What is the AAT to ACA Fast Track route?
Developed in partnership with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), the AAT to ACA Fast Track route allows AAT trainees and AAT-qualified individuals to 'fast track' their way to chartered accountancy.
Instead of starting the ACA from scratch, students can claim exemptions for some of the elements of ACA training, accelerating them towards a career as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant in as little as two years.
Structure of the AAT-ACA Fast-Track route
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. Students must:
- undertake a minimum of 450 days of practical work experience;
- complete the ICAEW professional development ladders (or their employer's accredited scheme, if applicable);
- complete the ethics requirements including an online Ethics Learning Programme and discussing ethics with their employer through a series of Ethics in Practice scenarios; and
- pass, or claim credit for, the 15 ACA exams.
Individuals with a Level 4 AAT qualification are eligible to claim credit (otherwise known as exemptions) for some elements of the ACA, allowing them to qualify faster.
Level 7 apprenticeship: AAT to ACA Fast Track
The ACA can be studied as a Level 7 apprenticeship, allowing organisations in England to access government funding up to £21,000. Apprenticeships are open to all employees, regardless of age.
What can be fast tracked?
There are two elements of ACA training that students can claim exemptions for to qualify faster, providing they have completed these during their AAT qualification:
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Exams
Individuals with a Level 4 AAT qualification can gain credit for prior learning for up to five of the ACA Certificate Level exams. The exemptions available will depend on the AAT units they have completed. Credit is available for the following exams:
- Accounting
- Management Information
- Principles of Taxation
- Assurance
- Business, Technology and Finance
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Practical work experience
Individuals with a Level 4 AAT qualification can claim up to 12 months credit for prior work experience, providing the experience they gained was completed with an ICAEW Authorised Training Employer.
Entry requirements
Students require a Level 4 qualification to follow the AAT to ACA Fast Track route.
It is therefore a great option for:
- Level 4 AAT trainees
- AAT qualified individuals or AAT members
- Level 3 AAT trainees*
*Although the key qualification for this route is the Level 4 AAT, you can prepare your Level 3 AAT trainees to later put them on the fast-track route by becoming an Authorised Training Employer. This will allow your trainees to apply for credit for prior work experience in the future.
Duration
The AAT to ACA Fast Track route will typically take a student two years to complete, providing they are eligible for all relevant exemptions.
Study options
We have partnered with 160+ providers across the globe to provide employers with a host of tuition options to choose from, including classroom learning, virtual lessons, or a hybrid of the two, allowing you to fit your employee's tuition around the needs of your organisation.
Fees
Fees associated with ACA training include an annual student fee, tuition / training costs, exam entry fees, credit for prior learning and learning materials.
Examples of fees associated with ACA training 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 |
Tuition | Varies by provider |
Frequently asked questions
View answers to frequently asked questions from employers.
Getting started as an ICAEW Authorised Training Employer
- Want to learn more about becoming an Authorised Training Employer?
If you have any questions or would like to speak to our dedicated support team before making an application, you can request a call to discuss your training options. - Ready to become an Authorised Training Employer?
If you’re ready to become authorised, please complete the relevant application form. - Next steps
We will contact you to arrange a meeting with a training manager who will explain our training standards, check that you meet them and provide you with guidance on your roles and responsibilities. Once your application has been approved, you will be able to start training students.
Interested in offering the AAT to ACA Fast Track route?
Register your interest and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your needs.
Register your interest