These pages will tell you what you need to know in order to apply for the ACA paper based examinations, ie, for the six examinations of the Professional Stage application modules and for the Advanced Stage examinations.
- Exam dates and deadlines
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It is your responsibility to enter for the exams by the relevant session closing date. Please download the exam dates, deadlines and timetable information.
Please note that a surcharge will be made for late entries which will be twice the normal exam fee, accepted for up to seven days after the closing date. No allowance is made for any special circumstances or any error or omission.
- Exam entry fees
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Exam entry fees vary depending on the exam stage and the number of assessments and papers being sat at the exam session.
- Exam centres
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A full list of the current exam centres is contained within the exam application form or as part of the online application process.
For computer-based assessment centres, please download the list of tutor organisations (PDF 19KB/1 page) which are approved test centres.
- Admission details
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Candidates entering for the paper-based exams will now get their admission details electronically.
Instead of an admission letter sent in the post, candidates will collect their admission details online. This will include their timetable, venue, candidate number and instructions.
Admission details will be available from 7am on the Saturday two weeks before the exams. We will send you an email to tell you when your admission details are available, so it is important we have an up to date working email address for you.
Candidates who have special arrangements will be sent letters confirming their timetable for the session.
For further information please contact Student Support by calling +44 (0)1908 248 250 or by emailing the team at studentsupport@icaew.com.
- Cancelling an exam application
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If you cancel the exam before the entry deadline, you can withdraw yourself online to receive a full credit. If you cancel after the entry deadline, you must notify us in writing or by e-mail at studentsupport@icaew.com.
If you withdraw after the entry deadline but before the refund deadline, the full fee will be held as a credit against your record for re-use at a later exam session.
After the refund deadline, no credit or refund is normally available. If you are unable to attend an exam because of illness or other reason beyond your control, you may request your exams fees be credited or refunded. Requests must be made within 28 days of the date of the examination and you must provide appropriate evidence.
For further information on refund dates, please see exam dates and deadlines above.
- Alternative arrangements for exams
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Arrangements can be made for students whose exam performance may be affected by their personal circumstances. Applications for alternative exam arrangements must be made 30 days before the exam entry closing date wherever possible. Full details are available by viewing Alternative arrangements for exams guidance note (PDF 186KB/3 pages).
If the condition you are suffering from is considered a disability within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010, we will do everything we reasonably can to support you, subject to the provision of suitable evidence. This may involve adjustments such as awarding you extra time, rest breaks, arranging for the use of a computer, a reader or a scribe.
If you are suffering from a short-term condition and therefore not covered by the Equality Act, we will provide support in accordance with the ACA assessment regulations. This support is subject to the receipt of sufficient notice and suitable medical evidence. We cannot guarantee that each request for an alternative arrangement for a short term condition will be granted.
If you would like alternative exam arrangements to be made then you should request this 30 days before the exam entry closing date wherever possible.
The normal recommendation to unwell or injured students, for whom alternative exam arrangements cannot be awarded, is to postpone their exams until the next session. Students should not rely on receiving consideration for their condition when their exam result is determined. See Cancelling an exam application.
There are also provisions available for the e-assessment centres. Please see the e-assessment section for further information.
- Special consideration
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Students who feel that their performance in the examination has been adversely affected by illness or other special circumstances may have these factors taken into account during the results determination process. Any applications for special consideration should be submitted in writing to the Assessment Manager at ICAEW as soon as possible after the examination, for receipt two weeks before the results despatch date at the latest.
Full details of all the available provisions can be found in the ACA assessment regulations and the guidance document (PDF 29KB/2 pages).
- Instructions to candidates
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The following documents, for Professional Stage and Advanced Stage candidates, contain important information regarding the administration of ICAEW assessments. You must read these instructions carefully to ensure you are fully familiar with our processes and procedures before your attempt your assessment(s).
All regulatory information relating to the Professional Stage and Advanced Stage exams can be found in the ACA assessment regulations.