The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) is the oldest and largest accountancy body in Europe with more than 138 000 members in over 160 countries.

It is the most prestigious professional body for Chartered Accountants globally attracting many students every year who aspire to become qualified accountants.

ICAEW members work at the highest level of business, across all industry sectors around the world. This professional qualification delivers essential knowledge, skills and technical expertise in accountancy, finance and business. ICAEW ensures that its members are at the forefront of their profession by maintaining and developing their skills and knowledge. They regulate professional and ethical standards, and are industry leaders in the provision of technical accounting information.

Course Objectives

The Chartered Accountancy qualification builds on the profession’s traditional strengths, whilst focusing on the needs of modern business. This course ensures that candidates develop the financial and technical knowledge, as well as valuable practical experience required to pursue a career in the accounting/auditing profession, either in private or in central government, semi-governmental organisations, the banking and insurance sectors, or just about any type of small, medium or large business or corporation, locally or internationally.

Entry Requirements

There are two ways you can study for the ACA qualification

• The most popular way is to study for the ACA under a training agreement with an organisation that is an ICAEW authorised training employer. This means that you can learn and earn at the same time. Employers would usually expect a first or upper second class or any equivalent in first Bachelor degree. It is not considered a prerequisite to have an Accounting related Bachelor degree.
• You can start to study for the ACA qualification as an ’independent student’, however, you cannot complete your studies (or qualify as an ACA) without completing an approved period of work experience (usually 450 days). This can only be done if you are employed with an ICAEW authorised training employer and in an ACA training agreement.

Course Duration

The duration of the course is 3 years and a minimum of 3 years of practical experience with an approved training firm is needed to gain the qualification.

Important Dates