Frequently asked questions about credit for prior learning, also known as exemptions.
- How can I find out if I am eligible?
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First, you should check the online credit for prior learning directory. This gives you an instant view of which degrees, qualifications, universities and other institutions are eligible for which credits. If your qualification, degree etc is on the directory please ensure you meet all the criteria listed.
The CPL directory is not an exhaustive list. If you cannot find your qualification, degree etc on the directory, or if you do not meet the criteria on the directory but still think you want to apply think carefully because if you choose to apply for CPL and your application is not awarded, you do not get your money returned.
Fill the relevant self-assessment form and follow the instructions to see if you think you are eligible for credits.
It is your responsibility to apply for any credit to which you believe you are entitled. Early application is essential – we recommend that you apply for (and get validated/processed by ICAEW) any/all credit before you start your studies. You cannot sit an exam and then decide you want to apply for credit for the exam after you have sat that exam module. It takes up to 14 days (from receipt of your completed application) for applications to be assessed and processed.
- If I am eligible for credit for prior learning will I automatically receive it?
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- No. You may be eligible for credit/exemption, but your employer may not want to recognise any credit, and may require you to take all exams even if you are eligible for credit on some. You should check with your organisation before applying for credit.
- No. Credits are not awarded automatically. You need to apply for them and those students who are not under the cost reduction scheme will need to pay for them.
- No. You must apply for credit but you can only do this if you have met all the required criteria. The criteria varies depending on what you have previously studied, your country location and/or any previous professional qualifications. All this information can be found on the online directory or application form.
- No. You may apply for credit, but if your application is not successful, you will not be awarded the credit for which you have applied.
For full details and relevant CPL forms, go to icaew.com/cpl.
- I am an AAT student, what credit/exemptions can I get?
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- You are eligible for credit on up to five modules of the ACA Professional Stage exams depending on which AAT papers you have sat and passed. Go to the online ACA credit directory for more information.
- As an AAT student, you may be eligible to sit the Financial Accounting Top-Up paper (instead of the sitting the full Financial Accounting paper). If you are eligible and apply for the Accounting credit we will automatically give you Top-Up eligibility.
For all questions relating to the AAT-ACA Fast Track, see AAT-ACA Fast Track FAQs.
- Do I have to register as an ACA student before I can apply for credit for prior learning/exemptions?
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This depends. See the table below for more information.
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- Are you a UK or overseas graduate with a relevant degree (see online CPL directory)
- No, you can apply for CPL before you register as an ACA student
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- Are you an AAT student or member
- No, you can apply for CPL before you register as an ACA student
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- Are you an ACCA student or affiliate or CIMA, CIPFA, ICAS or CAI student
- Yes, you must register as an ACA student before you can apply for credit if you are taking advantage of any cost reduction scheme
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- Are you an ICAP member
- Yes, you should complete the application form to register as a student and your credits will automatically be awarded. Read more
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- Are you an ICAI (India) member
- Yes, you should complete the application form to register as a student and your credits will automatically be awarded. Read more
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- Are you an ICAB member
- Yes, you should complete the application form to register as a student and your credits will automatically be awarded. Read more
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- Are you an ICASL member
- Yes, you should complete the application form to register as a student and your credits will be automatically awarded. Read more
- Can I sit an exam and apply for credit of that same module at a later date?
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No, once you have sat that exam, you cannot then apply for credit of that same exam module.
- Can I sit an exam while I am still applying for credit on a different exam module?
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Yes. Remember though, that it takes a minimum of 14 days from the date at which the ICAEW receives all required information for your application to be assessed and awarded.
- How much does it cost?
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For the relevant costs for credit for prior learning:
- If I apply for credit for prior learning (CPL) but it is not awarded, do I get my money refunded?
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No. Application fees for CPL are non-refundable.
- How, when and where do I apply?
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How: Most people can apply online. However, those claiming credit (cost reduction or with a specialist route to membership) will need to apply using a paper-based application. You can find this information, access the online and paper-based application for CPL at icaew.com/cpl.
When: Early application is essential - we recommend that you apply for (and get validated/processed by ICAEW) any/all credit before you start your studies. You cannot sit an exam and then decide you want to apply for credit for the exam after you have sat that exam module. It takes up to 14 days (from receipt of your completed application) for applications to be assessed and processed.
Where: Send you completed application form and supporting documents/evidence to: CPL Application, ICAEW Finance, PO Box 6173, Milton Keynes, MK10 1TW, UK
- What supporting documents/evidence do I have to supply? And does this have to be original documents or are photocopies OK?
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If you have a qualification that is listed on our online directory and are applying for credit you must send:
- Evidence of modules completed and marks/grades gained (usually a transcript)
- Evidence of award (for example a certificate)
If you have a qualification that is not listed in our online directory and you are applying for credit - you must send a copy of your university transcript and degree certificate plus any/all relevant syllabus or module descriptors and exam papers for each module being used to claim credit.
If you have a professional qualification and are claiming credit - you must send copies of your award certificate and evidence (eg, result notifications) of each module or paper completed.
Good quality copies or scanned versions may be used, and these can be faxed or emailed but you must include your application reference number. We reserve the right to ask for original or certified documents. You cannot use screenshots of web notification pages or similar electronic notifications.
- How long does it take to apply for credit?
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We always recommend you apply early. We will assess and respond to your application (including all your supporting documents and evidence) within 14 days of receipt. If we need you to send in additional information, your application could take another 14 days from receipt of all required information on top of the original time to be fully assessed.
You cannot claim credit for an exam that you have already attempted.
- Can I check the progress of my CPL application?
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Yes. You can check the progress of your application at CPL application.
- If your application status says applied, this means we have received your initial application. If your application was made online it means we're still waiting to receive your supporting evidence.
- If your application says pending we've received your application and supporting information but something more is needed. We will have written to you telling you what this is.
- If your application says 'declined' then you have not met the criteria for credit in this subject.
- If your application says 'awarded' then you have been given credit in this subject.
- What information on CPL can the student support helpline tell me?
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They can help with
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They are unable to help
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- Talk through the CPL procedure
- Tell you which credits you will get if your qualification does not appear on the CPL directory
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- Tell you costs
- Tell you if you supporting information was received if it was only posted within the previous five days
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- Talk you through the credit for prior learning form
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- Talk you through the credit for prior learning directory
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- Talk you through the procedures for applying
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