Frequently asked questions

No, you can train for the ACA with a degree in any discipline. However, competition for places on graduate schemes that offer the ACA is high, so employers will often require a minimum of 2:1.Most employers expect a minimum of a B/5 in GCSE Maths and English. Our qualifications go further than others. Chartered accountants need a whole range of skills. 

No, you can study the ACA as an independent student. However, to complete the ACA you will need to complete 450 days of work experience. Click here to learn more about studying independently.

We do not offer internships or professional placements on a wide scale. We publicise and promote the vacancies, internships, and insight days of our ATEs on the ICAEW Careers' social media channels and through the ICAEW Training Vacancies platform.

Yes, you can, but you need to check the credits for prior learning advice page on our website - check if you are eligible for any of these exemptions.

No, you don't have to be a maths genius to be a chartered accountant.

It usually takes three to five years to complete, depending on the path chosen. 84% of all ACA students qualify in four years or less (meaning fewer resits and faster career progression.

There’s no sugar coating that the ACA qualification is challenging, but the rewards are endless. Furthermore, we support you every step of the way, with extra support, tuition, tips and tricks to help you pass each exam. We boast over 38,000 students worldwide who are all going through the same qualification. As an ICAEW community, we encourage you to sign up to local societies and tap into support from your fellow students, as well as your employers, members and mentors.

No, there is no age limit to do the ACA qualification.

Along the way to becoming chartered, you can complete ICAEW CFAB (Certificate in Finance and Business) - a stand-alone qualification, and you can also gain professional status with the ICAEW Business and Finance Professional (BFP) designation. These demonstrates that you are on track to becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

Salaries for trainee and qualified chartered accountants are extremely competitive. The average salary for a newly qualified ICAEW Chartered Accountant with 0-2 years experience is £58K.However, salaries do vary dependent on location.

At ICAEW, we pride ourselves on providing ongoing support to our ICAEW students and members, from the start of their career, all the way through to their retirement. 

Chartered accountants tackle the most important challenges in business by using their skills to help companies innovate, grow, and make recommendations for future strategies. They are at the forefront of business decision-making. 

Anyone can call themselves an accountant, but not anyone can call themselves a chartered accountant. Becoming chartered demonstrates that you’ve got the knowledge and experience by learning the industries skills. Furthermore, you’ve shown dedication, ambition and willingness to learn. Becoming chartered sets you apart from your peers, immediately elevating your position in the sector.

A training agreement is a work contract put in place with your chosen employer. They will provide the support and work experience while you earn and learn. 

An ATE is someone who has been approved by ICAEW to support and train their students to complete the ACA qualification. Typically, authorised training employers will fund your ACA training agreement as well as being your mentor while you study. 

The ACA is a qualification equivalent to a Level 7. There are four elements of the ACA training which includes 450 days’ work experience, 15 exam modules, professional development and ethics and professional scepticism. Once you have completed your ACA you can become an ICAEW member and call yourself an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

84% of our students pass our qualification first time.

Employers are looking for applicants to show that they already started to develop the skills needed to work as an ACA student, such as: communication; team working; decision making; time management and problem solving. Enhance your employability skills by registering for one of our upcoming skill sessions here.

You can go into various roles from corporate finance, audit, tax advisory, consultancy, entrepreneurship to assurance and forensic accounting. 

The qualifications offered by other accountancy bodies differ dependent on your career goals and ambitions. The ACA is an excellent qualification for business leadership. If your aspirations involve making it to the top of your career game, taking the ACA will help you get there. In fact, all the world’s leading brands employ ICAEW Chartered Accountants. 

The ACA qualification is globally renowned. You can train in over 146 countries! Click here to find out more about where you can study with us.

No – you will train and work for one of our 7,000 approved training employers (ATE).