If you are based in UAE you can qualify as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant whether you are a school-leaver, a graduate, a member or affiliate of another professional body (such as ACCA, ICAI, ICAP). Many students start their journey by studying the ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (ICAEW CFAB), before going on to complete the ACA qualification.
Register as a studentICAEW is the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Founded in 1880, we support more than 150,000 ICAEW Chartered Accountants in 155 countries. Our members have successfully completed our qualification, the ACA.
The ACA equips you with in-depth knowledge across finance, accountancy and business and is recognised by employers around the world. Our members hold influential positions across the globe.
ICAEW CFAB is a globally-recognised qualification in finance, accounting and business. It is open to everyone and can be studied independently or via a tuition provider.
It is formed of six exam modules covering topics including assurance, law and tax. The exams can be completed in any order and are assessed via computer-based assessment at a local exam-centres. As you pass each module, ICAEW will send you a certificate of achievement.
ICAEW CFAB can be achieved in 12 months. Upon completion, you will receive your ICAEW CFAB qualification certificate.
The six exam modules which form ICAEW CFAB are also the Certificate Level exams of the ACA qualification.
After completing ICAEW CFAB you can register to study the ACA and complete the remaining nine ACA exams and additional ACA requirements to qualify as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.
There are a number of entry routes to the ACA programme, ICAEW CFAB being a popular choice, and while the minimum academic entry requirement is two A-levels, or the international equivalent, you don’t need a background in business or finance.
* Source: ICAEW salary survey 2015
In the UAE, you can begin your journey to qualifying as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant: from school from university; through the ICAEW Emiratisation Scholarship Scheme (IESS); or as a member of another professional body.
If you have completed ICAEW CFAB you can progress on to the ACA, meaning you have fewer exams to sit as you have already completed the Certificate Level modules.
The ACA consists of four essential elements:
Together, these elements give you the expertise and added-value skills that help define a chartered accountant. You must successfully accomplish all four to complete the ACA qualification and become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.
For information on tuition providers, examination centres, and ICAEW Authorised Training Employers (ATEs) in the UAE please contact Firdous Sait.
If you are a member of another professional body or a university graduate you may be eligible for credits for prior learning that can count towards your ACA.
There are a number of fees associated with completing the ACA and qualifying as a ICAEW Chartered Accountant.
Whether your aim is to become a CEO, CFO, or business founder, the ICAEW ACA qualification can help you achieve your goal. If you’re not ready for the full ACA, you can study for the ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (ICAEW CFAB), a certificate-level qualification which is open to anyone with any background as it has no required academic entry criteria.
As a student there are exemptions available for up to 12 of the 15 ACA exams and these can be claimed by applying for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).
As a member of another professional accountancy body, you may be eligible to join us through one of our reciprocal agreements.
If you want to train for the ACA in another country, you must ensure you are entitled to work in that country. It is your responsibility to understand what work visa you need and how to secure one. ICAEW cannot support you in this process, but your potential employer might be able to offer advice.