Studying PGDA/CTA? Build a Foundation for Success

Faculty and Staff

26 Mar 2025

The Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA/CTA) is one of the toughest hurdles to becoming a chartered accountant (CA(SA)). Passing all four modules in one sitting is where many students get stuck.

Tariq Muhammed Khan, a junior lecturer at Milpark’s School of Professional Accounting (incorporating CA Connect), knows this challenge firsthand – he finally passed his PGDA on his fifth attempt.

According to Tariq, PGDA/CTA success is like building a house - without a solid foundation, everything collapses. He developed a step-by-step strategy that helped him finally succeed. Below, Tariq shares his strategy for success. Whether it’s your first attempt or more, here’s how to pass with confidence.

Learn More About: Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting.

Laying The Foundation: Mastering the Basics

A builder wouldn’t start with the roof - first, they lay a strong foundation to support the entire structure. Similarly, your first step in studying for PGDA/CTA is to build a deep understanding of accounting principles.

Work through the lesson content carefully.
Pay attention to lesson examples - they illustrate key concepts.
Ensure you fully understand the principles before moving on.

“Some students rush to practice past exam questions without grasping the fundamentals. But without a solid foundation, everything that follows will be shaky.” – Tariq Muhammed Khan.

Need to refresh your accounting knowledge before PGDA? Consider Milpark’s Advanced Accounting Bridging Course. And read how the Bridging Course powered Tarryn Harty’s CTA Comeback here.

Building the Structure: Applying What You Learn

Once the foundation is solid, the builder starts the structure, building walls to support the roof. In PGDA/CTA, this step is about applying what you’ve learned through practice questions.

Attempt practice questions after each topic.
Focus on understanding why an answer is correct rather than memorising it.
Identify gaps in your understanding and revisit weak areas.

Remember, you are not alone with Milpark. You can contact accounting lecturers and fellow students on the Viva Engage platform or set up a one-on-one consult if any areas are unclear.

Securing the Roof: Mastering Past Papers

With a solid foundation and walls, the structure is ready for a roof – when it has a strong base to stand. In your online accounting studies, this is when you complete past papers and write exams.

Once confident in the basics, move on to past papers.
Simulate exam conditions - practice under timed constraints.
Review mistakes and refine your approach.

Many students skip the first two steps and jump straight to past papers. But practising past papers alone won't be effective without understanding (foundation) and application (structure).

Tariq’s Own Journey: Fifth Time Lucky

Tariq knows this approach works from personal experience. After failing PGDA multiple times, he nearly gave up on his dream of becoming a CA(SA). He took a five-year study break, thinking it was enough. But in 2021, he decided to try again.

As he’d been out of formal studies for several years, Milpark recommended first completing the Advanced Accounting Bridging Course. This changed everything for Tariq – he loved the structured approach and found it far easier to apply accounting theory practically.

By following this step-by-step strategy throughout his PGDA, Tariq finally qualified as a CA(SA). He now teaches students walking the same path, having joined Milpark as an assistant lecturer and now as a junior lecturer.

"I took the scenic route to becoming a CA. But if you take a detour or exit, you can get back on track. You can become a CA(SA), and it’s worth it." - Tariq Muhammed Khan.

Tariq’s Key Takeaways for PGDA/CTA Success

Don’t rush - build your knowledge in stages.
Master the basics before jumping into past papers.
Practice, practice, practice - application is key.
Make use of Milpark’s structured support.

Milpark’s School of Professional Accounting (incorporating CA Connect) offers live sessions, one-on-one consults, Q&As on the Viva Engage platform and personal support through a dedicated Student Success and Wellness team.

"When I qualified as a CA(SA), I gained a deep respect for every other CA(SA) I met - I knew exactly what they had endured to get there. This journey demands perseverance, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to excellence. We must maintain the profession's integrity because if someone has CA(SA) behind their name, they’ve earned it." – Tariq Muhammed Khan.

Passing the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting is challenging, but it’s possible to succeed with the right strategy.

Tariq Muhammed Khan

Tariq Muhammed Khan, junior lecturer in corporate governance and auditing at Milpark’s School of Professional Accounting (incorporating CA Connect), is a qualified chartered accountant (CA(SA)) and a proud Milpark graduate, having completed the Advanced Accounting Bridging Course and PGDA/CTA. A former assistant lecturer in Milpark’s ATL Programme, Tariq draws from his journey - overcoming multiple setbacks to qualify as a CA - to guide and support PGDA students. Read more about Tariq’s insights here or connect with Tariq Muhammed Khan CA(SA) on LinkedIn.

Are You Ready for CA(SA) Success?

Milpark’s BCom in Accounting and Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA/CTA) provide the first fully online, SAICA-accredited pathway to becoming a CA(SA) in South Africa. If you need a refresher before taking the postgraduate plunge, the Advanced Accounting Bridging Course is the perfect foundation. Your CA(SA) journey starts here. Build your success with Milpark’s School of Professional Accounting (incorporating CA Connect).

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