Your initial professional development

Initial Professional Development (IPD) is designed to help students integrate their exam studies, work experience and the development of their professional skills.

The IPD programme delivers three major benefits:

Improved exam performance

To equip students with the skills and attributes necessary for successful progression through the qualification whilst developing a clear understanding of ethics and what it means to be a professional.

Improved performance at work

To equip students with the ability to apply their technical knowledge in a way that raises appropriate and relevant issues, leading to increased effectiveness in the work place.

Progression to CPD

To equip students with the essential skills of reflection and self review; ensuring students understand the principles of CPD in preparation for their membership of ICAEW.

IPD delivery

There are two routes of delivery for IPD, this could be your own organisation’s IPD scheme or the ICAEW’s IPD scheme. Your qualified person responsible for training (QPRT) or Counsellor will advise you on which IPD scheme you will be following.

If you are following the ICAEW’s own IPD scheme please visit the ICAEW IPD toolkit section for further details.

To be eligible for membership of the ICAEW, all students must as part of their ACA training complete the requirements of initial professional development (IPD).