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BUSINESS WITH CONFIDENCE icaew.com/dashboard
Welcome We have over 146,000 members
working in more than 160 countries
to ICAEW
Over 22,000 ACA Founder member of Chartered
students are studying Accountants Worldwide which has
the ACA globally 310,000 members in 180 countries
currently training to
be ICAEW Chartered
Accountants.
1 Register as an
ACA student
To sign up, visit icaew.com/studentregistration
2 Your ACA training
agreement
If you are training with an ICAEW authorised
Once your application has been accepted, you training employer (ATE) or authorised training
will gain access to a variety of resources to help principal (ATP), they will give you an ACA
you with your studies. training agreement to sign.
Good luck!
We wish you every success with your ACA training and look forward to welcoming you as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.
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The ACA qualification in detail
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Top tip
You will need to meet with your
employer at least every six months to 15 acc
ACA
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Professional development
Professional development is an essential component of the ACA qualification as it Top tips if you’re following the ICAEW
prepares you to successfully handle situations that you will encounter throughout
your career. There are seven ladders, each containing seven or eight steps, each
professional development ladders …
of which represents a specific skill. • You will review your professional development progress with your
employer as part of your six-monthly reviews. Make sure that you
The seven professional development ladders update the professional development tab in your online training
file with specific examples of how you have met the steps within
As an ACA student, you will either follow ICAEW’s professional development each ladder.
ladders or complete your employer’s professional development training
programme. To find out more, go to icaew.com/dashboard • You are responsible for completing and updating your professional
development log, as well as organising your six-monthly reviews
with your employer.
• Where you start and how fast you progress is flexible and
1 Communication something you can manage with your employer. Your employer
will give you feedback on your professional development progress
2 Team working in your six-monthly reviews, which you will then need to record
within your online training file.
3 Decision making
Top tips if you’re following your employer’s
4 Consideration professional development scheme …
5 Adding value • Bear in mind you won’t have the professional development tab in
your online training file. Instead, you will need to complete your
employer’s own documentation.
6 Problem solving
• Your employer will need to approve your practical work experience,
7 Technical competence professional development and ethics at the end of your training to
confirm that you are ready to become an ICAEW member.
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Need to get started?
We have a whole host of resources to support your professional development.
Check out our live monthly webinars, designed to help you build some of the key skills you’ll need to be more effective in the workplace.
Sign up at icaew.com/acawebinars
Missed a webinar? Don’t worry. All of our webinars are available for you to watch on demand. You will find them saved under each
professional development ladder, along with a host of useful articles to support your learning. Visit icaew.com/listenagain
We’ve developed a series of pep talks to help support you on everything from developing assertiveness to adding value in the
workplace. Perfect if you’ve got a spare 10 minutes; whether you’re waiting for a bus, about to go in to an important meeting,
or simply need a boost. Visit icaew.com/peptalk
Keep an eye out for our quarterly student magazine, Vital, which features articles and top tips from professional development experts.
Read the online magazine at icaew.com/vital
Top tip
Whichever scheme you follow, you should build your professional development skills throughout your training – don’t leave it to the end.
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What advice would you give new ACA students?
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Ethics and professional scepticism
Ethics is more than just knowing the rules around confidentiality, integrity, Once you have worked your way through each of the six modules, you
objectivity and independence. It’s about identifying ethical dilemmas, will need to complete a devolved assessment. This is a test to assess
understanding the implications and behaving appropriately. We integrate ethics your knowledge of ethics and your progress through the programme.
throughout the ACA qualification to develop your ethical capabilities – so you’ll
Here are the key things you need to know about the assessment:
always know how to make the right decision, even when no one’s looking.
• you’ll need to complete it online;
Ethics is examined in context within all modules of the ACA qualification.
Interested to know what the ethical elements are in each exam? Check out • it is 60 minutes long and includes 30 multiple choice questions;
the ACA syllabus at icaew.com/exams • the target score is 70%;
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Watch your ethics
We have developed a series of webinars, Practising Ethics, for you Ready?
to watch on demand. After you complete each module in the Ethics
Once you have completed the Ethics Learning Programme, listened
Learning Programme, make sure you download the accompanying
to the webinars and practised approaching ethical dilemmas, you’ll
webinar to recap what you have learned. Each webinar contains three
be able to apply your ethical skills in the workplace.
brief scenarios for you to consider and decide on a course of action.
Make notes – you will be asked to present your findings on at least one At the end of your training period, your employer will sign off your
scenario at every six-monthly review. online training file. This confirms that you are ethically sound and
have a strong understanding of the ICAEW Code of Ethics.
Watch the webinars now at icaew.com/dashboard
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Practical work experience
You need to accumulate at least 450 days of practical work experience, completed As you progress through the ACA, you will need to log the number of days
as part of a training agreement with one of our authorised training employers or you have completed in the practical work experience tab of your online
principals. If you are eligible for a two-year training agreement, you must complete training file. Here are some top tips to help you keep track of your work
a minimum of 300 days of work experience. Your employer or principal will support experience and log it accurately.
you throughout your training, making sure you develop the knowledge, skills and
experience you need to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. • Keep a record of the number of work experience hours you complete
– you might want to start a timesheet, or note these in your diary.
