Offer our globally recognised qualification, the ACA, on a government-funded programme and set your employees on their way towards becoming fully qualified chartered accountants.
Explore the benefits of the Level 7 apprenticeship
Access apprenticeship levy funds or benefit from government funding to cover some of the costs of training.
Develop a more motivated and satisfied workforce with greater loyalty towards your organisation.
Integrates our world-leading chartered accountancy qualification.
Structure of the Level 7 apprenticeship
The Level 7 apprenticeship combines work experience with our world-leading chartered accountancy qualification, the ACA. It consists of an on-programme assessment and end-point assessment which develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours your employees (KSBs) need to qualify as Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprentices.
On-programme assessment
During the on-programme assessment, apprentices will:
- complete the four elements of the ACA;
- record their progress in the online training file; and
- spend at least six hours per week on off-the-job training.
The ACA is made up of four elements designed to help build the technical knowledge, professional skills and practical experience your employees need to become ICAEW Chartered Accountants. The four elements are:
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Practical work experience
Apprentices need to accumulate, and show evidence of, at least 450 days of practical work experience. This does not need to include audit work.
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The exams
Level 7 apprentices will need to complete 14 of the15 ACA exams as part of the on-programme assessment.
The ACA exams are spread over three levels: the Certificate Level, the Professional Level, and the Advanced Level. Each exam has been designed to fit students practical experience as they progress through the qualification and gain an in-depth knowledge of accountancy, finance, and business. Students may be able to claim up to 12 exam exemptions depending on their previous studies and experience.
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Professional development
ICAEW Chartered Accountants are known for their professionalism and expertise, building trust, spotting and communicating risks and utilising technology. Apprentices are required to work their way through seven professional skills areas to prepare them for the situations they will encounter throughout their career in accountancy.
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Ethics and professional scepticism
Ethics is integrated throughout the ACA, developing trusted advisors who know how to make ethical decisions and justify them. Throughout their training, students will learn the principles that underpin the ICAEW Code of Ethics, and importantly, they will learn how to apply these principles. Apprentices will:
- complete an Ethics Learning Programme;
- practice ethics with their employer using the ICAEW Ethics in Practice scenarios; and,
- and be tested on ethics within each exam.
End-point assessment
During the end-point assessment, apprentices will:
- pass the ACA Case Study exam; and
- complete a Project Report.
Once all elements of the apprenticeship have been successfully completed, the apprentice will qualify as an Accountancy Professional and, once all elements of the ACA have been completed, will also become a qualified ICAEW Chartered Accountant.
Entry requirements
The Level 7 apprenticeship is best suited to employees who have achieved a minimum level of education such as:
- A-levels (or international equivalents)
- Level 4 Professional Accountancy Qualifications (such as BFP, AAT or the Level 4 Accounting Technician Apprenticeship)
- Degrees
- Membership or studentship at a listed accounting body (such as ACCA or CIMA)
Apprentices must also have a Level 2 (GCSE pass) in English and Maths before they can attempt the end-point assessment.
Duration
Study options
You will need to select a tuition provider (otherwise known as training provider) to deliver apprenticeship training to your apprentices. The tuition provider monitors a great part of the apprenticeship process and will help you review your apprentice’s performance and ensure they are adhering to the off-the-job training requirements. They will also be able to help design an apprenticeship programme that suits your business' needs.
Choosing an apprenticeship training provider
Levy paying employers can select a provider from the apprenticeship provider and assessment register (APAR). We recommend that non-levy paying employers discuss their tuition provider options with our team.
Fees and funding
Fees associated with the Level 7 apprenticeship include:
| Current | From 1 Jan 2025 | |
| Annual student fee | £197.00 + VAT | £206.00 + VAT |
| Exam entry | £85.00 - £275.00 | £90.00 - £290.00 |
| Project Report | £360.00 | £376.00 |
| Tuition | Varies by provider | |
Apprenticeship funding
Employers can access apprenticeship levy funds or benefit from government funding to cover some of the costs associated with training a Level 7 apprenticeship.
Setting up an apprenticeship
Setting up an ICAEW apprenticeship is easy and straightforward. Our Business Development team will be with you every step of the way and can advise you on what your options are based on your needs.
Frequently asked questions
View answers to frequently asked questions about the Level 7 apprenticeship from employers.
Interested in offering an ICAEW apprenticeship?
Register your interest and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your needs.
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