Answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about ICAEW's Pathways to Membership Scheme.
- 1. How will I benefit from ICAEW membership?
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Once you have been accepted into ICAEW membership, you will be entitled to use the ACA designation after your name. The ACA is one of the finest business and finance qualifications available in the world today and can help to open many doors as you progress in your career. It is internationally recognised as a symbol of quality and excellence. Whatever your role or sector of expertise, ICAEW will support your professional development, represent your interests and provide invaluable independent advice throughout your career. We can do this by providing you with the tools and support you require and full access to all of our products and services. ICAEW members are also eligible for discounted membership to a number of faculties and special interest groups and a wide range of technical support, legal updates, Accountancy magazine, e-library resources as well as conferences and networking opportunities.
- 2. What can I expect when I register my interest in Pathways?
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When you register your interest in the Pathways to Membership scheme, you’ll be asked to provide your name, location and email address.
You will then have access to a wide variety of support and resources that can help you to be successful with your Pathways application.
- Pathways to Membership application form and guidance notes.
- Pathways workshop presentation and workshop recording – explains the Examination of Experience process and how to approach your application.
- Guidance from examiners – hints and tips on how to approach the Examination of Experience.
- Two example scripts – to help you see what the examiners look for in a successful application.
Any personal information collected will be treated in accordance with current data protection legislation. Over time ICAEW may contact you to advise of Pathways workshop dates and locations, submission deadlines or any changes to the application process or submission criteria.
If at any point you wish to remove your registration of interest in the Pathways to Membership route, please call us on +44 (0)1908 248 070 or email pathways@icaew.com
- 3. I do not work as an accountant, can I still apply?
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Yes, if you can demonstrate the required experience. We do not expect all future ICAEW members to work in practice or in an accounting department in the business or public sectors. Our current members work across a diverse range of areas and sectors and we expect and encourage this to continue.
We anticipate individuals applying to ICAEW through the Examination of Experience route to work or have worked in an accounting/business environment for five years, but we do not necessarily expect your role to have been that of an accountant. You may, for example, be a business or marketing manager. Whatever your role, you must be able to demonstrate the key professional skills required in the Examination of Experience.
- 4. Who can sponsor my application?
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ICAEW regulations now require each application to be supported by one sponsor. The primary role of a sponsor is to verify that the information provided in your application form and the answers to the Examination of Experience are accurate and a true representation of your work.
For more details on sponsor criteria, please visit Eligibility for Pathways to Membership.
Can a member of my family or my spouse/partner sponsor my application?
A family member or partner is not necessarily disqualified from acting as a sponsor, as long as they meet the criteria, but this must be declared on the sponsor form. See section 5 of your application form for more information.
Some of my examples fall outside of when I worked with my sponsor, can they still be included?
Yes, however as an ICAEW member, we would expect your sponsor to complete sufficient due diligence to be assured that the information you have provided is a true and accurate representation of your work. Due diligence should include discussing your application and examples with your line manager for any period of time that is covered in the example submitted.
I don’t work for an ICAEW authorised training employer (ATE) and have not/do not work with an ICAEW member. Can anyone else sponsor me?
No.
- 5. What should my submission look like?
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Sections 1, 2 (if required) 4 and 5 are forms and should be completed by hand preferably in black ink. Section 6 is a template only and dictates the appearance of the word processed submission for section 3.
A standard template, for the Examination of Experience, is provided as part of the application form (see section 6). Please note that ICAEW does not issue editable copies of the template document. The template is divided into three sections:
Part 1
Is where you answer the set examination questions using your own work experience; the examples you use must be referenced back to the list provided in Part 3.
Part 2
Is a summary CV/career resumé providing dates of employment and employers for at least the last five years, your academic record and other professional qualifications.
Part 3
Is a description of your jobs, roles and responsibilities for the last five years, with individual reference codes. You should provide a list of skills that you have developed and demonstrated plus your achievements while in these job/roles.
