The Sustainability and Ethics exam introduces students to the fundamentals of sustainability and ethics and how they are relevant to the work of the professional accountant.
Exam overview
Duration: 1.5 hours*
Total questions: 50
Format: 50 multiple-choice, multi-part multiple choice or multiple-response
*ACA Certificate Level and ICAEW CFAB exams scheduled for a date after the 1 March 2026 will now include an additional five minutes within the overall 'Appointment Length' in the exam booking confirmation e-mails for an optional survey. Please note that this does not form part of the exam time, the survey and separate five minute timer will only start once exams have been ended. The duration shown here is the exam time.
Resources
Syllabus
Pilot exams
This pilot exam has been developed to provide an early example of what the exam will look like, how the syllabus content may be assessed and how questions will be formatted in the real exams.
- Pilot exam: Sustainability and Ethics
- Pilot exam within the practice exam software: Sustainability and Ethics
Sample exams
To help you prepare for the Sustainability and Ethics exam, two sample exams have been made available. Each exam includes a balanced selection of questions from the published question bank and is designed to reflect the structure and format of the actual exam. Each sample exam contains 50 questions worth two marks each.
Student Insights
| Exam guide: Sustainability and Ethics |
Reading our insights will help you approach this Certificate Level and ICAEW CFAB exam with confidence. |
| 11 ways to manage exam stress |
The work/life/study balance can be challenging, especially during exams and at busy times of the year. Follow our top tips to avoid burning out. |
| 10 common exam mistakes – and how to avoid them | As you count down to your next sitting, make sure you avoid these common mistakes, both in the run-up to the exam and on the day itself. |
| 5 study techniques to try | Revising by simply reading the same information over and over again? Try these proven strategies to boost your learning (and save you time). |
Buy your learning materials
All learning materials are digital and are available on your ICAEW Bookshelf.
Transitional arrangements
We are currently refreshing our qualifications. Please make sure you refer to the transitional arrangements so that you can plan your studies effectively.
View transitional arrangements