The ACA at a glance
From accounting firms to Premier League football teams and entrepreneurial start-ups, over 7,000 organisations in over 70 countries offer ACA training.
Who can you offer ACA training to?
We offer a diverse range of entry routes allowing you train school leavers, graduates, experienced professionals, or career changers.
How long does ACA training take?
ACA training typically takes 3 - 4 years to complete, however this can vary depending on your trainees experience and the route they follow.
ACA fees
| Current | From 1 Jan 2025 | |
| Annual student fee | £197.00 + VAT | £206.00 + VAT |
| Exam entry | £85.00 - £275.00 | £90.00 - £290.00 |
| Tuition | Varies by provider |
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The four elements of the ACA
The ACA is made up of four elements, each designed to build the technical knowledge, professional skills, and practical experience your student needs to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.
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Practical work experience
Students need to complete a minimum of 450 days of practical work experience as part of their training. This does not need to include audit work.
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The ACA exams
The ACA is made up of 15 exams 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. Students 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 via an Ethics Learning Programme, a series of Ethics in Practice scenarios and the exams.
Imagine more with the Next Generation ACA
The role of the accountant is changing. To ensure ICAEW Chartered Accountants are prepared for the future, we will be introducing changes to our qualifications from September 2025. Learn more about the upcoming changes: Next Generation ACA
Getting started with ACA training
How ACA training works
An overview to ACA training. Find out what it is, how it works and what’s involved with training ACA students.
Read more
Why choose the ACA
Attract top quality professionals to your organisation. Discover the benefits ACA training can bring to your business.
Discover the benefits
Training routes
Explore the entry routes available for school leavers, graduates, experienced professionals and career changers.
Explore the routes
Become authorised to train
Becoming authorised to train an ACA student is a simple process. Find out what is involved and how to apply.
Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship
If you are an organisation based in England, you can access government funding and offer the ACA as a Level 7 apprenticeship.