Overview
The ACA is the professional qualification of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Completing it leads to becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Alongside the exams, you build professional skills and complete practical work experience.
The exams are 14 in total, spread over three levels: Certificate Level (six exams), Professional Level (six exams) and Advanced Level (two case studies). Training usually takes three to five years, depending on your earlier experience, your qualifications and your route.
Who can apply
To register as an ACA student, you need a qualification that meets UK university admission standards. A degree is not required. Qualifications ICAEW lists as meeting the minimum include:
Two A level passes (grades A* to E) plus three GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A to C), or approved vocational equivalents.
A Scottish or Irish school-leaving qualification at the levels ICAEW sets out.
A foundation degree or any degree from a recognised university comparable to a UK bachelor's degree.
Overseas school qualifications comparable to GCSE and A level, including the International Baccalaureate.
Membership of certain professional bodies, including ACCA, CIMA and CIPFA, or of an approved IFAC member body overseas.
If you do not meet the minimum, you can qualify for entry by completing the ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB), which is the first six exams of the ACA. Candidates over 25 with at least seven years of professional experience in finance, law or accountancy can apply as mature entrants, with a CV, a covering letter and an employer reference.
Levels or stages
Certificate Level
Six exams, each taking 1.5 to 2 hours. The pass mark is 55%, and you can sit them at any time of the year.
Accounting Fundamentals: double-entry bookkeeping, adjustments and simple financial statements.
Assurance and Risk Fundamentals: the assurance process, ethics, internal controls and evidence.
Business Insight and Performance: preparing financial information for managing a business.
Business Law: principles of business law.
Sustainability and Ethics: sustainability and ethics as they apply to professional accountants.
Tax Fundamentals: the aims of taxation and straightforward calculations for income tax, national insurance, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, corporation tax, VAT and stamp taxes.
Professional Level
Six exams, each lasting 2.5 to 3 hours, with a 55% pass mark. There are four sittings each year, and you can sit at an exam centre or with remote invigilation.
Fundamental Case Study: a work-based scenario that brings together Certificate Level technical skills with professional skills such as analysis, communication and prioritisation.
Assurance, Risk and Reporting: managing an assurance engagement, plus preparing single-entity financial statements under IFRS.
Business and Digital Strategy: how an organisation develops, carries out and monitors strategy, including ethics and sustainability.
Corporate Financial Strategy: recommending investment, financing and distribution decisions, managing financial risk and valuing businesses.
Corporate Reporting, Data and Assurance: preparing consolidated financial statements and explaining the use of IFRS Accounting Standards.
Tax Compliance and Planning: preparing tax computations for individuals and companies and advising on tax-efficient strategies.
Advanced Level
Two case studies, each four hours long: the Technical Case Study and the Strategic Case Study. The exams are open book, so you may bring any written or printed material. They can be taken in July and November each year, from July 2027, at an exam centre or with remote invigilation.
You receive advance information describing the organisation before each exam, and it is the same for both case studies. The Technical Case Study tests technical knowledge and analysis applied to corporate reporting and to audit and assurance issues. The Strategic Case Study tests quantitative and qualitative skills in making recommendations for complex business and financing scenarios, including professional and ethical judgement. You can sit the Strategic Case Study only in the last 18 months of your training agreement, and it must be your last exam.
Training and professional skills
Alongside the exams you complete at least 450 days of professional work experience, which does not have to include audit work. You also build professional skills in five competency areas and complete at least 30 units of Specialised Learning online. In England, the ACA can be studied as a Level 7 apprenticeship.
Exam pattern
| Level | Exams | Length | Pass mark | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 6 | 1.5 to 2 hours | 55% | Any time of year |
| Professional | 6 | 2.5 to 3 hours | 55% | Four sittings a year |
| Advanced | 2 case studies | 4 hours each | Not stated on the pages used | July and November (from July 2027) |
Marking and results
Certificate and Professional Level exams each have a 55% pass mark. You may be able to claim credit for up to 12 exams based on earlier study and experience. Credit is not available for Advanced Level exams.
Fees
ICAEW's 2026 fees, in pounds sterling:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Annual student fee | 216 plus VAT where applicable |
| Certificate Level exam | 99 |
| Professional Level exam | 133 |
| Case Study exam | 297 |
| Credit for prior learning, per Certificate Level exam | 99 |
| Credit for prior learning, per Professional Level exam | 133 |
Tuition and learning materials cost extra and vary by provider. If you train with an authorised employer, the employer usually pays some or all of these costs.
How to apply
Check that you meet the minimum entry requirements, or plan to take CFAB first.
Register as an ACA student, usually through an authorised training employer under a training agreement. Independent students can also register.
Choose a tuition provider and study for each exam.
Book each exam with ICAEW and pay the exam fee when you register for it.
FAQs
Do I need a degree to start the ACA?
No. You need a qualification that meets UK university admission standards, such as two A levels with three GCSEs. A degree is one accepted route but is not required.
How many exams are there?
There are 14: six at Certificate Level, six at Professional Level and two case studies at Advanced Level.
How long does the ACA take?
ICAEW says it typically takes three to five years, depending on your prior experience, qualifications and route.
Can I get exemptions?
You may be able to claim credit for up to 12 exams, depending on your previous studies and experience. Credit is not available for the Advanced Level.
Must my work experience include audit?
No. You need at least 450 days of professional work experience, but it does not have to include audit work.