In a crowded marketplace, businesses today are looking for motivated and committed individuals when they scout for new talent. If you have been unable to secure a training agreement and are studying as an independent student, it shows your eagerness and commitment to pursue a career as a chartered accountant. While you can sit ACA exams as an independent student, there are several elements that can only be achieved as part of a training agreement to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. 

1. Land that training agreement

The training agreement dovetails with the exams, as the theoretical learning from your studies can be applied practically in the world of work. Through it, you’ll develop the necessary ethics and professional development skills and log the work experience hours necessary to progress. You’ll also need to be in the last year of your training agreement before you can sit the Advanced Level Case Study exam.

Securing a training agreement as early as possible is recommended, as you will benefit from an employer who has met the strict standards to train ACA students and is committed to supporting you through your training. Not only that, but you will be paid a competitive salary while training.

Registering as an independent student with ICAEW opens the door to an array of support to help you land the all-important training agreement. This includes a training vacancy site that has a selection of vacancies from employers including accountancy firms, commercial organisations, not for profit and the public sector. 

If you’re working for an organisation that is not currently an ICAEW authorised training employer, they can become one very easily; the process is entirely free and takes on average between three to four weeks.

2. Power in numbers

Although starting as an independent student can seem daunting, one of the most important things to remember is you are not alone. 

Our student societies and networks actively organise events and activities throughout the year, where you can meet people who are also studying for the ACA from a wide range of industries and organisations. 

Regardless of the size of the organisation that you work for, ICAEW student societies and networks are available for all ACA students across the globe. If there isn’t one currently near you, why not get involved and set up one for the students in your region? 

‘One of the main benefits of getting involved in your student society is the number of people you can meet.’ ICAEW’s Senior Student Relationship Executive, Mauro Lucrino says, ‘You can enhance knowledge and network with other students, helping you build lifelong contacts and the skills to help fulfill your career aspirations.’

caba is also there to support you, contact caba for confidential help and support. 

3. Take advantage of our free resources

As an ACA student, you also have access to plenty of resources and services to help your studies, including a dedicated student support team; access to past exams and examiner feedback and a range of free resources as part of our student benefits. 

Signing up to Faculties Online will give you access to the online technical resources of all seven ICAEW Faculties. You also get access to all the online publications from the Faculties, which include guides, help-sheets, technical updates, and the full back catalogue of webinar recordings. 

The ACA qualification has 15 exams over three levels, which are designed to complement the practical experience you will be gaining in the workplace. We have a dedicated resource section to help you navigate each of these levels from Certificate to Professional and Advanced, which is a goldmine of study packs, past exams, exam guides and helpful advice.

Make sure you visit ICAEW’s independent student hub for more support during your journey.