Practical work experience is undertaking real-life work of a financial, business and/or
commercial nature. Your work experience will need to be completed in at least one • Use the time in your six-monthly reviews to calculate and agree on
of the following six categories: the number of days you have accrued with your employer.
• Log the number of days within your practical work experience tab
• Accounting • Information Technology of your online training file.
• Audit and Assurance (audit is not compulsory) • Insolvency
• Financial Management • Taxation. • Once your employer is happy with the number of days you have
accrued, you will need to confirm this in your online training file.
Your work experience can be in just one of these technical categories, or in more Once confirmed, the period of work experience will be locked. Your
than one area. Either way, it must expose you to as many practical assignments, employer can then sign off your practical work experience progress.
finance functions and/or clients, in as many different sectors as possible. Your work If you need to update your records once you have locked them, your QPRT
experience must also incorporate levels of responsibility that increase in depth and will need to email studentsupport@icaew.com and ask them to amend it.
scope throughout the course of your training period.
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Recording audit experience and the Audit Qualification
If you plan to work in audit at some point during your career, then we
recommend that you apply for the Audit Qualification once you have
Top tip
completed the ACA.
The Audit Qualification is granted as recognition of meeting audit work Make sure you record your audit experience on the Audit Qualification
experience requirements and obtaining it is the first step to becoming a UK tab within your training file throughout your ACA training.
statutory auditor. It is awarded to ICAEW members who have demonstrated Remember – if you don’t claim your audit experience within six months
audit competencies through work experience and exams. It is completely of submitting the rest of your training records, you will lose it.
free of charge and once granted, will remain yours forever.
If you are an ACA student working for an ICAEW authorised training employer
or principal, who is also a firm of registered auditors in the EU, the audit
experience you gain throughout your training agreement may count towards
your Audit Qualification.
To find out more about the Audit Qualification and whether you’re eligible
to apply, visit icaew.com/aq
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Modules
The ACA equips you with in-depth knowledge across a broad range of topics in accountancy, finance and business. The 15 modules are designed to complement
the practical experience you will be gaining in the workplace. So you should be able to really put your knowledge into practice.
You must pass every module – or receive credit. This ensures that once qualified, all ICAEW Chartered Accountants have a consistent level of knowledge, skills and
experience, regardless of where in the world they have trained.
Please note, you will not be able to attempt the Case Study until
you have taken (or received credit for) all of the other modules.
You also will need to be in the final year of your training agreement.
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The ACA qualification
Advanced
Level Case
Study Top tip
Corporate Strategic Business Our bookkeeping and accounts preparation
Reporting Management programme is a fantastic tool to help you
gain experience of recording and preparing
financial information. What’s more, it is
Professional designed to complement the Certificate
Level Business Business
Level Accounting module.
Planning Strategy
Get ahead and access the programme at
Audit and Financial Accounting Tax Financial icaew.com/bookkeeping
Assurance and Reporting Compliance Management
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Everything you need to help you with your exams
We are here to support you throughout your exams. As an ACA student, you will have access to a variety of
first-class resources designed to help you with your studies. Here’s a round-up of what we have to offer.
Top tip
Exam webinars Student community Make sure that you are using the most up-to-date edition of the
learning materials when revising for your exams.
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Apply for exams Applying for access arrangements
When you’re ready to sit an exam, make sure you plan ahead and keep the If you have a disability, health condition or specific learning difficulty
exam entry deadlines in mind. While we may accept late exam entries up to that is likely to affect you during an exam, please contact us as early
seven days after the closing date, you will be asked to pay a surcharge which as possible. We will then be able to assess your situation and make
is double the normal exam fee. Unfortunately we can’t make any allowances the necessary arrangements for you. To find out more about access
if you apply late due to special circumstances, errors or omissions – so be arrangements, visit icaew.com/accessarrangements
sure to get your application in early.
Remember CPL
Top tip Don’t forget to check whether you are eligible for credits for some of
the ACA exams. Please note, once you have sat an exam, you will not be
Before you apply, check out the ACA assessment regulations at able to apply for credit for that module. Check out our CPL directory at
icaew.com/regulations icaew.com/cpl
To find out more about what you can expect on the exam day, visit
icaew.com/how-to
The process for applying for Certificate Level exams is slightly different
from the Professional and Advanced Level modules.
• When sitting a Certificate Level exam, you will need to apply We appreciate that you have to work hard for the
directly to an approved assessment centre. This will either be your ACA exams, so each year we award prizes to the
tuition provider or one of our approved centres within the Pearson students who achieve the highest marks in the
Vue network. To find out more, speak to your tuition provider or visit Professional and Advanced Level exams, as well as
pearsonvue.com/icaew the students with the highest average mark across all
exams. Prizes are presented by the ICAEW President
• When applying for a Professional or Advanced Level exam, we at the annual International ACA Prizegiving
recommend you apply online. Simply visit icaew.com/dashboard Ceremony, held at Chartered Accountants’ Hall.
