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ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (ICAEW CFAB)

ICAEW CFAB is the global qualification for business-minded people. Internationally recognised and respected by employers around the world, the course content makes it ideal for those interested in or working in business. You will learn skills that will be useful throughout your working life and the qualification can also be the first step onto a career as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

Why study ICAEW CFAB?

  1. Stand alone qualification

    Can help you get a job, promotion or increase the scope of roles you can apply for

  2. Entry route to the ACA

    Get a head start on your peers and increase your appeal to prospective employers

  3. Flexible study options

    Complete the exams in any order when it suits you

  4. Key business skills

    Learn valuable skills that are transferable to any sector or if you want to start your own business

  5. No formal qualifications

    No academic qualifications needed to start

  6. Stepping stone to BFP

    Gain professional status with the ICAEW Business and Finance Professional designation and add the BFP letters to your name

At a glance

  • Key

    Entry requirements

    No formal academic qualifications needed

  • Calendar

    Achievable in 12 months

  • £197

    Registration fee

    + VAT where applicable

  • £37

    Learning materials

    per subject

  • Prices vary

    Tuition fees

    Prices vary according to tuition provider and chosen study option

  • £80

    Exam fees

    per exam attempt


Study options

  • Clock

    Classroom

  • Desktop

    Online

  • Notebook

    Self-study

What is ICAEW CFAB?

ICAEW CFAB is a qualification that teaches essential knowledge in finance, accounting and business, and it is recognised by organisations all over the world. It is open to everyone and it is flexible around your current schedule. The exams can be taken in any order at many exam centres around the world.

Upon completion, you will receive your ICAEW CFAB qualification certificate. It will give you an impressive-looking CV and show employers you have the job-essential skills they are looking for. It can help increase the roles you can apply for. It also provides skills that are invaluable for any start-up business.

If you have previously or are currently studying a relevant qualification you could be eligible for exam exemptions for up to five of the ICAEW CFAB exams. This means you may not have to sit all of the exams to gain the qualification.

ICAEW CFAB is also a stepping stone to the ICAEW Business and Finance Professional (BFP) designation.

If you are at university, anywhere in the world, you can gain access to ICAEW CFAB for £20. You can do so by choosing ICAEW Student Scheme (USS) at the point of your student registration at icaew.com/studentregistration

How is ICAEW CFAB structured?

ICAEW CFAB consists of six modules. Each one focuses on a key aspect of finance, business or accounting, giving you practical insights and knowledge that will help you in your career.

The six exams which are the first six modules of the ACA qualification cover:

  • Accounting
  • Assurance
  • Business and Finance
  • Law
  • Management Information
  • Principles of Taxation

The exams are computer based and taken at one of our approved test centres. This means that you can take your exams at any time of the year (subject to centre availability). As you pass each module, ICAEW will send you a certificate of achievement. Once you have completed all six modules, you will receive your final ICAEW CFAB qualification certificate.

What can I do next?

After completing ICAEW CFAB you have a number of options available to you. You can complete additional requirements to secure ICAEW Business and Finance Professional (BFP) status.

You can also register to study the ACA and complete the remaining nine ACA exams and additional requirements to qualify as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

What can I do next?

By completing ICAEW CFAB you will have gained essential business and finance knowledge, and an internationally recognised qualification - an invaluable asset to your career. If you would like to develop further, you can continue your journey and gain professional status as a BFP or an ACA.

Become a BFP

The ICAEW Business and Finance Professional (BFP) designation provides you with professional status, recognises your achievements and supports you with your development as you progress in your career.

By adding the BFP letters to your name, you demonstrate your ability to stay up to date in your profession, and show a strong understanding of ethics and a commitment to professional development.

Find out more about BFP

Become a chartered accountant

After ICAEW CFAB, you can register to study the ACA, a prestigious qualification that will take you all the way to chartered accountancy, opening up a huge number of potential career paths.

As you will have already completed the Certificate level of the ACA, you will only need to complete the remaining nine ACA exams and additional requirements to qualify as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

Find your route

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