How the ACA CTA Joint Programme works

What is the ACA CTA Joint Programme?

The ACA CTA Joint Programme gives students the opportunity to achieve both the ACA and the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualifications simultaneously, allowing employers to design training
programmes that suit their business' needs.

The programme has been designed to maintain the standards of both ICAEW and the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT), while offering students a fast-track route to become a specialist in tax more quickly than they would be able to traditionally.

Structure of the ACA CTA Joint Programme

ACA CTA Joint Programme students will be assessed on:

• 14 of the 15 ACA exams (excluding the ACA Professional Level Business Planning: Taxation exam);
• the relevant CTA Advanced Technical exam (the exam they attempt will depend on the specialism they follow);
• the CIOT Professional Responsibilities and Ethics exam; and
• either an additional CTA Advanced Technical exam, or a CTA Application and Professional Skills Case Study or a CIOT Advanced Diploma in International Taxation (ADIT) exam. 

Students must complete the CTA Advanced Technical exam before they attempt the ACA Case Study exam. They must also pass the CIOT Professional Responsibilities and Ethics exam before they can attempt their final CIOT exam. Beyond this, the employer can choose the best order for students to attempt the exams. 

Aside from the exams, students will also need to complete the professional development, ethics and professional scepticism and practical work experience elements of the ACA and also demonstrate that they have at least three years’ relevant professional experience for membership of the CIOT.

Students can apply for ICAEW membership once all elements of the ACA are completed, and then apply for membership of CIOT once all parts of the CTA qualification are completed.

Level 7 apprenticeship: ACA CTA Joint Programme

The ACA CTA Joint Programme 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.

• Find out more information on the Level 7 apprenticeship

Tax specialisms

You will need to pick one of the three specialisms available for your student to follow based on what will be most relevant to their workplace, experience and training. This will determine what CTA exams they sit.

Students can specialise in one of three areas of taxation:

Entry requirements

Students can join the joint programme on the first day of their ACA training agreement or partway through a training agreement providing:

• They work in tax;
• have not attempted the ACA Professional Level Business Planning: Taxation exam; and
• have not attempted the two CTA Advanced Technical exams.

• View the entry requirements for the ACA

Duration

The programme is likely to take three to four years to complete.

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.

Tuition providers who offer ACA and CTA tuition for each of the specialisms include:

Fees

Employers with ACA CTA students will need to pay the appropriate ICAEW and CIOT fees.

Fees relating to ACA training include an annual student fee, tuition, exam registration, credit for prior learning and learning materials.

Examples of fees associated with ACA training include:

• More information on the costs associated with ACA training
• More information on the costs involved with the CIOT qualification

Frequently asked questions

View answers to frequently asked questions from employers.

• Explore the FAQs

Getting started as an ICAEW Authorised Training Employer

You will need to be an Authorised Training Employer to offer the ACA CTA Joint Programme: 

1. 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.
2. Ready to become an Authorised Training Employer?
   If you’re ready to become authorised, please complete the relevant application form.
3. 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.