1. Initially, every Finance or Accounting professional must become a member of a professional association. Association of Accountants and Financiers of Albania, founded in 1998, is the professional home for practitioners in this field. To join, simply follow the link http://shkfsh.org/si-te-antaresohesh
2. To enter the examinations for the title of Certified Public Accountant, the following criteria must be met:
2.1. A written request addressed to the Professional Skills Examination Commission, listing the submitted documents;
2.2. Photocopies of ID card,
2.3. Notarized copies of a higher education diploma including an integrated second-cycle diploma (4-year system) or a first-cycle diploma plus a professional master's degree diploma or a first-cycle diploma plus a scientific master's degree diploma, or equivalent diplomas, for any of the economic science fields of study, such as accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or their equivalents (If the diploma was obtained in another country, it must be recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Albania).
2.4. List of notarized notes, for each of the above degrees.
2.5. Employer verification showing a commitment of at least three years after completion of higher education (date of obtaining the second-level diploma) in the field of accounting, finance, financial control, and similar fields.,
2.6. Notarized copies of the work booklet, accompanied by a certificate from social security regarding the social and health insurance status for at least the minimum commitment period described in point 2.5,
2.7. Notarized certifications or certificates proving that the candidate has completed a qualification course in the field of national and international accounting and financial reporting standards, organized or monitored by an approved professional accounting organization, or other recognized organizations.,
2.8. Certificate of criminal record (police clearance certificate) from the last 3 months.
Update, September 2026. The 2019 season calendar was removed from this page; it had been here with past dates and a line still stating that registrations are ongoing. The admission criteria above remain in effect. The dates for the current season, both for preparatory courses and exams, are set and published by the Association of Accountants and Financiers of Albania, so they are always obtained from its source and not reproduced here, in order to prevent this page from becoming outdated again.
Read also: Who must keep accounting records in Albania?.
3. Preparatory courses
Point 2.7 requires proof or a certificate demonstrating completion of the qualification course in national and international accounting and financial reporting standards. These courses are organized by SHKFSH, usually in two formats: in-person and online. The season calendar, registration method, and fees are published in the association's announcements section.
SHKFSH Announcements and Calendar
4. Professional Competency Examinations, three disciplines
The exams are set by the Certification Authority and there are three, each with its own exam:
- Reporting and preparing financial statements in accordance with national and international financial reporting standards.
- The practical application of legislation on civil law, criminal law, commercial law, and labor law in the Republic of Albania, to the extent that these concern the profession.
- The practical implementation of the requirements of the tax legislation in the Republic of Albania.
Upon successfully passing all three exams, candidates are declared “Certified Accountants” in the Republic of Albania.
Frequently asked questions
How many years of experience are required to sit for the exams?
At least three years of post-secondary education, calculated from the date of obtaining a second-level diploma in accounting, finance, financial control, or related fields. Experience is proven by employer certificates, notarized copies of the work record book, and social security records for the same period.
Which diploma is accepted?
An integrated second-cycle degree in the four-year system, or a first-cycle degree together with a Professional Master's, or a first-cycle degree together with a Scientific Master's, or equivalent qualifications in economic sciences such as accounting, finance, business administration, or economics.
What if the diploma was obtained outside of Albania?
It is accepted, but it must be recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Albania. Recognition must take place before submitting the file, not afterward.
Which documents need to be notarized?
Copy of the diploma, transcript of records for each diploma, copy of the work book, and certificates of qualification courses. The identity card is submitted as a simple photocopy.
How old can the penalty evidence be?
No more than three months at the time the request is submitted. This is one of the most common reasons a file is returned, because the evidence is obtained early and expires while the other documents are being gathered.
Should I be a member of a professional association?
Yes. Membership in a professional association is the first step before submitting the application for exams.
Is it the same thing as a certified public accountant?
No. “Certified Accountant” and “Authorized Accounting Expert” are two different titles, with different criteria and exams. This page covers the first.
Where can I find the current season's dates?
In the SHKFSH notices. They change every year and for that reason are not reproduced here.
Source: The Association of Accountants and Financiers of Albania.
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