Who is eligible for BFP?
Whether you're new to ICAEW or have completed one of our qualifications, you can start your journey towards becoming a BFP at any point. You can be any of the following:
- ICAEW CFAB student or holder or eligible for exemptions through your degree
- Current or former ACA student
- An ICAEW apprentice at Level 4 or Level 7
- New to ICAEW
- An ICAEW member
You can find out what your first step is on our applications page.
What are the BFP requirements?
-
Ethics programme
An online Ethics Learning Programme that meets internationally recognised standards for professional accountants.
-
ICAEW CFAB
ICAEW CFAB is a certificate-level qualification from ICAEW. It provides essential knowledge and practical skills in finance, accounting and business.
There are no minimum entry requirements to do the ICAEW CFAB qualification which is your first step to becoming an ICAEW Business and Finance Professional.
Find out more -
Work experience
You must demonstrate that you have 12 months' full-time work experience in a business and/or finance role.
If you're on one of our apprenticeship programmes, your work experience could count towards the BFP requirement, provided that it is properly signed off as per BFP regulations. You will only need to get 12 months’ worth of work experience recognised to be eligible to apply towards the designation. Please check the applications page for more information.
How do you apply for the BFP designation?
Once you’ve completed all three elements you’re ready to apply to become an ICAEW Business and Finance Professional.
There’s a one-off registration fee of £25 and the annual subscription fee is £138*.
However, if you're earning less than £34,109 p.a, you are eligible for our concession rate, and your subscription fee would then be £55.
BFP designation holders need to disclose any convictions, agree to abide by the relevant regulations which include adhering to ICAEW’s Code of Ethics and meeting CPD requirements.
*ICAEW members who only want to use the BFP designation do not have to pay the annual subscription fee. ACA students also do not have to pay to use the BFP letters until their membership is started.
What’s included in the annual subscription?
In addition to the prestige associated with the BFP designation, ICAEW Business and Finance Professionals also have access to a wide range of resources to support them in their personal and professional development. Here is an overview of what is included:
-
Designatory letters
As a BFP, you have the right to use the BFP designatory letters after your name. Using these can help you demonstrate your status as an ICAEW Business and Finance Professional and the recognition from a membership organisation.
-
Business and finance refresher
An A-Z of reference materials covering a wide range of finance, accounting and business topics, including the elements you'll have covered in your CFAB exams.
-
Helplines
One-to-one, free and confidential help from ICAEW’s technical advisory and ethics helplines, as well as support from ICAEW’s library research team.
-
Newsletters
Business, finance and accountancy news and analysis from ICAEW Insights.
-
Lifestyle discounts and offers
A range of discounts and offers from high street and online retailers.
Contact us
If you have any questions about applying for the ICAEW Business and Finance Professional designation please get in touch.
Download the BFP brochure
Are you interested in becoming an ICAEW Business and Finance Professional?