How the AAT to ACA Fast Track route works

What is the AAT to ACA Fast Track route?

Developed in partnership with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), the AAT to ACA Fast Track route allows AAT trainees and AAT-qualified individuals to 'fast track' their way to chartered accountancy. 

Instead of starting the ACA from scratch, students can claim exemptions for some of the elements of ACA training, accelerating them towards a career as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant in as little as two years.

Structure of the AAT-ACA Fast-Track route

The ACA is made up of four elements designed to help build the technical knowledge, professional skills and practical experience your employees need to become ICAEW Chartered Accountants. Students must:

1. undertake a minimum of 450 days of practical work experience;
2. complete the ICAEW professional development ladders (or their employer's accredited scheme, if applicable);
3. complete the ethics requirements including an online Ethics Learning Programme and discussing ethics with their employer through a series of Ethics in Practice scenarios; and
4. pass, or claim credit for, the 15 ACA exams.

Individuals with a Level 4 AAT qualification are eligible to claim credit (otherwise known as exemptions) for some elements of the ACA, allowing them to qualify faster.

The ACA can be studied as a Level 7 apprenticeship, allowing organisations in England to access government funding up to £21,000. Apprenticeships are open to all employees, regardless of age.

• Find out more information about the Level 7 apprenticeship

What can be fast tracked?

There are two elements of ACA training that students can claim exemptions for to qualify faster, providing they have completed these during their AAT qualification:

Entry requirements

Students require a Level 4 qualification to follow the AAT to ACA Fast Track route. 

It is therefore a great option for:

• Level 4 AAT trainees
• AAT qualified individuals or AAT members
• Level 3 AAT trainees*

*Although the key qualification for this route is the Level 4 AAT, you can prepare your Level 3 AAT trainees to later put them on the fast-track route by becoming an Authorised Training Employer. This will allow your trainees to apply for credit for prior work experience in the future. 

Duration

The AAT to ACA Fast Track route will typically take a student two years to complete, providing they are eligible for all relevant exemptions. 

Study options

We have partnered with 160+ providers across the globe to provide employers with a host of tuition options to choose from, including classroom learning, virtual lessons, or a hybrid of the two, allowing you to fit your employee's tuition around the needs of your organisation.

• Find a tuition provider from our list of approved Partners in Learning

Fees

Fees associated with ACA training include an annual student fee, tuition / training costs, exam entry fees, credit for prior learning and learning materials.

Examples of fees associated with ACA training include:

• More information on the costs associated with ACA training

Frequently asked questions

View answers to frequently asked questions from employers.

• Explore the FAQs

Getting started as an ICAEW Authorised Training Employer

1. Want to learn more about becoming an Authorised Training Employer? 
   If you have any questions or would like to speak to our dedicated support team before making an application, you can request a call to discuss your training options.
2. Ready to become an Authorised Training Employer?
   If you’re ready to become authorised, please complete the relevant application form.
3. Next steps 
   We will contact you to arrange a meeting with a training manager who will explain our training standards, check that you meet them and provide you with guidance on your roles and responsibilities. Once your application has been approved, you will be able to start training students.