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Recognition of EEA or Swiss professional qualifications

Author: ICAEW

Published: 11 Mar 2021

You can apply for ICAEW membership under the UK’s Recognition of Professional Qualifications Regulations if you hold an EEA or Swiss qualification and ICAEW assesses that qualification as comparable in scope, level and content as ICAEW’s membership qualification, the ACA.

The outcome of ICAEW’s assessment will determine which ACA exams you will need to pass to bridge the gap between the qualifications to gain ICAEW membership and the ACA qualification.

Your practical experience obtained during your home body qualification will be fully recognised so there are no additional practical experience requirements under this route.

Application Process

If you wish to apply for ICAEW membership under this route, you will need to submit a completed application form as well as detailed information on the content of your home body qualification and confirmation of your status and membership with your home body.

Qualification Content

Please provide the following documentation so we can assess your qualification and determine which ACA exams you will be required to pass to come into ICAEW membership:

  • A full copy of your home body’s qualification syllabus including the qualification framework, a comprehensive list of the topics covered and all of the learning outcomes and skills requirements of the qualification.
  • An example exam question paper for each of the modules you have passed under your professional qualification.

Please ensure these are either provided by your home body in English or certified in English by an official translator, such as a member of the Institute of Translators & Interpreters, who asserts their qualifications and proficiency in the relevant languages when commenting on the documents.

Membership and Status Confirmation

Please provide a supporting letter/document from your home body confirming that:

  • you are a full and current member;
  • you qualified via the normal education and training route, and not via a reciprocal or advanced credit route;
  • you have no disciplinary record with your home body; no outstanding complaints with your home body; and that your home body are aware of no ethical or other reason why you could not be admitted to ICAEW.

Again, please ensure this is provided by your home body in English or certified in English by an official translator, such as a member of the Institute of Translators & Interpreters, and dated within the last three months.

Practising certificate

If you intend to practise in the UK or EEA you must apply for an ICAEW practising certificate. You may only practise as an ICAEW member if you have been a member with your home body for at least two years.

Audit Rights

The Recognition of Professional Qualifications Regulations do not provide a route towards UK audit rights. However, ICAEW is in dialogue with the UK government in an attempt to development audit recognition agreements with international bodies and regulators and we will update this page should any relevant agreements be reached.