The lowdown on… exam resources

When it comes to the ACA exams, preparation and practice are key. “Remember, these are different exams than those you may have faced before,” says Shaun Robertson, Director of Education and Qualifications at ICAEW. “It’s not about what you know, it’s how you use your knowledge to solve problems.” The good news is that there’s a wealth of information out there to support you as you progress through the Certificate, Professional and Advanced Levels. “We spend a lot of time and resources making sure you’ve got the right tools so you can practise for success in the exams,” says Learning Content Manager Melanie Holden. “The first thing to remember is that only content in the learning materials will be examined – so that’s your starting point.” Wherever you are in your journey, use this comprehensive directory of exam resources to help.

Starting out

• Get to know the ACA content and how the exams are structured over Certificate, Professional and Advanced Levels with a handy syllabus overview.
• If you already hold a relevant academic or professional qualification, you can apply for credit for prior learning, which may give you exemptions from some ICAEW CFAB/Certificate Level modules.
• If you have a health condition, disability or specific learning difficulty that may affect your exam performance, you can apply for access arrangements up to 21 days before the exam.
• Get organised with the ICAEW CFAB, ACA and Level 7 planners, which list key exam and booking dates to help you plan your studies.
• Studying ICAEW CFAB? Check out listings of online, classroom and one-to-one tuition providers to find one that’s right for you.
• Practise using the exam software in advance to help you feel more confident on the day.
• Watch our ‘Exam skills masterclass’ video series. In the first instalment, our experts answer students’ questions on how best to study and prepare for the ACA exams. 
• Remember caba is on hand from the start of your journey as an ACA student and throughout your career, offering advice and support on all aspects of your health and wellbeing. 

ICAEW CFAB and Certificate Level

• Familiarise yourself with the content of each of the six ICAEW CFAB and Certificate Level modules and the technical knowledge required with the Syllabus and Technical Knowledge Grids.
• Think about whether you want to sit your exams in an exam centre or via remote invigilation – you’ll find help with making the decision here. If you’re interested in remote invigilation, make sure you can meet the technical requirements. And prepare yourself for what will happen on the day with our essential guides to exam centres and remote invigilation.
• Get insight from the experts with our top tips from tutors on each of the exams: Accounting, Assurance and Business Technology and Finance and Principles of Taxation, Law and Management Information.
• Continue the ‘Exam skills masterclass’ video series. In the second instalment, our experts share their advice on last-minute preparation and managing your time effectively. 
• Check out all the ICAEW CFAB or Certificate Level exam resources. Within each exam you’ll find the full syllabus and sample assessments, along with introductory guides, top tips for success and advice on retakes. 

Professional Level

• Put the Professional Level booking deadlines, exam dates and results dates in your diary. 
• Familiarise yourself with the content of each of the six Professional Level exams and the technical knowledge required with the Syllabus and Technical Knowledge Grids. 
• Decide whether you want to sit your exams in an exam centre or via remote invigilation – find advice on making the decision here. If you’re interested in remote invigilation, read our guide to the process and technical requirements. 
• Get insight from the experts with our top tips from tutors on each of the exams: Audit and Assurance, Financial Management and Tax Compliance and Business Strategy and Technology, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Business Planning.
• Many students choose to sit Financial Accounting and Reporting as one of the earlier Professional Level exams – here the examiners give an overview and their advice on how to tackle the 2023 exam.
• Discover exam software tips and tricks with our bitesize videos. 
• Check which permitted texts are allowed in the Audit and Assurance, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Tax Compliance exams.
• Check out all the Professional Level exam resources. Within each exam you’ll find the full syllabus, past exams and practice questions, along with introductory guides, top tips for success and advice on retakes. 

Advanced Level

• Put the Advanced Level booking deadlines, advance information release dates, exam dates and results dates in your diary. 
• Familiarise yourself with the content of each of the three Advanced Level exams and the technical knowledge required with the Syllabus and Technical Knowledge Grids.
• Decide whether you want to sit your exams in an exam centre or via remote invigilation – find advice on making the decision here. If you’re interested in remote invigilation, read our guide to the process and technical requirements. 
• Get insight from the experts with our top tips from tutors on each of the Corporate Reporting, Strategic Business Management and Case Study exams.
• Discover exam software tips and tricks with our bitesize videos. 
• Check out all the Advanced Level exam resources. Within each exam you’ll find the full syllabus, past exams and practice questions, along with introductory guides, top tips for success and advice on retakes.

After your exams

• Most exams go without a hitch, but here’s what to do if something happens either in an exam centre or via remote invigilation.
• If something beyond your control occurs during an exam that adversely affects your performance, you can submit an exam disruption appeal. Find out more about the process and how to apply here.
• Facing an exam retake? ICAEW’s Director of Education and Qualifications Shaun Robertson shares his advice on how best to approach it.
• Watch the final instalment of our ‘Exam skills masterclass’ video series. Our experts give advice on getting back on track when things haven’t gone well.