Prior work experience

You will need your employer’s permission to apply for credit for prior work experience. 

What counts as prior work experience? 

You can only apply for credit for prior work experience if:

• the experience must have been gained with an ICAEW Authorised Training Employer or principal;
• you met the minimum entry requirements for the ACA at the point that the period of experience began;
• the experience must have been a minimum of 65 days; and, 
• the experience must have been gained within the 24 month period prior to entering the training agreement. 

How much credit can I apply for?

The amount of credit that can be applied for depends on the length of the training agreement, and when your training agreement started.

For students who started their training before 1 July 2025

For students who started their training after 1 July 2025

How can I apply for credit for prior work experience?

You should apply for credit for prior work experience when you register as a student.

You will need to complete the credit for prior work experience form and return it to applications@icaew.com

• Credit for prior work experience form

The application must include a record of the work experience and signed confirmation from the Qualified Person Responsible for Training that they agree to the application.