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ICAEW Ethics CPD Course

From theory to practice

The ICAEW Code of Ethics sets out the fundamental principles that govern the profession. This free course helps you apply the Code of Ethics to everyday situations, uphold the highest standards of professional conduct, and satisfy your CPD requirements.

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This online course will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to demonstrate high standards of ethical conduct in your professional role while providing up to 15 hours of verifiable professional development.

The course is updated annually, in 2025 two new units have been added to Module 3 covering artificial intelligence and building an ethical culture. The flexible elearning platform means you can study at your own pace, gaining certificates for completed modules as you go.

Why take the course?

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Ethical competence

Understand how self-reflection against the fundamental principles will help you make the right decision.

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Relevant for all

The course has been purposely designed to be suitable for financial professionals working in industry, as well as practice.

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Technical areas

Access a breadth of material, including specialist modules covering audit, tax, insolvency and economic crime.

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Varied elearning

Rich blend of engaging learning assets, including case studies, animations, exercises, reflections, training films and quizzes.

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Study your way

Once you enrol on the course you have permanent access and can work through the modules at your own pace.

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Verifiable CPD

You will receive a certificate on completion of each module in real-time, which counts towards your verifiable CPD hours.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, you will:

  • Have up-to-date knowledge, understanding and confidence that will enable you to demonstrate high standards of ethical conduct in your professional role.
  • Understand why professional ethics matters and appreciate how the Code of Ethics provides a framework for helping you meet your professional responsibilities.
  • Develop competence and confidence in making ethical decisions.
  • Awareness of, and ability to apply, the additional ethical guidance that is relevant to you as a specialist.
  • Module 1: Practising professionalism
    • Understand the importance of ethics for building trust in your profession.
    • Identify the fundamental principles that underpin the Code of Ethics and explain how they can be implemented.
    • Understand how the fundamental principles can help build a picture of the ‘ethical accountant’.
    • Apply that understanding to reflect on your behaviour and professional development.

    Verifiable CPD hours: 1

  • Module 2: Ethical decision making
    • Explain why we are limited in our ability to make ethical decisions.
    • Know where to find relevant guidance in the Code of Ethics and apply that guidance to access further sources of support that are available to help you make and implement ethical decisions.
    • Use the Framework for Resolving Ethical Problems to make a good decision.
    • Choose to focus on either practice or industry for part of the module.

    Verifiable CPD hours: 2

  • Module 3: Ethics for specialists

    The third module of ICAEW's Ethics CPD Course is split into five separate units, enabling you to study the elements most relevant to you.

    • 3.1 Combatting economic crime
    • 3.2 Auditing with independence
    • 3.3 Professional Conduct in Relation to Tax (PCRT)
    • 3.4 How to develop an ethical culture
    • 3.5 AI ethics for accountants
  • 3.1: Combatting economic crime
    • Understand the vital role that accountants play in combatting economic crime.
    • Reference the relevant provisions of the Code of Ethics.
    • Appreciate the importance of exercising professional scepticism.
    • Recognise the potential threats to the Fundamental Principles that might be created by your relationship with your client.

    Verifiable CPD hours: 1

  • 3.2: Auditing with independence
    • Gain a high-level understanding of the rules and principles of the FRC’s Ethical Standard.
    • Recognise potential independence threats and what safeguards may be available to reduce or eliminate them.
    • Understand when and how the objective, reasonable and informed third-party test can be utilised.
    • List the provisions and reliefs available for audits of small entities.

    Verifiable CPD hours: 1

  • 3.3: Professional Conduct in Relation to Tax
    • Understand how PCRT applies the fundamental principles of the Code of Ethics in a tax context.
    • Exercise professional judgment in accordance with the requirements of PCRT.
    • Identify threats to the fundamental principles that might arise when involved in tax-related work.

    Verifiable CPD hours: 1

  • 3.4: How to develop an ethical culture
    • Link the requirement in the Code of Ethics, to encourage and promote an ethics-based culture, to your organisation.
    • Describe the impact of culture on behaviour and the risks created by poor culture.
    • Outline the key tools for developing an ethical culture.
    • Understand the role of leadership, governance and quantitative indicators in the development of an ethical culture.
    • Confidently encourage and promote an ethical culture, whatever your position.

    Verifiable CPD hours: 1.5

  • 3.5: AI ethics for accountants
    • Understand the key features of AI and its applications.
    • Identify the main ethical risks in your work arising from the use of AI.
    • Prepare and employ risk-mitigation actions and AI ethics principles in your work.
    • Explain the relevance of the Code of Ethics’ Fundamental Principles for the ethical implementation of AI..

    Verifiable CPD hours: 1.5

  • Module 4: Case studies in ethics
    • Experience ICAEW training films to reinforce and apply your understanding of the Code of Ethics, especially the fundamental principles and the conceptual framework.
    • Practical application of the FRC Ethical Standard.
    • Reflect on how intimidation can undermine audit quality.
    • Divided into four units which can be completed separately

    Verifiable CPD hours: 1.5 (per unit)

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Very comprehensive and made the learning very engaging, through use of the questions and the videos. It can be difficult just to read the Code of Ethics, and so the examples and quizzes are very helpful.

It's more than just the basic theories, also more than "CPD compliance".

The explanations were very detail and informative. The frequent reference to the five principles in each module helps to better explain the each situation as they develop.

Structure, presentation, material, delivery - all fantastic.

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Access the ICAEW Ethics CPD Course today to support your professional development. 

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