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ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business

ICAEW CFAB the first step into becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant, but it is also a stand-alone qualification for business minded people.

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Key benefits

Explore the key benefits of studying the ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business.
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Flexible study options

The qualification consists of six modules to complete at your own pace.

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Route into chartered accountancy

ICAEW CFAB offers a clear progression route onto the ACA qualification.

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Suitable for all

Suitable for all, school leavers, college or university students and career-changers.

At a glance

  • Cost

    If you choose to study while working with an employer they might fund the qualification for you.

    • Registration fee - £197 + VAT
    • Exams - £85 per exam attempt 

    From 1 January 2025, the exam fee will be changing to £90 per exam attempt.

    • Learning materials - £37 per subject
    • Tuition fee - Prices vary according to tuition provider and chosen study option
  • Duration
    12 months or less.
  • Entry requirements
    There are no formal academic entry requirements. 
  • Level of study
    ICAEW CFAB is a level 4 qualification. This means it is equivalent to a foundation degree.
  • Study options
    There are flexible study options. These includes online tuition, classroom, self-study and more.

Overview of qualification

ICAEW CFAB can be offered as a stand-alone qualification in business, accounting and finance, or as a stepping stone to chartered accountancy.

Completion of ICAEW CFAB also counts towards ICAEW Business and Finance Professional (BFP) designation.

There are no age limits or academic requirements in place to study ICAEW CFAB. It is open to all – including school leavers, graduates, experienced professionals and career changers who wish to develop their knowledge of business, accounting and finance.

CFAB modules

What is involved?

  • Accounting

    Ensures students have a sound understanding of the techniques of double entry accounting and can apply its principles in recording transactions, adjusting financial records and preparing non-complex financial statements.

  • Management Information

    Enables students to prepare essential financial information for the management of a business.

  • Business, Technology and Finance

    Provides students with an understanding of how businesses operate and how finance functions help businesses to achieve their objectives.

  • Assurance

    Ensures students understand the assurance process and fundamental principles of ethics, and can contribute to the assessment of internal controls and gathering of evidence on an assurance engagement.

  • Principles of Taxation

    Enables students to understand the general objectives of taxation and to calculate income tax, national insurance contributions, capital gains tax, corporation tax and VAT in straightforward scenarios.

  • Law

    Provides students with an understanding of the principles of English law.

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Discover ICAEW and the ACA

ICAEW is a globally recognised membership body. We support members and student throughout their careers.

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Want to go one step further?

ICAEW BFP is a professional designation which means you use use the letters BFP after your name.

Discover more

How to get started

To get started, register with us as an ICAEW CFAB student by clicking below.

Register now

Coming from a Humanities degree background, I initially found the ACA content challenging, so completing the CFAB and gaining the BFP designation was a really nice acknowledgement of the hard work and perseverance I’ve put in so far. It has also given me a huge confidence boost to know that I am on the right track!

Sherv Cheung
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Download the brochure

To read more about ICAEW, the ACA and your career potential, download the brochure.

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Online resources

We have a number of online events that you can attend to help get you ready for your career.

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