The ICAEW ACA qualification is widely recognized as a Level 7 qualification, which is equivalent to a Master’s degree. It is a prestigious, high-level professional designation often compared to a postgraduate diploma in terms of depth, rigorous assessment, and academic standard.
The ACA is a qualification equivalent to a Level 7. The ACA is made up of three elements, sustainability, technology and ethics. The ACA training includes 450 days' work experience, 14 exam modules, Specialised Learning, Professional skills and experience.
The ACA Qualification is a globally respected pathway for aspiring accountants. ACA Careers benefit from practical work experience, flexible entry routes, and partnerships with leading businesses. These advantages make it a powerful tool for career growth.
ICAEW's ACA is a level 7 qualification. This is equivalent to a masters.
Discover the ACA. The ACA is a structured pathway to becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. The qualification provides students with knowledge and skills in business, finance and accountancy combined with real-world business experience.
Newly Qualified ACA – What next?
Being certified demonstrates your expertise and compliance with federal regulations. Without it, you can't assist clients in enrolling in ACA-compliant plans, which could limit your earning potential and client base.
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.
How long does it take for a graduate to become a chartered accountant? The ACA qualification consists of three levels: Certificate, Professional, and Advanced. You'll also need to have 450 practical work experience days. As such, it'll take around three years to complete the qualification.
The ACCA qualification is suited for aspiring accountants or entry- or mid-level professionals who want to expand their career horizons by acquiring useful accounting skills. Meanwhile, the CFA qualification suits experienced finance professionals who want to specialise in certain areas.
Offered by ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales), the ACA qualification is highly regarded in the UK. It is tailored towards those aiming for senior roles in audit, accountancy, and business leadership. Key facts: Prestige: One of the UK's oldest and most respected accounting qualifications.
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.
A chartered accountant qualification from ICAS is one of the most prestigious accountancy qualifications. More than 80% of FTSE 100 organisations employ ICAS chartered accountants.
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 existing ACA has 15 exams spread over three levels: the Certificate Level, the Professional Level and the Advanced Level. The exams can be taken in any order, except for the Case Study exam which must be attempted last and in the final year of a training agreement.
The ACA is a Level 7 qualification, equivalent to a master's degree. This full-time, permanent role offers complete funding for your professional qualification, alongside three years of structured training, and hands-on client experience.
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.
Both ACCA and ACA have three course levels, but ACA is often considered more difficult due to its focus on private practice skills, with the strategic professional option in the ACCA having the lowest pass rates.
To pass the ACA qualification, you need to complete a series of exams, gain practical experience, and meet certain ethical and professional standards. To be eligible for the ACA qualification, you typically need to have completed a recognised degree or an equivalent qualification.
Chartered Accountancy is one of the most prestigious and financially rewarding careers. The CA course duration is around 4.5 to 5 years, including training and articleship. It offers a scope for growth in management, auditing, accounting, and consulting.