ACA Certificate

ACA Certificate will develop your accountancy skills and technical knowledge, so you continue to add value to your company. You’ll achieve a globally-recognised qualification (CFAB), and gain a deeper understanding of accountancy and finance, and how it relates on a wider business scale.

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Structure

This level consists of six exams that introduce the essentials of accountancy, finance, and businesses. The six exams also make up a standalone qualification: the ICAEW CFAB (ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business).

Entry requirements

If you’ve studied AAT, or studied a relevant degree at university (accountancy, economics, business), you can progress straight onto studying ACA. Some companies allow you to start ACA training depending on your previous experience.

If you're a graduate, you may be able to apply for up to eight paper credits (depending on your degree) so you could be exempt from the following ACA (ICAEW) exams:

Accounting
Assurance
Business Finance and Technology
Law
Management Information
Principles of Taxation
Business Strategy and Technology
Financial Management

If you're an AAT student who has completed the Intermediate and Technician Levels, you may be able to apply for credits for the following:

Accounting
Assurance
Business, Technology and Finance
Management Information
Principles of Taxation

Find out more about credits for prior learning launch

info

You should check whether you're eligible on the ACA (ICAEW) website launch and apply for any exemptions before you start studying.

Syllabus

Subjects (6)

Compare study methods ›

Accounting (AC)

Essential

You’ll learn how to use double-entry accounting to record transactions, adjust financial records, and prepare non-complex financial statements.

done

Live Online

From US $ 564.00

done

OnDemand

From US $ 120/month

Assurance (AS)

Essential

You’ll learn about the assurance process and the principles of ethics. You’ll be able to explain the nature of internal controls, specify weaknesses, choose the appropriate methods of finding assurance evidence.

done

Live Online

From US $ 327.00

done

OnDemand

From US $ 120/month

Management Information (MI)

You’ll learn how to prepare financial information related to the management of a business.

done

Live Online

From US $ 327.00

done

OnDemand

From US $ 120/month

Principles of Tax (PTX)

You’ll learn about taxation and how to work out income tax, National Insurance contributions, capital gains tax, corporate tax, and VAT.

done

Live Online

From US $ 327.00

done

OnDemand

From US $ 120/month

Business Technology & Finance (BTF)

You’ll learn how businesses operate, and how finance helps businesses accomplish their targets.

clear

~~Live Online~~

done

OnDemand

From US $ 120/month

Law

You’ll learn the principles of English law, and explain contractual agreements, the consequences of negligence, the legal ramifications of incorporation, and insolvency law

clear

~~Live Online~~

done

OnDemand

From US $ 120/month

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Course overview

Timetables and study methods

Study methods available for this level

Live Online

The benefits of a traditional classroom but with the flexibility of an online environment. Live interactive classes at a scheduled time delivered by expert lecturers following the same exam focused material and structure as traditional classroom courses.

picture_as_pdf Live Online timetable 2025

OnDemand

OnDemand gives you the flexibility to study when and where you want, with unique online resources designed to give you structure, keep you motivated, and cement your understanding of the subject.

Try FREE 5 day trial

Exams and sittings

Timings and working towards a sitting

At this level there are six exams and they are 90 minutes each. You can take them in any order. They are computer based exams so you can take them whenever you are ready. The exam pass mark is 55%.

You may be eligible for credit for some exams, if you’ve studied a relevant qualification or degree. Find out more about credits for prior learning.

How long does it take to pass?

Most students complete this level within 12 months, however this can vary depending on the study method you choose.

Study materials and delivery costs

You will receive printed or online study materials.

Included:

Kaplan workbook

A Kaplan-produced workbook covering key areas of the syllabus, integrates with online content and provides question practice. You can choose to have a printed or online version..

ICAEW workbooks, question banks and permitted texts (Live Online only)

For those purchasing a Live Online course, you'll also receive ICAEW’s workbook and question bank, which are needed for every subject. The ICAEW’s workbook contains all technical content that could be examined. These are available in an eBook format only.

Not included for OnDemand subscriptions:

ICAEW workbooks, question banks and permitted texts

In addition to the OnDemand subscription price, you will need to purchase ICAEW’s workbook and question bank, which are needed for every subject. The ICAEW’s workbook contains all technical content that could be examined. These are available in an eBook format only. You may also need other materials, known as permitted texts.

Find out more about permitted texts.

Purchase your ICAEW materials

Delivery Costs

How much it costs to deliver your study materials and how long it takes depends on where in the world you live.

Delivery fees are as follows:
Malaysia - RM60
Rest of Asia/America - $47
All other countries - 40EUR

Please note that due to varying interpretations of the post-Brexit EU/UK trading agreement, some EU countries are imposing import duty on the value of the goods received from the UK. It is payable by the end consumer via the delivery company and your delivery may be withheld until paid. This may vary from country to country and be up to a value of 20% of the value of the study material.

Our standard delivery times are:
Malaysia - 3 to 5 working days*
EU – 5 to 7 working days*
Rest of the World – 7 to 10 working days*
*Subject to availability.

Delivery charges are applicable for this course, and will be shown during the online checkout process, before you complete your payment details.

Tutor support

We’ll support you every step of the way throughout your learning experience with us. You can contact a tutor and get the help you need quickly and easily.

Provided by our Academic Support team (our dedicated team of expert tutors):

LiveChat (instant feedback)
Email (we'll get back to you within 4 hrs)
Online community (we’ll get back to you within 4 hrs)

Testing and mocks

We have a wealth of materials to help you revise for and pass your exams. All study options come with the following:

Online learning modules

MyKaplan interactive modules that guide you through each syllabus area.

Knowledge checks

10 multiple choice questions set on MyKaplan after an online learning module day during the Knowledge phase.

Consolidation Test

20 multiple choice questions set on MyKaplan after a number of online learning module days during the Knowledge phase.

Tricky topic tutorials

10-15 minute tutor debrief on challenging areas of the syllabus.

Mock exams

Mock exams mimic the real exams. They are taken during the Exam Preparation phase of the course and can be found on MyKaplan. You will receive automated feedback so you can focus on areas you found difficult or could improve.

MyKaplan: online learning environment

play_circle_filled Watch our video explaining MyKaplan (1:26)

MyKaplan is an online learning portal with practical resources to help you prepare for your exams.

Online features

View your online materials in one place and access your content in a few clicks
Contact a tutor directly using live chat or email
Complete tests and get instant feedback (Objective Tests)
Take part in forum discussions with students and tutors and find answers to common questions
See instantly when your assessments have been marked (Case Study)
Access on mobile, tablet, computer or through the dedicated mobile app