Why is the ACA different?

The ACA qualification offers key competitive advantages over many other qualifications.

High calibre of intake

Nearly 85% of all ACA students are graduates. Of these, nearly 86% have obtained a 2:1 or first (or international equivalent). Graduate intake figures are less than 50% for some accountancy qualifications.

ACAs are highly regarded throughout the top levels of business and practice around the world.

Cost

It costs less than you think to train ACA students, and is certainly comparable with other UK accountancy and finance qualifications.

Depending on location and study option, typical training costs range from £7,480 - £13,980 over a typical three year training period (for a graduate with a non-finance/accounting degree). Approximately 80% of this cost will be tuition fees payable directly to the tuition provider.

When you factor in ACA students having high pass rates and the vast majority qualifying in three years (or less), costs for training ACA students become significantly cheaper than other qualifications. It means less costs for re-sit exams, revision classes, travel costs and less time spent out of the office.

Breadth, rigour and depth of technical knowledge

The ACA is more than just exams. It requires a wide range and depth of finance and business understanding, technical expertise and professional skills throughout training plus the practical application of these skills to real business situations. This combination helps produce highly skilled business advisers whose reasoning is based on sound ethical judgement and who add great value to the organisations in which they work.

All 15 modules of the ACA are compulsory so there is no opt out on topics where students feel less confident. This provides employers with a consistent benchmark of academic and practical success.

Flexible, tailored to suit your organisation

• Modular structure - allows you to arrange students’ study around your organisational needs and ensure that all your students are not out of the office at busy periods.
• Flexible study options - with only around 23 weeks study leave required over three years, there are a number of study options available including day release, weekend, distance learning, block release, e-learning and blended learning. 
• Choice of routes through the exam modules - lets you tailor the programme your students follow to best advantage for your organisation eg, encouraging students to study tax early may help with the preparation of tax returns in January.
• Frequent exam sittings - with more exam sittings than most accountancy bodies, this allows you to tailor when your students sit their exams to give more flexibility and less disruption to operational activities and business cycles.
• Computer-based assessment - available at any time for six of the exams provides greater convenience and helps minimise impact on operational activity.

Portability and reputation

International portability and reputation of the qualification all help attract great individuals to your organisation.

To start training ACA students, email training@icaew.com or call +44 (0)1908 248 038.