The lowdown on...starting the ACA

Your preparation check list:

Know Your ACA: What to Expect at Every Level

• Understand the ACA content on how the exams are structured over Certificate, Professional and Advanced Level.

• Review the handy syllabus overview so you know what’s coming.

Save time where you can

• Check if you’re eligible for credit for prior learning (CPL) and how to apply. This may give you exemptions from some of the exams.

Set yourself up properly

• If you have a health condition, disability or specific learning difficulty that may affect your exam performance, you may be eligible for access arrangements. ICAEW CFAB and Certificate Level students can apply for access arrangements up to 21 days before their exam. Advanced and Professional Level exam students should apply by the closing date of the relevant exam booking window.

• Decide whether you’d like to take your exam at an exam centre of via remote invigilation. 

• If you’re interested in remote invigilation, make sure you can meet the technical requirements.

Get organised

• Get organised with the digital planner where you can keep track of all the key dates and deadlines to help you plan your studies.

• Create a revision schedule and block out study sessions in advanced

Get the right support

• Explore our flexible options for studying towards your ICAEW qualification. If you haven’t already, you may also want to consider choosing a tuition provider to support your studies. Options include online learning, classroom-based tuition and one-to-one support, so you can find an approach that works best for you.

• Reach out to caba if you need wellbeing, mental health, or financial support.

Know your exam rules

• Check out if there are permitted texts you can take into your exams.

•  It’s important that you read and understand the exam instructions carefully before the day of your exam. Read our instructions for Certificate Level and Professional Level or Advanced Level exams to make sure you understand the processes and procedures before exam day.

Useful articles which will help you get started:

1. New starters: how to master the ACA | ICAEW
2. How to shine in your first 3 months | ICAEW
3. Access arrangements: your questions answered | ICAEW