Training agreements

A training agreement will usually cover: 

• the starting date - training agreements can start at any time of the year; 
• the length of time the training agreement will cover;
• the number of exam attempts you will support; and  
• study leave arrangements. 

We have developed a sample training agreement that is available for you to use for your students. It can be used for ACA, Level 4, or Level 7 apprenticeship students.  

• Download the sample training agreement 

Both you and your student will need to sign the training agreement. You must retain a signed copy of each students training agreement, as we will request to see these at review visits.  

Calculating the length of training 

You will need to agree a period of training that allows your students to complete the minimum requirement of 450 days practical work experience. This will typically take between three and five years, however, it may be shorter if your student is eligible to apply for credit for prior work experience. 

If your student is already part-way through ACA training (ie, they started their ACA training at a previous employer), the period must be:

• a minimum of 65 days of practical work experience with you (a three-month minimum period); or  
• a period where the student will have trained for at least 450 days – whichever is greater.  

Updating a training agreement 

It is essential that you keep us informed of any changes to a training agreement. This includes: 

• name changes;
• extensions beyond three months (extensions up to three months can be made by your student in their training file);
• redundancy;
• suspensions; and
• changes to office location.

It is your responsibility to notify us of any changes to a training agreement. You can make amendments to a training agreement by completing and returning the form below to applications@icaew.com. 

• Download form

Suspending a training agreement 

You will need to notify us if there is a suspension of a student’s training agreement. A training agreement may only be suspended if a student is absent for a prolonged period of more than four consecutive weeks. For example, your student may be on sick leave, or Maternity or Paternity Leave.  

Cancelling a training agreement 

You can cancel a training agreement via the online training file: 

1. Select the name of the student you wish to cancel. This will load their training file. 
2. To the right-hand-side of the training agreement dates, select ‘Cancel Training Agreement’. 
3. Complete all fields in the next screen and then select ‘Cancel this agreement’. 

This will cancel the training agreement immediately, and the student will be notified by email.