Join as an ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA member

Qualified members of ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA may apply to join the ICAEW through our Pathways to Membership programme, which allows you to gain the ACA without having to study or take any examinations.

Benefits of ICAEW membership

Once awarded, ICAEW membership will enable you to:

• use the designatory letters ACA
• gain access to all the services and benefits available to ICAEW members

For further information about this route to membership and the benefits offered by joining the ICAEW as a member, download the Pathways to Membership brochure (PDF 651kb)

Application requirements

You may apply for membership of the ICAEW if you meet the following criteria*:

• You are a qualified member of ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA for at least 5 years
• No disciplinary record with your current professional and regulatory bodies
• Be compliant with your current professional body's continuing professional development requirement
• You must be sponsored by two ICAEW members who:
  • have known you, and in the case of your lead sponsor, worked with you for a minimum of three years (out of the last five years),
  • current members of the ICAEW and have been in membership for at least five years
  • have no disciplinary record
  • comply with continuing professional development (CPD) regulations

One of your sponsors may be a relative or partner.

* The ICAEW will not accept applications for this route from members of ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA if their qualification has been obtained through mutual recognition, a reciprocity agreement, full credit for prior learning/exemption scheme or any other similar scheme with another accountancy body. Applicants must have sat and passed the final admittance examination i.e. the final examination in the standard student qualification route (this excludes any aptitude test).

• Apply for the Pathway to Membership programme