Firstly, ICAEW and ACCA will both take roughly 3 years to complete and become a qualified accountant. However, This may change depending on exemptions and the time between your exams.

It is worth noting, both courses are available under the apprenticeship scheme, click here to find out more.

Let’s talk about ICAEW.

ICAEW is a world-leading professional membership organisation that promotes, develops and supports chartered accountants and students worldwide. At FI, we have Approved Learning Partner Status for the ICAEW qualification.

In total, there are 15 papers to sit.

The first 6 papers (certificate level) are sat within 6 months. These papers are on-demand exams which means that you can sit the exams when you are ready at FI.

The 6 professional exams we teach towards exam sittings in June and December. Normally, students sit 2 at a time. They have scheduled exams and must be booked via ICAEW. The exams will be sat at a centre that is provided by ICAEW.

The ICAEW also have exam sittings in September and March which you could also work towards, however, we have a recommended structure to follow which works towards June and December. If you were to work towards March and December you may fall out of touch in relation to the structure of the course we offer. This means you could delay your completion.

The final 3 exam papers can be sat in July or November.

You need to complete 450 days of work experience with an ICAEW authorised training employer or an authorised training principal.

Let’s talk about ACCA. 

ACCA has a worldwide reputation for excellence. Their rigorous qualifications are recognised and respected across the globe. At FI, we are a Platinum Learning Partner Status for the ACCA qualification.

In total, the ACCA course has 13 papers to sit.

The first 4 papers (applied knowledge level plus Corporate Law in the applied skills level) are usually sat within 6 months. The papers are on-demand exams which means that you can sit the exams when you are ready at FI.

The remaining 9 ACCA papers, we usually teach towards exam sittings in June and December. Normally, students sit 2 papers at a time. They have scheduled exams and must be booked via ACCA. The exams will be sat at a centre that is provided by ACCA.

The ACCA also have exam sittings in September and March which are also possible to work towards. Some students prefer to sit one exam at each session. This means they take one in March, one in June, one in September and one in December. Under this option, many students prefer to attend the taught courses for 2 subjects in the first half of the year and then sit revision to June and then the revision course to September for example.

You need to complete 3 years of relevant work experience

You do not need to be within an ACCA approved firm.

Want to know more?

Contact our team at Maidstone@FI.co.uk if you have any questions.