The qualified person responsible for training (QPRT) is required to manage the delivery of ACA training within your organisation and is usually the main point of contact with ICAEW. The QPRT takes an active lead in the development of students and ensures organisations maintain ICAEW training standards.
There is just one QPRT per organisation - irrespective of size of organisation. The QPRT must allocate a counsellor to each student to support them through their training if they are not fulfilling this role themselves.
Who can be a QPRT
The QPRT must hold a position of responsibility and have decision-making power in relation to training and developments. The QPRT must be a member of ICAEW or can be a full member of ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAS or CAI (or international equivalent) and should be a partner or director (or equivalent in your organisation). The QPRT must have at least two years of membership of their professional body.
Where the QPRT is not an ICAEW member, then they must appoint an ICAEW member to be an adviser. This ensures close links to ICAEW and access to member support services and information, which in turn can help with support of students.
A deputy QPRT may be appointed by the QPRT where the number of ACA students registered would make it impossible or unreasonable for the QPRT to sign off all the required student records and reviews. A deputy QPRT must meet the same criteria as QPRT and carries out the same function as a QPRT.
Register as a QPRT
To register as a QPRT, please download and complete the QPRT application form (PDF 139KB/1 page).
To change the QPRT within an ICAEW authorised training, please download and complete the Change of a QPRT application form (PDF 139KB/1 page).
Key responsibilities
Recruitment
- Assist in developing recruitment policy.
- Ensure that prospective students hold the required qualifications to undertake the ACA.
- Issue trainees with a training agreement and an employment contract.
Work experience
- Provide students with at least 450 days technical work experience (or 300 days where eligible).
- Plan and implement training programmes to allow sufficient range and depth of experience.
- Ensure that students are adequately supervised.
- Ensure that counsellors and line managers are familiar with the initial professional development (IPD) requirements.
- Ensure that the students complete the IPD requirements.
- Ensure students’ progress is reviewed every six months.
Exams
- Select appropriate study programmes.
- Set policies for exam performance, study leave and financial support.
- Implement a system of monitoring study and exam performance, providing support where needed.
Structured training in ethics
- Provide structured training in professional ethics within the organisation.
- Promote an ethical environment and the discussion of ethical issues within the organisation.
Membership
- Confirm that students are eligible for ICAEW membership.
On a day-to-day basis
A QPRT can:
- See students training agreement history, student exam history, student educational history, credit for prior learning (CPL) awarded, exam application, student IPD / STE records
- Sign-off the three IPD levels online, the three STE stages, evidence of technical work experience, the final fit and proper certification at the end of a period of approved training
- Update or cancel a training agreement
- Conduct the six-monthly reviews with student