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What is the secret to winning first place in the Business Reporting exam?
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Your resources and student benefits
ICAEW is here to support you every step of the way on your journey to becoming an ICAEW Chartered
Accountant. We provide a wide range of fantastic resources and services to help you in your studies and
in the workplace. Here’s a taster of what we have to offer.
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Vital and economia Student community
Vital is ICAEW’s magazine for ACA students. Posted to you The student community is the place for ACA
each quarter (January, April, July and October), each issue is students. With regular blogs covering a range of work,
jam-packed with interesting articles and useful resources to help life and study topics as well as a forum where you can
you with work, study and life. Download the latest copies from post your questions and share your own tips, the
icaew.com/vital community is a fantastic tool.
What’s more, you’ll also receive ICAEW’s monthly member Join the conversation at icaew.com/studentcommunity
magazine, economia. For the latest news at your fingertips,
download the free economia app for iPhone, iPad and Android
Student groups
devices, available on the AppStore.
Now that you’re a student, you receive automatic
membership to your local ICAEW student society or
Keep an eye on your inbox for our regular network. With student groups across the UK, Europe,
e-newsletters with the latest student news, Russia, the Middle East, China and South East Asia, you’re
exam resources and reminders. bound to find one local to you. All of the groups are run
for students, by students. They’re a great way for you to
connect with fellow students and get involved in social
activities. Find out more at icaew.com/studentgroups
Join us online
Follow ICAEW on Twitter: @ICAEW_Talk
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Your ICAEW app Students’ Excel
Your ICAEW App is exclusive to all ACA students and ICAEW ACA students, can join the Excel Community, free of
members and is now available to download from iTunes. charge, until the end of 2017. This membership includes
access to Students’ Excel, an online free training course
Login using your ICAEW student number to keep an eye on
designed specifically for you.
exam dates and deadlines, track your exam progress, access
quick reference tax tables and find events and webinars by
The content has been customised to teach functions and
topic and location.
formulae which are crucial in the accounting and financial
Find out more at icaew.com/studentapp sector and is available in bitesize chunks with something
for all abilities. The programme will help to build your
confidence and learn new skills, some of which are linked
to your professional development ladders.
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ICAEW Student Council ICAEW Business Centre
The ICAEW Student Council (ISC) brings together student Located in Chartered Accountants’ Hall in London, our
representatives from around the world. The council is often Business Centre offers ACA students, ICAEW members
asked to feed back their opinions on everything from recent and their guests a contemporary space in which to
exams to future student activity. In addition, the chair of the meet. Facilities include computers and printers, free WiFi,
ISC also sits on our governing council, ensuring that students scanning, copying and faxing. There’s even a café on
have a voice at the very top of ICAEW. site serving fresh food and drink throughout the day.
Open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00.
Find out more at icaew.com/studentgroups
Telephone queries: +44 (0)20 7920 8620 Our 14 special interest groups provide practical support,
information and representation within a range of industry
Email queries: library@icaew.com
sectors – from Entertainment and Media to Energy and
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00 - 17:30
Natural Resources.
Friday 10:00 - 17:30 (UK time)
Register free of charge for provisional membership to
one of our special interest groups and receive a monthly
complimentary e-newsletter from a faculty of your choice.
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Advisory services CABA
Ethical dilemma? If you find you have an ethical dilemma and Support when you’re studying and
need some guidance, you should speak to your employer in the throughout your career
first instance. If you still feel you need help, the ethics advisory
Juggling study, work and family commitments is
service offers a confidential telephone helpline service.
tough. So, from the moment you begin your ACA
Technical query? We have a dedicated technical enquiries training agreement, CABA are there to help you do it all.
service, designed to deal with a wide range of subjects from From a listening ear in troubled times, through personal
auditing and accounting to company law and general technical and professional development, to carer support and
advice. Please note, taxation advice is available via a dedicated financial assistance, CABA are with you for life.
Tax and VAT helpline.
Their services are free, impartial and strictly confidential.
Call +44 (0)1908 248 250 or follow us on Twitter @ICAEW_TAS They’re available to you, your spouse or life partner and
close family members. You don’t have to donate to use
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Applying for ICAEW membership
• completed and submitted your online training file with the final sign off. • resources and events to continue your professional development;
For everything you need to know about becoming an ICAEW member, • unique opportunities for networking and career development
visit icaew.com/how-to through our specialist training programmes and qualifications.
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Get in touch
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ICAEW is a world leading professional membership organisation that promotes, develops and supports over 146,000
chartered accountants worldwide. We provide qualifications and professional development, share our knowledge,
insight and technical expertise, and protect the quality and integrity of the accountancy and finance profession.
As leaders in accountancy, finance and business our members have the knowledge, skills and commitment to
maintain the highest professional standards and integrity. Together we contribute to the success of individuals,
organisations, communities and economies around the world.
ICAEW
Chartered Accountants’ Hall Moorgate Place London EC2R 6EA UK