Your current browser is not capable of using this site without JavaScript. Please use an updated browser or enable JavaScript to continue.
Exam modules
More information on what you will study during each of the 15 ACA qualification modules.
Certificate level
Accounting
In this module you will learn about:
maintaining financial records;
making adjustments to accounting records and financial statements;
preparing financial statements; and
professional ethics.
Assurance
In this module you will learn about:
the concept, process and need for assurance;
internal controls;
gathering evidence on assurance engagement; and
professional ethics.
Business, Technology and Finance
In this module you will learn about:
business objectives and functions;
business and organisational structures;
the role of finance and the accountancy profession;
the external environment; and
professional ethics.
Law
In this module you will learn about:
the impact of civil and criminal law on business and professional services;
company and insolvency law;
the impact of law in the professional context; and
professional ethics.
Management Information
In this module you will learn about:
costing and pricing;
budgeting and forecasting;
performance management;
management decision making; and
professional ethics.
Principles of Taxation
In this module you will learn about:
the different objectives and types of tax;
the ethics and administration of taxation;
income tax and national insurance contributions;
capital gains tax and chargeable gains for companies;
corporate tax and VAT; and
professional ethics.
ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (ICAEW CFAB)
The Certificate level of the ACA also make up an independent qualification, ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business. This can be completed independently of the ACA.
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.
The six exams can be completed in any order and are assessed via computer-based assessment at a local exam-centres.
ICAEW CFAB can be achieved in 12 months. Upon completion, you will receive your ICAEW CFAB qualification certificate and you can choose to carry on and complete the ACA.
legal and other professional regulations, ethics and current issues;
accepting, planning and managing engagements;
concluding and reporting on engagements; and
professional ethics.
Business Strategy and Technology
In this module you will learn about:
strategic analysis;
strategic choice;
the implementation and monitoring of strategy; and
professional ethics.
Financial Management
In this module you will learn about:
financing options;
managing financial risk;
investment decisions and valuations; and
professional ethics.
Financial Accounting and Reporting
In this module you will learn about:
accounting and reporting concepts and ethics;
single entity financial statements;
consolidated financial statements; and
professional ethics.
Tax Compliance
In this module you will learn about:
indirect taxes;
capital taxes;
corporation tax;
income tax and national insurance contributions; and
professional ethics and law.
Business Planning
There are three Business Planning module options: Banking, Insurance or Taxation. ACA students are given guidance from their employer which of the three they should study.
Business Planning: Banking
In this option you will learn about:
financial services products;
risk management;
financial and regulatory reporting for banks;
the audit and assurance of banks; and
professional ethics.
Business Planning: Insurance
In this option you will learn about:
insurance products;
risk management;
financial and regulatory reporting for insurance companies;
the audit and assurance of insurance companies; and
professional ethics.
Business Planning: Taxation
In this option you will learn about:
the taxation of corporate entities;
taxation of owner-managed businesses;
personal taxation; and
professional ethics and law.
Advanced level
Corporate Reporting
This module covers:
applying technical and analytical techniques to resolve compliance and business issues that arise from providing auditing services and preparing and evaluating corporate reports;
applying technical knowledge and professional judgement to determine alternative solutions to corporate reporting issues, considering client and stakeholder needs;
considering commercial impact and ethical issues arising from recommendations on compliance and business issues; and
professional ethics.
Strategic Business Management
This module covers:
demonstrating business and ethical awareness at strategic, operating and transactional levels;
demonstrating quantitative and qualitative skills to solve business problems and make realistic recommendations;
applying technical knowledge, including strategic analysis, risk management, corporate governance, financial management, corporate reporting and assurance;
applying technical knowledge and professional judgement to identify and use appropriate models, analyse data from multiple sources and develop appropriate solutions; and
professional ethics.
Case study
This module must be taken at the end of your studies and relates to how students will be expected to work. It tests professional skills in the context of a specific business issue and your understanding and application of professional ethics. It requires:
the demonstration of knowledge, skills and practical application from multiple areas of the syllabus;
the ability to analyse financial and non-financial information;
the demonstration of professional and ethical judgement; and
the development of conclusions and recommendations;
ICAEW Training Vacancies
ICAEW Training Vacancies is a job board from ICAEW, a professional membership organisation supporting over 147,000 chartered accountants around the world. Our employers advertise their early-career accountancy, finance and business roles for school leavers, university students and graduates who are looking to complete the ACA qualification as part of a training agreement.