Start your BFP application

If you are interested in gaining the BFP designation, you must complete three elements: the ICAEW CFAB qualification; the ICAEW ethics learning programme; and 12 months of work experience.

The steps you need to take will differ slightly, depending on what study you have already undertaken with ICAEW. Are you:

For each of these routes we will check whether the necessary requirements have been met at the relevant stage and send you confirmation, along with any next steps you need to follow to gain the BFP designation.

New to ICAEW

Apply for BFP if you are not affiliated with ICAEW in any way (neither a student or ICAEW member)

1. Register as an ICAEW CFAB student to obtain a student number, and to start studying the qualification.
2. Register to get access to everything you need to start your journey towards BFP, including the ICAEW ethics learning programme. Follow the link in your ICAEW CFAB registration to let us know you want to do BFP.
3. Ensure you have obtained the relevant work experience.
4. Apply for the BFP designation.

ICAEW CFAB students or holders

Including those who have passed or got exemptions for all six ICAEW CFAB modules (excluding Accounting – see below), including Level 4 Apprentices.

This section is also for those who have passed the six ICAEW CFAB modules, including Level 4 Trailblazer Apprentices.

1. To qualify for the BFP designation you must have successfully completed all six of the certificate level modules either by sitting the exam or through credit for prior learning (CPL). The exception is the Accounting module which must be passed by sitting the exam, not using CPL. But don’t worry if you do have CPL for the Accounting module, just contact us on the details below and we can remove the CPL to allow you to sit this module. Also, if you are an AAT qualified individual or university student/ graduate who have passed the ACA Financial Accounting and Reporting module, you can use CPL for the Accounting module. Please refer to the ICAEW CFAB regulations for full details.
2. Register to get access to everything you need to start your journey towards BFP including the ICAEW ethics learning programme.
3. Apply for the BFP designation.

Independent ACA Students

This section is for ACA students studying without an ICAEW Authorised Training Employer and choosing to complete their three years working experience after finishing their exams.

1. To qualify for the BFP designation you must have successfully completed all six of the certificate level modules either by sitting the exam or through credit for prior learning (CPL). The exception is the Accounting module which must be passed by sitting the exam, not using CPL. But don’t worry if you do have CPL for the Accounting module, just contact us on the details below and we can remove the CPL to allow you to sit this module. Also, if you are an AAT qualified individual or university student/ graduate who have passed the ACA Financial Accounting and Reporting module, you can use CPL for the Accounting module. Please refer to the ICAEW CFAB regulations for full details.
2. You also need to complete 12 months working experience in a business or finance related role.
3. Register to get access to everything you need to start your journey towards BFP, including the ICAEW ethics learning programme.
4. Apply for the BFP designation.

Current ACA students

1. To qualify for the BFP designation you must have successfully completed all six of the certificate level modules either by sitting the exam or through credit for prior learning (CPL). The exception is the Accounting module which must be passed by sitting the exam, not using CPL. But don’t worry if you do have CPL for the Accounting module, just contact us on the details below and we can remove the CPL to allow you to sit this module. Also, if you are an AAT qualified individual or university student/ graduate who have passed the ACA Financial Accounting and Reporting module, you can use CPL for the Accounting module. Please refer to the ICAEW CFAB regulations for full details.
2. Ensure you have obtained the relevant work experience.
3. Once you have passed the six certificate stage exams, ACA students can register to use the BFP designation letters free of charge whilst they are a student, and this will carry over when you become an ICAEW member. Note that if you do not become an ICAEW member you will no longer be eligible for free use of the BFP designation, however there will be an option to retain it by paying an annual subscription.

Ceased/cancelled ACA Students

This section is for ACA students whose record is now ceased or cancelled. 

1. To qualify for the BFP designation you must have successfully completed all six of the certificate level modules either by sitting the exam or through credit for prior learning (CPL). The exception is the Accounting module which must be passed by sitting the exam, not using CPL. But don’t worry if you do have CPL for the Accounting module, just contact us on the details below and we can remove the CPL to allow you to sit this module. Also, if you are an AAT qualified individual or university student/ graduate who have passed the ACA Financial Accounting and Reporting module, you can use CPL for the Accounting module. Please refer to the ICAEW CFAB regulations for full details
2. You also need to complete 12 months working experience in a business or finance related role.
3. Register to get access to everything you need to start your journey towards BFP, including the ICAEW ethics learning programme
4. ACA students (current or ceased) complete this form to apply for the BFP designation.

For a small annual fee you can also gain access to the bespoke BFP resources, which include:

• Management development courses and learning materials from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
• Refresher materials on ethics and an A-Z Business and Finance Refresher area
• Online Excel training and the Excel community with access to expert advice
• Specialist technical opt-in zones

To take advantage of these benefits, please use this form.

An ICAEW member

ICAEW members can register to use the BFP designation letters free of charge whilst they are a member. 

• ICAEW members complete this registration form to start using the BFP letters

For a small annual fee you can also gain access to the bespoke BFP resources, which include:

• Refresher materials on ethics and an A-Z Business and Finance Refresher area
• Online Excel training and the Excel community with access to expert advice
• Specialist technical opt-in zones

To take advantage of these benefits, please use this form.