We expect your answers to the examination questions (Section 3, Part 1) to contain approximately 3,000 words in total. Each answer should fill approximately one typed A4 page (e.g. Section 1 part a = one side of a typed A4 page, Section 2.1 = one side of a typed A4 page etc). Standard spacing and Arial 11 are a good example of the font, size and format to be used for the main body of text. Bound submissions will be accepted but this is not a requirement.
- 6. When do I need to apply?
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The scheme is open to UK-based applicants or those living outside the UK. All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and submit a full applicants which needs to be supported by a sponsor. We advise interested individuals to apply as soon as possible as the scheme may be reviewed at any time.
The next deadlines are 16 May 2012 and 14 December 2012.
- 7. If I am successful will my name be published on the website?
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Yes, although this may be for a limited time only (e.g. one year). However, if you do not want to have your name included on the website pass list, there is an opt out box you can tick on the application form – in section 1 under the heading ‘Professional Qualifications and Memberships’.
- 8. Can I apply for the Audit Qualification (AQ) from ICAEW?
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If you are accepted into ICAEW membership through the Pathways to Membership scheme, you will be entitled to apply for the Audit Qualification (AQ). We will recognise appropriately gained work experience from another body towards our Audit Qualification. In all instances, if you have not fully achieved your Audit Qualification with your existing accountancy body, it is advisable to complete the missing elements before citing or transferring to ICAEW.
Read more on the Audit Qualification or contact our helpline on +44 (0)1908 248 250
- 9. Will I need an ICAEW Practising Certificate?
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If you presently hold a Practising Certificate with your current accountancy body then you will need to apply for one with your Pathways application, see section 2.
Please make sure you are familiar with the full details regarding Practising Certificate requirements or contact our helpline on +44 (0)1908 248 250.
- 10. Will the details I submit be confidential?
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Yes. Any names of clients that you mention in your application examples are used for the purpose of marking the examination and will be treated with total confidentiality. If you prefer, you can use, for example: ‘xxx firm’ and ‘yyy client’ etc. instead of the actual names if you wish to retain their anonymity.
- 11. How can I submit my Examination of Experience?
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Please note that only hard copy/original submissions will be put before an examiner. As part of your submission we require an original hard copy of your letter of good standing and sponsor signature. (This is detailed in the application form). You should post / courier your completed application, documentation and fees in good time to meet the submission deadline, to:
ICAEW
Income & Credit Manager
Room 29
Metropolitan House
321 Avebury Boulevard
Milton Keynes, MK9 2FZ
UK
If you are concerned that your application may not reach ICAEW in time to meet the submission deadline, you can contact the Pathways team on pathways@icaew.com or call us on +44 (0)1908 248 070.
- 12. Can I re-apply if I am unsuccessful?
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If, for any reason, your application is unsuccessful, we will refund your fee, minus an administration and assessment cost of £275 including local taxes. We will provide feedback from the examiners with your results letter. This will show you where and for what reason you have failed.
You can re-apply if your application is unsuccessful – you are allowed a maximum of four attempts at the Pathways to Membership scheme. Every time you re-apply, you will need to make a full resubmission (completed application form, sponsor form and letter of good standing etc.) and include full payment. Please note that for the Examination of Experience you only need to resubmit the questions you have previously failed. You do not need to re-submit any answers you have already passed. The examiners will only remark those answers you have previously failed. All supporting documentation and references need to be dated within three months of submission to be deemed valid. Previously submitted references may be used providing they are re-signed and re-dated.
- 13. Who do I contact for more information/advice?
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If you have not yet registered your interest in the Pathways the Membership scheme, you will need to do this. Once you register, you’ll be able to download the application form and will have access to a wide range of resources to help you succeed with your application. This includes full guidance notes, hints and tips from the examiners, example scripts, a PowerPoint presentation and an audio recording.
You can also contact us on:
E pathways@icaew.com
T +44 (0)1908 248 070