Focus:

• Emphasises technical accounting knowledge, including financial and management accounting.
• It is suitable for international careers, especially in companies using International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Structure:

• Three levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional.
• In total, 13 exams.
• At the Strategic Professional level, students are able to select 2 optional papers from a list of four (covering performance management, financial management, taxation, and audit & assurance respectively).

Experience:

• Requires 36 months of relevant work experience.

Recognition:

• Globally recognized, ideal for roles in auditing, taxation, and financial management.

Focus:

• Specialises in management accounting, financial strategy, and risk management.
• Designed for those interested in business strategy and overall business activity.

Structure:

• Two qualifications:
  • Certificate in Business Accounting
  • Professional Qualification
• Within the Professional Qualification, three levels: Operational, Management, and Strategic.
• A written case study (role simulation) exam at each level.
• Each level includes three pillars:
  • Enterprise (focusing on how the finance function interacts with the rest of the business)
  • Performance (focusing on management accounting and risk management)
  • Financial (focusing on financial accounting, reporting, and strategy)
• In total, 16 exams (four at each level).
• Additionally, CIMA offers the alternative CGMA FLP route. The programme uses an alternative learning and assessment model, meaning students will only have the Case Study exams to complete.

Experience:

• Requires 36 months of relevant work experience.

Recognition:

• Highly valued in corporate and business environments, suitable for roles such as management accountant, business analyst, and finance manager.

Due to the new ICAEW syllabus coming in August 2025, the number of ICAEW exams is changing for students.

Focus:

• Focuses on technical accounting, auditing, and financial management.
• Known for rigorous training and strong emphasis on practical work experience.

Structure:

• Three levels: Certificate, Professional, and Advanced.
• In total, 14 exams.

Experience:

• Requires 450 days of practical work experience.

Recognition:

• Widely regarded in the UK and internationally, ideal for roles in auditing, financial accounting, and consultancy.

Focus:

• Provides a solid foundation in fundamental accounting principles and practices.
• Suitable for those starting their career in accounting.

Structure:

• Three levels: Foundation, Advanced, and Professional.
• In total, 13 assessments (excluding apprenticeship end-point assessments).

Experience:

• No formal work experience is required, but practical skills are developed through assessments.

Recognition:

• Recognised in the UK, often a stepping stone to higher qualifications like ACCA or CIMA.