Exam applications

These pages will tell you what you need to know in order to apply for the ACA paper based examinations, i.e. for the six examinations of the Professional Stage application modules and for the Advanced Stage examinations.

For information on applying for the computer based e-assessment examinations you need to access our e-assessment web page since the procedure to follow is different from that of the paper based assessments.

There are two ways in which you can apply to enter the paper based examinations:

Dates and deadlines

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

Exam entry fees vary depending on the exam stage and the number of assessments and papers being sat at the exam session.

Cancelling an application

From 1 June 2009, the ICAEW is changing its policy on examination fee refunds. From this date, the refund deadline will be on the Monday three weeks before the start of the examination session, at 5.15pm.

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.

The refund deadlines for 2009 are:

  • Monday 29 June - refund deadline for the July Advanced Stage
  • Monday 17 August - refund deadline for September Professional Stage
  • Monday 12 October - refund deadline for November Advanced Stage
  • Monday 16 November - refund deadline for the December Professional Stage

Exam centres

A full list of the current exam centres is contained within the exam application form or as part of the online application process.

For the computer based assessment centres, there is a list of approved test centres on the e-assessment web page.

Admission letters

You will be sent (or can download from the website) your admission letter on the dates released. This will have your candidate number, exam centre details, timetable and examination instructions. Please see Exam dates, deadlines and timetables information for admission letter despatch dates.

Alternative exam arrangements

Alternative exam arrangements can be applied for by students with disabilities (as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995) or by students with specific needs. Applications for alternative exam arrangements must be made before the exam entry closing date wherever possible. Full details are available by viewing our special arrangements for examinations document (PDF 33kb/4 pages).

There are also provisions available for the e-assessment centres. Please see the e-assessment section for further information.

Instructions to candidates

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 (PDF 39kb/8 pages) and general information on assessments can be found in Guidance notes for students (PDF 71kb/9 pages).