The ACA qualification (ICAEW Chartered Accountant) typically takes 3 to 5 years to complete, involving 450 days of authorized practical work experience alongside passing 15 exams. For most graduates, this is a 3-year training contract. It requires passing 15 exam modules across Certificate, Professional, and Advanced levels, plus ethics and professional skills training.
You'll get eligibility results in the mail within 2 weeks.
The ICAEW divides the course of qualification into three primary levels: certificate level, professional level and advanced level. It usually takes professionals three years to complete all three levels of certification.
The ACA qualification is a highly regarded professional accounting certification offered by ICAEW. In its current form, it combines three years of structured on-the-job learning with the successful completion of 15 exams.
Fast track your ACA. With a year of training completed and exam exemptions you can qualify in as quick as 2 years.
Experience, sector and company size
The global average salary for a newly-qualified ACA in 2025 is £55,000 according to ICAEW data, with the average salary for members across all sectors standing at £107,000. For members working in industry the average global salary rises to £132,000.
Asking 'Is 40 too old for an accounting degree? ' reflects a common concern, but the truth is it's never too late. With life experience, flexible learning options, and financial aid, pursuing an accounting degree at 40 can be a wise and rewarding decision.
Yes, the ACA Qualification is highly regarded in the accounting and finance sectors. It provides comprehensive knowledge, technical skills, and opens doors to career opportunities in top firms. The strong earning potential and career growth it offers make it a prvaluable investment for aspiring finance professionals.
The CA qualification is renowned for its difficulty, with pass rates typically between 4-5%, reflecting its rigorous standards. In contrast, ACCA has a higher pass rate, ranging from 40-50%, making it comparatively more accessible.
An ACA is a Chartered Accountant who has passed the CA course and carries a certificate of practice, which is of not more than 5 years. FCA is a more senior member of ICAI with over 5 years of experience in the field.
Training as an independent student. Studying as an ACA student independently means that you can start the ACA exams and Specialised Learning. You still need to complete the required professional skills and experience to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.
Top Career Opportunities for Newly Qualified ACA
How long does it take to pass the ACA? It usually takes three to five years to complete, depending on the path chosen. 84% of all ACA students qualify in four years or less (meaning fewer resits and faster career progression.
Some claim that CFA is harder than ACCA as only one in five candidates who enroll in the course successfully completes it. [3] Furthermore, it takes 4 years to complete the course vs. the 3 to 4 years more typiucal of the ACCA student.
These exams are not easy and people do fail twice and get fired or dropped out. Tldr: How easy you find the ACA and the chances of you passing directly correlate with how much effort you put in.
How many exam attempts am I allowed? ICAEW regulations allow four attempts at each Certificate Level and Professional Level exam (with the exception of the Business Planning and Financial Accounting and Reporting assessments), and an unlimited number of attempts at the Advanced Level exams.
When you understand AI, you understand that AI will not replace the staff accountant. The tasks, duties and responsibilities of that staff accountant will however significantly change as AI continues to mature, but AI and AI tools will need the trusted professionals (those grown-up staff accountants) behind them.
You can make $80k/year without a degree by pursuing skilled trades (electrician, plumber), high-demand tech roles (IT, cybersecurity, data analysis via bootcamps/certs), or specialized fields like commercial piloting, nuclear operations, sales, or management, focusing on certifications, apprenticeships, building portfolios, and gaining experience in growing industries.