Submit your Pathways application

1. Create an ICAEW account

Create an ICAEW account or log in if you already have one. If you are a student, you will already have an account. Please use the same details to log in to register for Pathways.

If you've forgotten your password, you can request a password reset.

2. Register for Pathways

Visit our student registration page to register for Pathways. Register for Pathways under the ICAEW qualifications registration and complete all of the information required.

Once you've registered, you will receive an email which includes your Applicant number and other useful information about Pathways.

Registering as a candidate doesn't commit you to an application, but we do suggest you only sign up if you are planning to make a submission. Make sure you register at least a week before you wish to submit your application.

3. Submit your applicaiton

You can only submit your application during an open submission window.

Log into the exams online portal to submit your pathways application.

Choose Pathways under the "Other Qualifications" section of the exams application portal.

You will need to submit your Examination of Experience and your signed sponsor form at the same time. For a reminder of all documents you will need to submit for your application, please visit our page on how to apply for Pathways membership.

Please note: Your home body and your sponsor's home body will need to complete and send us a letter of Good Standing using the correct template. This will need to be signed by you for consent and sent directly to us at pathwaysapplications@icaew.com by your home bodies.

You will need to declare within your Pathways submission if you require an ICAEW Practising Certificate or the Audit Qualification (AQ) upon being successful. You will be prompted to confirm this within the Pathways application process via the exams portal when submitting your application.

4. Your application will be reviewed

Once the Pathways submission window has closed, your application will be reviewed.

ICAEW retains the right to carry out additional checks on your Pathways application. This may include a discussion with an ICAEW representative regarding any aspect of your submission, including the Examination of Experience.

We also reserve the right, where appropriate, to refer suspected fraudulent activity to relevant law enforcement, regulatory, or other competent authorities in the jurisdiction concerned. Any attempt to provide false, misleading or fraudulent information in connection with an application will result it its rejection. 

5. Verification

The final stage of your Pathways application is a verification process held with you and your sponsor.

As part of our ongoing assurance checks, you will be invited to a recorded virtual discussion. You will be asked to complete a room scan and an ID check as part of this process. We will also hold a discussion with your Pathways sponsor.

Completion of both verification checks are required to validate and complete your application. If you do not present a valid ID and consent, we cannot proceed with your application.

6. Application outcome and invitation to membership

Following the final verification step, you will be notified whether your Pathways application has been successful by email on the results date for your chosen submission window.

If your application is successful, you will receive an invitation to come into ICAEW membership and pay your membership fees. You have up to 12 months to come into membership from your successful Pathways submission, or you will need to submit additional information and a delayed membership fee. You must pay these fees before you can use the ACA designation or refer to yourself as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

Once you have paid your fees and are officially accepted a an ICAEW member, you will gain access to ICAEW member benefits.

If your Pathways application is unsuccessful, you may resubmit your application if you meet all eligibility criteria.