UEMOA Space: PIGIER-BENIN hosts the written exams for the DESCOGEF 2026

Candidates for the DESCOGEF took to the examination halls this Monday, September 14, at PIGIER Bénin. The institution is hosting the tests for this session, which are taking place simultaneously in several countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). The official launch was conducted by Emmanuel Hounkou, university professor and president of the UEMOA accounting expertise examination jury, in the presence of Victor Assogba, general director of PIGIER Bénin. According to the officials, this organization reflects UEMOA’s commitment to harmonizing the training and evaluation of future accounting professionals in the sub-region.

“The training for accounting expertise professions is, by nature, a long, demanding, and highly selective training,” reminded Emmanuel Hounkou. Established in 2000, the community system is based on accredited centers in several member states. Candidates take exams on the same subjects, according to the same programs and following a common schedule.

Synchronization is one of the major features of this examination. The start of the tests is coordinated among the different centers, taking into account the time zones. In Benin, the first test launched is that of the synthesis of legal relations, followed by tax relations. In total, thirteen tests are planned, in addition to the presentation and defense of a thesis before a jury.

A path to the final diploma

The DESCOGEF represents a crucial step in the path to becoming a certified accountant. Charles Kouphin, a certified accountant and national supervisor of accounting internship programs for DECOFI in Benin, clarified that the diploma corresponds to a Bac+5 level. “ After passing this exam, candidates can enter the accounting internship. They must then complete three additional years of internship and preparation before they can sit for the final diploma, the DECOFI ,” he explained.

The candidates present at PIGIER Bénin are primarily from ENEAM and PIGIER. In total, about 125 candidates are registered for all the tests at the center. For the first test, dedicated to legal and tax relations, 106 candidates are taking the exam. The deliberation is scheduled to take place in Dakar, following an independent correction process conducted in several countries.

A training program presented as an elite pathway

Director of Studies at PIGIER Bénin and coordinator of the accounting expertise program, Dr. Arsène Vigan emphasized the strategic nature of this training. Since 2020, PIGIER Bénin has been offering this curriculum thanks to an accreditation that allows it to train professionals in the field of accounting expertise. For him, the quality of the training is directly linked to the responsibilities that await future professionals. “We actually consider accountants to be the doctors of the company,” he emphasizes.

The DESCOGEF is primarily aimed at candidates holding the DECOGEF, with equivalency options also available for certain graduates in finance, accounting, and auditing. The program spans two years and includes ten teaching units to be validated. Selection continues throughout the evaluation process. The papers are subject to at least two independent corrections, and in the event of a discrepancy greater than three points, a third correction is carried out. This mechanism is designed to enhance the reliability of the results. “ The ambition is to provide the economies of the sub-region with highly qualified professionals capable of effectively meeting the needs of businesses and organizations ,” stated Emmanuel Hounkou.

For PIGIER Benin, this session also serves as an opportunity to promote the program to new high school graduates. The Director of Studies, Dr. Arsène Vigan, encourages them to consider this path, which notably opens up prospects in companies and the possibility of starting their own firm.