ACA Certificate
Get one step closer to becoming a chartered accountant in India by completing your ACA Certificate qualification with Kaplan. Learn from the biggest and most experienced ACA tutor team in the UK, with flexible learning methods designed to fit around your current lifestyle.
Created by the ICAEW, the leading global professional body in accountancy, the full ACA qualification is made up of three levels. The ACA Certificate is the first of the three, followed by the ACA Professional and the ACA Advanced.
Many learners also choose to study the ACA Certificate as a standalone qualification called the CFAB (Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business). However you choose to do your ACA, we offer a range of OnDemand, Live Online part-time study options that can be completed wherever you are in India.
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About ACA Certificate
Entry requirements
There are no formal academic requirements for the ACA Certificate level. This qualification is a strong and accessible starting point for learners to launch their career in accounting and finance.
You might be eligible for credit for some ACA exams if you have previously studied AAT or a similar degree at university level. The official ICAEW website contains information about exemptions for the ACA Certificate qualification.
ACA Certificate modules and course syllabus
The ACA Certificate level has been designed by the ICAEW to help learners develop a strong base of accountancy and finance knowledge, including how this applies to the wider business world.
These fundamentals are explored across six modules, which can be completed in any order:
Subjects (6)
Compare study methods ›Accounting (AC)
EssentialYou’ll learn how to use double-entry accounting to record transactions, adjust financial records, and prepare non-complex financial statements.
Live Online
From US $ 564.00
OnDemand
From US $ 120/month
Assurance (AS)
EssentialYou’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.
Live Online
From US $ 327.00
OnDemand
From US $ 120/month
Management Information (MI)
You’ll learn how to prepare financial information related to the management of a business.
Live Online
From US $ 327.00
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.
Live Online
From US $ 327.00
OnDemand
From US $ 120/month
Business Technology & Finance (BTF)
You’ll learn how businesses operate, and how finance helps businesses accomplish their targets.
Live Online
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
Live Online
OnDemand
From US $ 120/month
ACA exams and assessments
There is a mandatory, computer-based assessment for each of the six Certificate Level modules. These exams last 90 minutes and have a pass mark of 55%.
You can attempt your Certificate Level exams at any time of the year, subject to centre availability. This allows you to study for your qualification when it’s most convenient for you.
Once you feel confident in your knowledge of the syllabus and ready to sit your exams, you must travel to your nearest ICAEW approved test centre. For Indian learners, this will be the Pearson Professional Centers in New Delhi.
Upon successful completion of all six modules, you will receive an ICAEW Certificate of Achievement, marking the end of the ACA Certificate level. You can then move on to your ACA Professional and afterwards, your ACA Advanced.
How long does it take to pass your ACA Certificate?
It takes the majority of learners 12 months to complete their ACA Certificate, though this timeframe can vary based on individual study habits. After finishing your course, you can use this certification as a standalone qualification or move on to your ACA Professional.
Become ACA Qualified with Kaplan
Kaplan is one of the most trusted ACA providers in the world, operating in over 30 countries. We’ve been helping finance and accountancy professionals take the next step in their careers for over 85 years, winning countless awards as we go.
Many learners in India consistently choose Kaplan as their preferred ACA provider for a number of reasons:
Our pass rates are exceptional
With Certificate Level pass rates that are consistently above the institute's global average, Kaplan gives you the best chance of becoming ACA-qualified in India first time.
We're award winners
It's not just our high pass rates that have won accolades. We've also been recognised for the quality of our remote learning packages, winning the 2023 Learning Technologies Award for Best Online Learning Programme for OnDemand and Excellence in the Design of Learning Content in 2024.
Our lecturers have years of industry experience
Our tutor support team have firsthand working industry knowledge, so they can share everything they know with learners in India during their ICAEW course.
We offer round-the-clock tutor support
Our lecturers are available 7 days a week to offer practical support and guidance, whether that’s with general syllabus revision or specific exam feedback.
We provide realistic mock exams
With regular testing and extensive tutor feedback, we make sure you go into your ACA exams 100% prepared to succeed.
Study materials and learning resources
Both Kaplan’s OnDemand learners and those attending timetabled classes will receive their own Kaplan workbook. This comprehensive study guide covers key areas of the ACA Certificate syllabus and is integrated with Kaplan content online.
Live Online learners: Will also receive ICAEW's workbook and question bank, which are needed for every subject and contain all the technical content you could be examined on. These are available in an eBook format only.
If you are studying for your ACA Certificate through Kaplan’s flexible OnDemand study method, you will need to purchase ICAEW’s workbook and question bank separately. You may also need other materials, known as permitted texts.
Find out more about permitted texts
Purchase your ICAEW materials
MyKaplan: You also get access to Kaplan’s online learning platform, MyKaplan, where you can find a wealth of resources to prepare for your ACA exams - all included in the price of your course.
Within the MyKaplan platform, you can view all your ACA Certificate course materials in one place, reach out to your Kaplan tutors and even test your knowledge with instant feedback. You can also connect with other ACA learners from around the world on our forum and find answers to FAQs.
Learn on the go by using MyKaplan on your mobile, tablet or through the MyKaplan mobile app.
Regular testing and mock exams
Go confidently into your ACA Certificate level exams with regular assessments and exam practice throughout your course. Continuous testing has been proven not just to help learners develop effective exam-taking strategies, but build resilience before sitting down for the real thing.
- Online learning modules: Interactive modules that guide you through every area on your syllabus available through MyKaplan
- Knowledge checks: Check the depth of your understanding with 10 multiple-choice questions set on MyKaplan during the Knowledge phase.
- Consolidation Test: See how well you have retained information with 20 multiple-choice questions set on MyKaplan after several online learning module days.
- Tricky topic tutorials: Work your way through challenging areas of the syllabus with a 10-15 minute tutor debrief.
- Mock exams: Simulate your real ACA exams with mock examinations taken during the Exam Preparation phase of your course. Get automated feedback on MyKaplan and focus on areas you found difficult or could improve.
Kaplan's flexible approach to studying
We know how hard it can be to balance your studies with a busy schedule. Our OnDemand and Live Online study methods have been created with varying degrees of flexibility in mind, so you can choose when and where to study for your ACA Certificate qualification in India.
OnDemand
Kaplan's ACA Certificate OnDemand course is our most flexible study method for Indian learners. Study for your ACA qualification anywhere, at any time with engaging and interactive resources free from the constraints of a fixed class timetable. OnDemand learners get access to unrivalled guided tutor support, just like in the classroom: seven days a week.
Find out if this study method is your preferred way to learn with a 5-day ACA OnDemand free trial.
Try ACA OnDemand for FREE
Live Online
Join other learners from around the world at the same time each week with Kaplan's interactive Live Online classes. This study method is perfect for those who benefit from the structure and support of a traditional scheduled classroom course. Ask questions to the largest and most experienced ACA tutor team in the UK in real-time, and catch up with session recordings afterwards.
View the ACA Live Online timetable nowCourse 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 2024
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.
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.
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
Access duration
Live Online
You will be able to access your content for six months from the last lesson date, with one three month free extension on request.
OnDemand
As long as the subscription is active, content will be made available.
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Complete your ACA Certificate with Kaplan today
Unlock your career potential as an accountancy or finance professional in India with an ACA qualification. Kaplan's award-winning courses offer a proven pathway to success, whether you complete the full qualification or the valuable standalone CFAB.
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