Student - Joining ACCA with a qualification from CIPFA, ICAEW, ICAI or ICAS

You can become an ACCA member by fulfilling one of the following membership routes:

1. Professional qualification

You hold membership by examination of one of these bodies:

• Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)
• Any other professional body or qualification deemed equivalent under the European Union (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) Regulations 2017

2. Character and suitability

You general character and professional suitability align with ACCA’s ethical standards and code of conduct.

And

 

3. Length of membership

You have held the qualifying membership continuously for at least five years.

Or

4. ACCA employment pathway

You have been employed full-time by ACCA for a continuous period of at least one year, and the Secretary of ACCA confirms that ACCA membership will enhance your ability to contribute effectively to our work.

Or

5. Practising certificate from another body

You hold, or are eligible to hold, a practising certificate from one of the bodies listed in section 1. Once admitted, you may describe yourself as an ACCA member.

Or

6. ACCA practising certificate route

You hold, or will be eligible for, an ACCA practising certificate on admission, and meet one of the following business-structure requirements:

• You are, or will be, in partnership (including a limited liability partnership) with an ACCA member, or a director of a firm where another director is an ACCA member, and the firm’s name will include “Chartered Certified Accountants” or “Certified Accountants”.
• You are, or will be, a principal of a firm holding an auditing certificate under ACCA’s Global Practising Regulations 2003.
• You, as an individual, hold or intend to hold a licence to act as an insolvency practitioner under ACCA’s Global Practising Regulations 2003.
• You are, or will be, a principal of a firm with ACCA approved employer status.

Supporting documentation

With your application, you must provide the following documentation for your chosen route:

For sections 1, 2 and 3

• Letter of good standing (issued within the last two months) from your qualifying institute, confirming your current membership status and date of admission.

For section 4

• All documents listed above, plus a letter of recommendation from your Head of Department detailing:
  • How ACCA membership will enhance your ability to represent ACCA in your role.
  • The additional credibility your ACCA membership will bring when engaging with members and prospective members.

For sections 5 and 6

• Copy of your practising certificate from the other body, or eligibility confirmation included in your letter of good standing.

If you have any further questions or need extra support, please use the Contact us option below to get in touch with our team.