What's involved in becoming authorised

There are more than 2,200 ICAEW authorised organisations, of every shape and size, across the world who train ACA students. These range from accountancy firms to FTSE companies, commerce and business as well as public sector organisations.

The authorisation process helps ensure all students wherever they train across the world receive the same levels of support and guidance. An employer will be authorised to train up to a maximum number or quota of students depending on the size and/or range of work of that employer.

Individual employers can be authorised, as well as subsidiary companies, groups of offices or multiple locations.

Applying for authorisation

Authorisation is usually free and is not an overly time-consuming process. To apply for authorisation as a training employer, please download and complete our application form (PDF 43kb/1 page).

Authorisation can take as little as a few weeks. Our team of Training and CPD Managers are available to help talk you through the process and you can arrange a meeting with them via +44 (0)1908 248 038.

Authorisation requires compliance with the ICAEWs training standards which will include:

  • the organisation’s business is sufficiently wide to allow for variety and development of students during training
  • the organisation has committed the management time and financial resource required to train students
  • the organisation designates a qualified person responsible for training (QPRT) who is responsible for delivery of training, and is committed to training ACA students
  • up-to-date structured training in ethics is provided
  • work experience is such that students gain the required amount of technical work experience required for ICAEW membership
  • students are given time for exam leave and appropriate study leave.

Authorisation status

As an authorised employer you can train ACA students up to the quota allocated to you. You will also benefit from:

  • bi-monthly newsletters (via email)
  • supportive visits from our Training & CPD Managers
  • support from our UK regional and international business development teams
  • annual training seminars
  • recruitment support.

To retain your authorisation you must continue to meet our training standards and pay the appropriate student fees for your students under training contracts.

Did you know

  • Students can train in any sector in exactly the same way as if they worked for a firm of chartered accountants
  • The ICAEW does not require students to have any audit experience
  • Although the vast majority of students entering training are graduates, others including A-level (or international equivalent), mature students and AAT students can all make excellent ACA trainees.