Yes, the ICAEW ACA is a globally recognised chartered accountant qualification. Upon completion of the ACA programme, you will attain the ICAEW Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) designation.

The ICAEW is a world leading professional organisation that offers globally recognised qualifications for aspiring accountancy, business and finance professionals. With ICAEW, you will receive support and training along your journey and gain access to a wide network of fellow chartered accountants globally as an ICAEW member. 

ICAEW is a part of the Chartered Accountants Worldwide network and has reciprocal agreements with over 20 other accountancy bodies around the world, placing you in good stead wherever you choose to work.

At ICAEW, you have the flexibility to complete the ACA and CFAB at your own pace. There is no time limit imposed in which to complete the programme, but you may only sit for the exams for the maximum number of attempts, depending on the module. If your employer has signed a training agreement with you or is financially contributing to your ICAEW CFAB studies, they may choose to allow you fewer attempts and may require you to complete ICAEW CFAB within a set time. This would be up to each employer to decide.

Yes, the syllabus is updated every year. This ensures that the ACA contains the latest technical content, laws and regulations.

There are four essential elements of the ACA qualification that need to be successfully completed to be eligible for ICAEW membership. These are: the 15 examinations, practical work experience (PWE), professional development ladders (PD) and ethics and professional scepticism (ELP).

In addition, students must complete a training agreement for a minimum of three years and undergo regular appraisal/ progress reviews during that time with your employer. When you have completed these elements on your training file and your employer has completed the final sign off, you will be invited to ICAEW membership after your training records have been processed.

The ICAEW CFAB is the same syllabus content as the first six modules of our world-leading chartered accountancy qualification, the ACA. You can study ICAEW CFAB as a stand-alone qualification or as a possible stepping stone to the ACA qualification. Once you have passed the six ICAEW CFAB exam modules, you gain the ICAEW CFAB qualification certificate. This does not entitle you to ICAEW membership or confer any membership rights or allow you to refer to yourself as a chartered accountant.

To achieve the ACA qualification you need to be employed by an organisation that is an ICAEW authorised training employer. Your employer will provide an ACA training agreement and you will be required to pass the remaining ACA exams as well as complete the work experience and soft skills development requirements. Once you have passed all the required elements of the ACA and completed the ACA training agreement, you will be eligible to apply for ICAEW membership. Membership allows you to use the ACA designatory letters and to refer to yourself as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

The ICAEW CFAB is a stand-alone certificate-level qualification. It consists of the same six exam modules as the first level of our world-leading chartered accountancy qualification, the ACA. 

This means that ICAEW CFAB can be a stepping stone on your journey towards gaining the ACA qualification. You can register as a ACA student directly to complete the ACA programme.

Having a good understanding of finance, accounting and business are key skills that many employers will demand for any role and in any organisation. Showing an employer that you have some of these skills and knowledge can help you get ahead in the job market.

The CFAB also serves as an entry route to chartered accountancy or as a stand-alone qualification. You gain a certificate for every module you sit and pass.