Open Book Policy

Open Book Examinations

Corporate Sector

Open Book Examinations are allowed only for Financial Reporting and Audit, Assurance and Ethics at Level – 4.

The examinees shall be allowed to bring the books mentioned against each paper on which the open book examination shall be applicable:

Financial Reporting: International Financial Reporting Standards
Audit, Assurance and Ethics: International Auditing & Assurance Standards

Public Sector

The Open Book Examinations are available for Public Sector Application papers only. The books allowed for specified papers are mentioned under syllabi of each department.

Policies of Open Book Examinations (applicable to both Corporate and Public Sectors)

The policies for open books examinations are hereunder

The students are required to bring their own books, allowed during examinations for reference purposes only.
Examinees shall be allowed to bring the books mentioned against each paper on which the open book examination shall be applicable.
Only the original books shall be permitted.
Only the bound volume shall be allowed and the book should not be in the form of loose leaf. No photocopies, handwritten notes or typed pages shall be allowed.
The allowed books should not contain any scribbling, notes, summaries inside and outside the books.
The allowed books are meant for reference purpose only. No marks will be allocated for the exactly copied answers from the Reference Books.
In case of any dispute regarding Open Book, argue with Examination Conduct Staff is not permissible. However, Examinees may send their complaints directly to the Director Examinations, in writing, immediately.
Any violation of the above instructions shall be considered as "USE OF UNFAIR MEANS" and shall be penalized accordingly.

For details click here.

Disclaimer-Open Book Examinations

PIPFA allows Open Book Exam for specific papers of Corporate and the Public Sector stream. In these Examinations, a student is allowed to bring books (specified and authorized by the concerned authorities) into the examination hall for reference purposes, only. The Allowed Books are limited to those identified by titles, printed in the Question Papers, only, and are mentioned in PIPFA syllabi for Corporate and Public Sector (AGP, CGA, PMAD, PG, PRAD, WAPDA & other Public Sector organizations).

An Open Book Examination is an assessment method designed to allow students to refer to specified books for a particular paper. The Question Paper with Open Book method requires students to apply their knowledge through analysis, critical thinking, reasoning and quoting correct references. It has been observed that the students presume that they will be able to find all the answers in the allowed books during an examination which is misleading on their part.

It is clarified that the questions in open book exams are devised to assess the concepts, interpretations, applications of knowledge and analytical thinking skills of the examinees. The students are evaluated on understanding rather than memorization or reproducing the text from books. In an Open Book Examination, the students are required;

To apply critical reasoning skills in response to a given scenario.
To apply and make use of the information from Allowed Books rather than simply locating and re- writing the information.
To apply material to new situations.

The students should not underestimate the importance of preparation needed for an open book exam. They need to prepare themselves how to quickly find the correct reference and its interpretation and usage in the light of given scenario according to requirements of the question.

The students are expected to provide their own commentary on the information for demonstrating their concept and approach towards what they have been asked.

Testimonials and Feedback

What People Say About Us

Yawer Zakaria, APFA

CFO at Salsoft Technologies (Pvt) Ltd

Membership with PIPFA has been instrumental in enhancing my expertise in public finance and accounting, ensuring adherence to the highest professional standards. It has provided access to a robust network of professionals and opportunities for continuous development, significantly contributing to my leadership journey and organizational impact.

Syed Naqi Raza

Director Finance & Accounting, KPMG Taseer Hadi & Co.

PIPFA is a well-recognized brand in the world of professional qualifications and a standard of excellence for public finance accountants. The PIPFA qualification significantly enhances an individual's experience and increases their value in the market. Sharing creates more value than competition, and PIPFA has joined hands with many international organizations, providing excellent opportunities for those working in the international market. The PIPFA professional qualification equips professionals with the knowledge and understanding of financial management in the public sector, making PIPFA a definitive choice as a platform to develop future financial managers.

Mr. Nazar Mohammad Ranjha - FPFA

Director General Audit (Sindh), Pakistan

If you are trying to find an institution that is providing the best training in Public Financial Management then go to PIPFA without any hesitation. This is the most authentic, reliable and genuine organization equipping the graduates with applied accounting and auditing techniques. The best part of PIPFA is that it adds in one’s skillset as well as helps in career progression. Pakistan’s most professional financial management organizations like Auditor General of Pakistan, Controller General of Accounts and Military Accountant General are on its partners’ list. PIPFA has broadened its horizon by expanding its services to different provincial governments, federal government and international partners like CIPFA. I hope that PIPFA will continue in its excellent job of producing public financial managers that are serving the nation by providing their product in the form of financial and audit reports to national and provincial legislatures

Mr. Usman Ahsan FPFA, FCA

CFO, Anjum Textiles, Pakistan

PIPFA is a qualification that has not only inferred on me a professional identity, but also provided with a wonderful opportunity to excel my career. The in-depth technical knowledge being imparted by this accounting body is nothing short of global standard. I feel privileged to be part of this auspecious Institute which has a value driven CPD program for its members.

Mr. Adnan Abdul Ghaffar – FPFA

Company Secretary & Tax Head, Amreli Steels Limited

PIPFA education has enriched me professionally and enhanced qualities needed to deal with a variety of challenges in today’s corporate life. This qualification opens new horizon of opportunities with high standards amidst strong core values. Strongly recommended for better career growth and professional development.

Mr. Muhammad Hamza APFA

Assistant Manager Large & Complex Audits - Deloitte UK

PIPFA is a great stepping stone for those who are considering a serious career in public finance. Multiple MOUs with international and local bodies also do open multiple avenues into the other fields of finance as well.