Before you engage in public practice in the UK or the rest of the EEA, you need to hold an ICAEW practising certificate (PC) and comply with our Professional Indemnity Insurance and Practice Assurance Regulations. This is irrespective of whether you hold a PC with another body.
When do I need a practising certificate (PC)?
You need an ICAEW practising certificate when you engage in public practice.
Typically members engage in public practice when they become a principal in an accountancy firm or when they independently offer accountancy services to the public (within the European Economic Area).
However, it is important to note that there are other situations where a PC is required, for example as an ICAEW insolvency licence holder, and as an employee responsible individual under the audit regulations.
Apply for a practising certificate
To apply for a Practising Certificate, please download and complete an application form. You should read the guidance notes for applicants before completing the Practising Certificate application form.
Applications are normally processed within 28 days.
If you have any questions, please email postqual@icaew.com or call +44 (0)1908 248 028.
Application form and 'are you ready to go into practice' questionnaire
The 2012 practising fees are:
- £281 for members practising in the EEA who are required to hold a PC (this includes the PC fee and the Practice Assurance fee)
- £68 for members practising in the rest of the world who opt to hold a PC
Practising without a PC can result in disciplinary action
Practice Assurance, our compulsory practice review scheme, applies to all members who hold a PC. PC holders are required to comply with the Practice Assurance Regulations.
When you apply for a PC, you must be able to demonstrate recent, relevant post qualification work experience in the areas in which you intend to practise, ethical awareness, CPD and PII compliance.
If you are still unsure or if you are concerned that you may have acted without a PC, contact Ethics Advisory Services on +44 (0)1908 248 250 or email ethics@icaew.com; they are able to offer a confidential service and are free from the duty to report misconduct.
Returning to work
If you are returning to work after a career break, you may be interested in our Narrowing the gap programme.