Start your BFP application
If you are interested in gaining the BFP designation, you must complete three elements: the ICAEW CFAB qualification; the ICAEW ethics learning programme; and 12 months of work experience.
Please note: The steps you will need to take will differ slightly, depending on what study you have already undertaken with ICAEW. Are you:
- New to ICAEW: if you are not affiliated with ICAEW in any way – neither an ICAEW student or member
- An ICAEW CFAB student or holder or have passed the six ICAEW CFAB modules: if you currently hold or are studying towards the CFAB qualification, or have already completed the six CFAB modules”
- An ACA student (current or ceased): if you are a full and current student with ICAEW or you were a student but your record is now ceased
- An ICAEW member: if you are a full and current ICAEW member, you have paid your admission and subscription fees and are fully admitted to membership
For each of these routes we will check whether the necessary requirements have been met at the relevant stage and send you confirmation, along with any next steps you need to follow to gain the BFP designation.
New to ICAEW
Apply for BFP if you are not affiliated with ICAEW in any way (neither a student or ICAEW member)
- Register as an ICAEW CFAB student to obtain a student number, and to start studying the qualification.
- Register to get access to everything you need to start your journey towards BFP, including the ICAEW ethics learning programme.
- Ensure you have obtained the relevant work experience.
- Apply for the BFP designation.
ICAEW CFAB students or holders
This section is also for those who have passed the six ICAEW CFAB modules, including Level 4 Trailblazer Apprentices.
- Register to get access to everything you need to start your journey towards BFP including the ICAEW ethics learning programme
- Ensure you have obtained the relevant work experience.
- Apply for the BFP designation.
ACA students (current or ceased)
- To qualify for the BFP designation you must have successfully passed the Accounting module, so cannot claim credit for prior learning (CPL). However, if you do have CPL, we can remove it to allow you to sit this module. Just contact us on the details below. AAT qualified individuals or university students and graduates who have passed the ACA Financial Accounting and Reporting module can still use CPL for the Accounting module. Please refer to the ICAEW CFAB regulations.
- Register to get access to everything you need to start your journey towards BFP, including the ICAEW ethics learning programme
- Ensure you have obtained the relevant work experience.
- ACA students (current or ceased) complete this form to apply for the BFP designation.
For a small annual fee you can also gain access to the bespoke BFP resources, which include:
- Management development courses and learning materials from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
- Refresher materials on ethics and an A-Z Business and Finance Refresher area
- Online Excel training and the Excel community with access to expert advice
- Specialist technical opt-in zones
To take advantage of these benefits, please use this form.
An ICAEW member
ICAEW members can register to use the BFP designation letters free of charge whilst they are a member.
For a small annual fee you can also gain access to the bespoke BFP resources, which include:
- Management development courses and learning materials from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
- Refresher materials on ethics and an A-Z Business and Finance Refresher area
- Online Excel training and the Excel community with access to expert advice
- Specialist technical opt-in zones
To take advantage of these benefits, please use this form.
More information about becoming a BFP
If you have any questions about applying for the ICAEW Business and Finance Professional designation please get in touch:
- studentsupport@icaew.com
- +44 (0)1908 248 250