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Imagine more with the Next Generation ACA

Changes to our qualifications

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.

The qualification of choice

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Forward-thinking leadership

Over the next decade, sustainability, technology and ethics will be the three key themes impacting every accountant and business they serve. All three have been integrated throughout the ACA, delivering forward-thinking business leaders ready for tomorrow’s world.

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Fit for the modern workplace

With an even greater emphasis on skills development, the Next Generation ACA will develop critical thinkers, agile problem-solvers and effective communicators ready to succeed in the modern business landscape.

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A new comprehensive, dynamic syllabus

The Next Generation ACA features the most supportive, dynamic, reflective and comprehensive business, finance and accountancy syllabus on the market, providing students with the foundation for lifelong career success.

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Introducing the Next Generation ACA
With a new comprehensive and dynamic syllabus fit for the modern workplace, creating forward-thinking leaders, discover the changes we are introducing to the ACA from September 2025.

Next generation ACA: at a glance

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14 business, finance and accountancy exams

A refreshed, future-fit syllabus will launch in September 2025. Students need to complete 14 business, finance and accountancy modules that will be split across three levels: Certificate, Professional and Advanced.

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Specialised learning and development

With a new skills development framework and the introduction of a state-of-the-art learning and development platform, the Next Generation ACA will facilitate early career specialisation.

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Professional work experience

Students gain invaluable business and commercial insight implementing technical and specialised knowledge in the workplace, by completing a minimum of 450 days professional work experience.

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Frequently asked questions

Have a question? View our answers to your most frequently asked questions.

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Transitional arrangements

Discover the transitional arrangements for the Next Generation ACA, and key dates you need to be aware of during the transitional phase (2025-2027).

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Introducing the Next Generation ACA: Ethics

Ethics is at the core of the Next Generation ACA, ensuring students deliver on the responsibilities of being an accountant and continue to build trust in the profession.
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Introducing the Next Generation ACA: Sustainability

A growing focus on sustainability is changing the work of accountants – and the Next Generation ACA ensures students are well-equipped for these new responsibilities.
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Introducing the Next Generation ACA: Technology

Technology continues to evolve rapidly – and the flexibility of the Next Generation ACA qualification ensures that trainee accountants will be keeping pace.
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Contact us

If you have a question on the Next Generation ACA, please contact us.

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Employers

If you are an ICAEW Authorised Training Employer, please contact your Business Development Manager.

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Students

If you are an ICAEW student, please contact the Student Support team.

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Partners in Learning

If you are an ICAEW Partner in Learning, please contact the ICAEW Learning team.

Contact the Learning Team