Your students will need to complete a minimum of 30 units of Specialised Learning, keeping them at the cutting edge of the profession and facilitating early career specialisation.
We are updating our qualifications
This information is for employers with Next Generation ACA students who started from 1 July 2025 or have been switched to the Next Generation ACA.
See the existing ACA training process for students who started up to 30 June 2025, or learn more about the transitional arrangements as we update our qualifications.
What is Specialised Learning?
Hosted on an interactive e-learning platform, engaging Specialised Learning content helps students develop both technical and professional skills, with topics relevant across key sectors and specialisms. Specialised Learning includes a blend of activities such as quizzes, videos, voice recordings and articles.
Students need to complete a minimum of 30 units of Specialised Learning during their training agreement. One unit equals roughly one hour of learning, with courses typically ranging from one to four units.
Specialised Learning courses
Courses are split into four key categories covering technical and professional skills, sector specific content and emerging issues and updates.
The platform will be regularly updated with new courses.
Accessing Specialised Learning
Students can browse and enrol in courses through the Specialised Learning platform, with progress being logged on the platform and linked through to the online training file.
You are able to specify courses for your students to complete during six-monthly review meetings or via your usual internal communications.
You can track your student’s progress using reporting functionality within the Specialised Learning platform.
Employer responsibilities
As the employer, you will need to:
- support your student to reflect on the Specialised Learning they have completed, helping identify opportunities for further development; and
- monitor your student’s Specialised Learning progress during six-monthly reviews.
Student responsibilities
Students completing ICAEW Specialised Learning will need to:
- identify and complete Specialised Learning courses to support their development; and
- complete a minimum of 30 units of Specialised Learning by the end of their training agreement, including any courses specified by their employer.
Have a question?
If you need any support or have a question on ACA training, please contact us.
Access Specialised Learning
Browse courses and run reports on student’s progress in the Specialised Learning platform.
Access now