Operating ethically is critical for financial professionals but applying the ICAEW Code of Ethics in practice can often be challenging. That is why ethics is fundamental for all ICAEW members’ continuing professional development (CPD) and one of the key requirements under ICAEW's CPD Regulations.

All members, regardless of their industry, role or level of responsibility must complete at least one hour of ethics-focused professional development each CPD year (1 November – 31 October). 

To help members meet these CPD requirements, ICAEW created its own, free Ethics CPD Course.

What the course includes

The elearning course provides 12 hours of verifiable CPD activities divided into four modules. The opening modules cover the fundamental principles that underpin the code before delving into ethical decision-making and the support you need to help you make good decisions.

The third module looks at ethics in specialisms, including in combatting economic crime, corporate reporting and tax. The final module provides case studies, using ICAEW’s training films to support learning.

When you complete a module, you’ll receive a certificate which counts towards your verifiable CPD hours and if you’re using your digital CPD record on icaew.com, certificates are automatically added to your record.

Delivered using a rich blend of learning assets and covering a range of specialist areas, including tax, audit and insolvency, the course allows you to study remotely and work at your own pace.

Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll have up-to-date knowledge and a deeper understanding of ethics, allowing you to demonstrate high standards of ethical conduct in your role, whether in industry or in practice.

A new one-hour module will be added each year, allowing you to use the course to fulfil your CPD requirements annually.

What members say

Feedback on course has been very positive, with 88% of respondents saying they felt more confident than before about the topics covered. 

One member said: “It’s very comprehensive and made the learning very engaging through use of questions and videos.”