KASNEB Study Tips: How to Pass CPA, ATD and CIFA First Sitting

A KASNEB-specific study guide for CPA, ATD and CIFA candidates — exam structure, pass rates, revision kits, study planners and the common mistakes that fail strong candidates.

Understand the KASNEB grading scale

KASNEB grades each paper out of 100. You need 50 to pass and an aggregate of at least 50 across all papers in a level. Anything below 40 in any paper is a referral — you re-sit only that paper.

The five-stage CPA study cycle

1. Read the KASNEB syllabus first, not the textbook. Tick every learning outcome.
2. Cover the textbook — Saleemi, Strathmore or Manuals.
3. Do six past papers per unit (last three sittings).
4. Solve the KASNEB revision kit end-to-end.
5. Mock under timed conditions in the final two weeks.

Paper-specific tips

• Financial Accounting: master the trial balance, then move to adjustments, then to consolidations.
• Advanced Taxation: the Finance Act changes every year — never use a textbook older than 12 months.
• Auditing: learn ISA references by number; examiners reward citation.
• Quantitative Analysis: calculator drills — Casio fx-991ES Plus only.

Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by the KNEC Hub editorial team.