persons who wish to qualify and work or practice as investment, securities and financial analysts, portfolio managers, investment bankers, fund managers, consultants on national and global financial markets and related areas.
(iv)
Certified Credit Professionals (CCP) course
The course imparts knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to, among other competencies:
• Manage the credit cycle for trade credit providers
• Manage credit risk for different entities
• Undertake credit analysis for various corporate entities
• Undertake debt collection in a professional manner
• Comply with various requirements in debt management including governance, ethical, legal and regulatory requirements.
The course is aimed at persons who wish to qualify and work or practice in various fields of credit management including credit analysis, debt management and recovery, corporate lending and related areas in both formal and informal sectors.
(v)
Certified Information Systems Support Expert (CISSE) course
The course imparts knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to, among other competencies:
• Develop information systems solutions for a business
• Design and operationalise database management systems
• Design, configure and trouble shoot computer networks
• Implement ICT projects
• Manage and analyse big data
(e)
Post-professional specialisation course
Kasneb has introduced the Certified Forensic Fraud Examiner (CFFE). The course imparts knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to, among other competencies:
• Apply analytical techniques in fraud detection
• Design and implement preventive and detective controls
• Apply and ensure compliance with the appropriate laws in fraud investigations
• Apply the burden and standards of proof in civil and criminal proceedings
• Apply the various methods and techniques of conducting fraud investigations
• Write standard investigations and expert witness reports
• Develop fraud prevention programs
• Conduct a fraud prevention health check up
• Develop and implement a fraud risk management program
The course is aimed at persons who wish to qualify and work or practice in the fields of financial fraud and corruption investigations, fraud prevention, fraud risk analysis and related areas.
The CFFE is administered in three modules, with an integrated case study and workshops at the end of the course. Each module is expected to last for three months. Examinations for the CFFE course will be administered three times in a year, thus the course is meant to last on average one year.
The minimum entry requirement to pursue the CFFE course is:
• Kasneb professional qualification; or
• Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university; or
• Any other qualification considered equivalent to the above.
The course can be pursued through tuition-based learning or self-study.