ACA rules and regulations FAQs

You can find all the regulations that relate to the ACA students and the ACA qualification at icaew.com/regulations.

This can depend on which country you study in as some countries have specific local requirements. Your employer may also choose to set their own entry requirements. Advice can be found at:

• Entry requirements for those in the UK
• Entry requirements for those outside the UK

The maximum period of time a student may enter into a training agreement is five years, unless the student is training under a strategic degree or other programme offered in partnership with an ICAEW Partner in Learning. However, there is no time limit on completing your exams. You may continue to sit ACA exams until you reach the maximum attempt limits which is four for each Professional Level knowledge and application module and unlimited for Advanced Level modules.

Yes, as long as they are an ICAEW authorised training employer (ATE). There are over 2,850 organisations around the world that are authorised to train ACA students including large and small accountancy practices, businesses and commerce as well as public sector organisations. If they are not yet authorised, they can apply to become an ATE as long as they meet our training standards. It is a free and straightforward process to become an ATE.

• Read more on becoming an authorised employer

For all questions/answers relating to exams, see exams FAQs.

Our term for exemptions is credit for prior learning (CPL). Depending on your previous academic and/or professional qualifications, you may be eligible to claim credit on some of the Professional Stage exams. You can check your credit eligibility at our online CPL directory.

For all questions/answers relating to credits and credit availability, see credit for prior learning FAQs.

For all questions/answers relating to credits and credit availability, see credit for prior learning FAQs.

For all questions/answers relating to exams, see exams FAQs.

For all questions/answers relating to training agreements, see ACA training agreements FAQs.

Please see Audit Qualification section.