Guide to ACA training

All the information you'll need to help you successfully complete the required elements of the ACA training - exams, technical work experience, initial professional development and structured training in ethics.

Before the exams

  • Register as an ICAEW student

    Whether you are an independent student or under a training contract, you will need to register as an ICAEW student before you can register for any assessments

  • Change student registration category

    If you are an independent student who will now be studying under a training contract, you need to advise us of this change in category

  • Credit for prior learning

    Next assess your eligibility to apply for credit for prior learning (CPL) using our online directory and application process

  • Order learning materials

    Professional Stage and Advanced Stage materials for the new ACA syllabus

Exams

  • ACA assessment regulations

    Familiarise yourself with the ACA assessment regulations

  • Guidance to students

    Useful links and information about applying, what to take to the assessment centre, results and enquiry details.

  • E-assessment

    The six knowledge modules of the Professional Stage will be assessed electronically

  • Sample papers

    To help you prepare for the exams we recommend you view the sample papers and sample e-assessments. You can access these at any time

  • Exam applications

    In order to sit any ICAEW exams, including e-assessments, you'll first need to complete the exam application process

  • Exam results

    Full information on getting your results as you progress through your exam schedule and accessing archived exam results

Work experience and training

Records and reviews

  • Records and reviews

    You should download the student log templates and guidance notes. You will use these to record your progress as you work your way through your training, including IPD and STE (unless your training organisation supplies you with their own)

  • Sample student IPD log

    View a sample student IPD log (PDF 129kb/7 pages)

Membership

  • Application for membership

    Once you have completed your ACA exams and work experience successfully you are eligible to make an application for membership of the ICAEW

Student support