ACA Professional
The Professional Level builds on your Certificate Level knowledge, and teaches you how to apply technical knowledge to real-life scenarios. The Business Planning exams give you the opportunity to gain a sector-specific understanding while studying. There are three Business Planning units to choose from: Taxation, Banking, and Insurance.
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Structure
This level consists of six exams that build on existing Certificate Level knowledge. You’ll typically take 12 months to finish this level.
Entry requirements
It’s recommended you pass the ACA Certificate exams to progress onto this level.
If you're a graduate, you can apply for up to eight paper credits including the following Professional level ACA (ICAEW) exams:
- Business Strategy and Technology
- Financial Management
You can also do a combined AAT-ACA course, which takes four years.
Find out more about credits for prior learning launch.
Please be aware, you can only buy up to four subjects in a six month period.
Syllabus
Subjects (8)
Compare study methods ›Financial Accounting & Reporting (IFRS) (FARI)
EssentialYou’ll learn how to prepare complete single entity and consolidated financial statements, and explain their limitations.
Distance Learning
Live Online
From US $ 480.00
OnDemand
From US $ 100/month
Audit & Assurance (AA)
EssentialYou’ll understand the process of implementing the assurance engagement and its application in the context of the professional regulatory framework.
Distance Learning
Live Online
From US $ 220.00
OnDemand
From US $ 100/month
Tax Compliance (TC)
EssentialYou’ll learn how to prepare tax computations for individuals and companies, and how to calculate VAT, stamp taxes, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, corporation tax liabilities, and National Insurance.
Distance Learning
Live Online
From US $ 266.67
OnDemand
From US $ 100/month
Financial Management (FM)
EssentialYou’ll develop the knowledge and skills necessary for a finance manager, in regards to investment, financing and dividend policy decisions.
Distance Learning
Live Online
From US $ 343.75
OnDemand
From US $ 100/month
Business Planning Tax (BPT)
You’ll learn how to resolve tax issues and advise on tax-efficient solutions for individuals and businesses. You’ll use your knowledge to explain alternative tax solutions, considering the clients and commercial context.
Distance Learning
Live Online
From US $ 340.00
OnDemand
From US $ 100/month
Business Planning Insurance (BPI)
You’ll learn how to apply your knowledge and professional skills to solve technical compliance and ethical matters when providing audit and assurance work in the insurance industry.
Distance Learning
Live Online
From US $ 375.00
OnDemand
From US $ 100/month
Recorded Online
From US $ 836.30
Business Planning Banking (BPB)
You’ll learn how to apply your knowledge and professional skills to solve technical compliance and ethical matters when providing audit and assurance work in the banking industry.
Distance Learning
Live Online
From US $ 375.00
OnDemand
From US $ 100/month
Recorded Online
From US $ 836.30
Business Strategy and Technology (BST)
EssentialYou’ll learn how companies establish and carry out strategy, considering ethical ramifications.
Distance Learning
Live Online
From US $ 275.00
OnDemand
From US $ 100/month
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
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.
Recorded Online (September sitting - BPB and BPI only)
All the information you would get in a classroom or Live Online, but whenever is convenient for you. You’ll get recordings of June’s Live Online classes as well as the Integrated Workbook, marked mock exam and academic support.
Exams and sittings
Timings and working towards a sitting
At this level there are six exams and each one is 2.5 hours long, apart from Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) which is three hours. You can take them in any order. The pass mark is 55%, and there are four exam sittings in a year - March, June, September, December.
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 launch.
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. To complete the entire qualification you will also need to have a minimum of 450 practical work experience days, so don’t forget to fit them in around your study.
Study materials and delivery costs
You will receive printed and online study materials.
Materials included:
- Kaplan workbook
A book covering key areas of the syllabus, integrates with online content and provides question practice.
You will also need ICAEW materials that will need to be purchased separately launch.
ICAEW study manual
Examining body (ICAEW) manual of all technical content that could be examined.
ICAEW question bank
Examining body past exam questions that are set in class.
Open books
These materials are specific to the paper you're studying and again, will need to be purchased separately launch.
IFRS book
You will need this book if you have selected the Financial Accounting and Reporting IFRS framework option.
Hardman's Tax Rates and Tables
This book is needed for when you study the Taxation Compliance paper and if you select the Business Planning: Taxation unit.
Practice Notes (19 and 20)
You will need this book if you have selected either the Business Planning: Insurance or Business Planning: Banking units.
Audit Standards book
This book is required to assist you in your studies for the Audit & Assurance paper.
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 modules days during the Knowledge phase.
Progress Tests
Progress tests are exam-style tests to check your progress and get you ready for sitting your mock exams. They are marked by the Kaplan marking team and a recorded debrief of the tests will be provided after you’ve sat them so you can tailor any follow-up work and concentrate on areas that need more attention.
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. They are marked by the Kaplan marking team, who will provide tailored 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
- Take part in forum discussions with students and tutors and find answers to common questions
- See instantly when your assessments have been marked
- Access on mobile, tablet, computer or through the dedicated mobile app
- Access to VideoBank - hundreds of tutor-led videos to help you get the most out of your course.
Access duration
Live Online
You will be able to access your content for six months after the exam sitting, with one three month free extension on request.
OnDemand
As long as the subscription is active, content will be made available.
Recorded Online (September sitting - BPB and BPI only)
You will be able to access your content for three months after the exam sitting, with one three month free extension on request.
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