Intake
Available on Demand
Registration Status
Open
Get Started
Apply Now

Program Overview


The ACA qualification, awarded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), is one of the most prestigious accounting credentials globally. It is trusted by over 5,000 employers, including many top global firms and 84 of the FTSE 100 companies. According to ICAEW, the qualification equips professionals with in-demand skills in finance, business strategy, and ethics, preparing them to lead across sectors and industries worldwide.

In terms of earning potential, the ACA offers strong long-term career value. As of the latest data, newly qualified ICAEW Chartered Accountants (0–2 years’ experience) earn an average salary of £55,000. The global average salary across all ACA-qualified members is £107,000, while those working in industry roles command an average of £132,000 annually. These figures highlight the ACA’s impact—not only as a benchmark of excellence, but also as a powerful accelerator of professional growth and financial success.

Download the Program Prospectus

Course Exemptions


ICAEW allows candidates with relevant academic or professional qualifications to gain Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) – exemptions from select ACA modules up to Certificate or Professional Level. Eligibility depends on meeting these criteria:

  • Your qualification must be accounting or business-related, with modules covering at least 50% written exam content.
  • Degrees must be completed within the last 5 years, and you must have achieved a minimum 50% mark in relevant modules.
  • Exemptions cannot be claimed for the modules already attempted.

Application Process & Fees

  • Register as an ACA student, then apply for CPL before attempting the exam for that module.
  • Submit via the online CPL directory, or manually if your qualification isn’t listed, include transcripts, certificates, and module syllabi/exam examples if required.
  • Fees apply per module: £90 for Certificate Level and £125 for Professional Level.
  • Processing time: up to 14 business days from when requested documents are received.
  • Note: No refunds if your application is unsuccessful.

Additional Guidance

  • Professional qualifications (e.g. ACCA, CIMA) may be qualified, especially under CPA reciprocal agreements—and may include exemptions or fee waivers.
  • It’s essential to check the CPL directory regularly and confirm your employer’s support before applying.
  • If your qualification isn’t listed, you’ll need to provide exam details and syllabus evidence.
  • For any further support, email [email protected].

Exam


The ACA qualification consists of 15 computer-based exams grouped across three levels, each designed to build technical knowledge, professional judgment, and strategic insight:

  1. Certificate Level
  • Six papers, 1.5 hours each, 55% pass mark
  • Format: Multiple-choice, multi-part MCQ, or scenario-based questions (e.g., Accounting includes 24 MCQs + 1 scenario)
  • Available any time of year, remotely or in-centre; results returned within 24 hours.

2. Professional Level

  • Six papers testing application of technical knowledge
    • Papers include: Financial Accounting & Reporting – UK GAAP or IFRS (3 hrs), Audit & Assurance (2.5 hrs), Tax Compliance (2.5 hrs), Management, Business Strategy & Technology (2.5 hrs), Financial Management (2.5 hrs), and Business Planning options.
  • Each exam has a 55% pass mark, and is 2.5 hours long, except for the Financial Accounting and Reporting exam which is 3 hours long. Each exam can be taken in March, June, September, and December except for the Business Planning alternative exams for Banking and Insurance which are only available at the June, September, and December sessions.

3. Advanced Level

  • Two papers: Corporate Reporting & Strategic Business Management (each 3.5 hrs; Case Study (4 hrs). All have a pass mark of 50%.
  • Format: Fully open book, designed to simulate real-world scenarios.
  • Offered in July and November; Case Study must be taken last.

Become a Member


The ACA qualification, awarded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), is your pathway to becoming a globally respected Chartered Accountant. Here’s how you can earn the ACA designation and ICAEW membership:

  1. Complete the ACA Qualification
  • Register as an ICAEW student, either through a training agreement with an ATE employer or as an independent student, submitting your qualifications for entry.
  • Pass all 15 ACA exams across Certificate, Professional, and Advanced levels, culminating in the Strategic Case Study.
  • Fulfill 3–5 years of structured practical experience under supervision, including ethics and professional development.
  1. Apply for Membership
  • Meet ICAEW’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements throughout your training and submit your completed training file once exams and practical experience are complete. Processing typically takes up to 12 weeks.
  • Upon approval, you will be designated Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA or ACMA) and granted ICAEW membership.
  1. Advance to Fellowship (FCA)
  • After 10 years of continuous ICAEW associate membership and adherence to CPD and regulatory standards, you’re eligible to apply for Fellowship (FCA) at no additional fee

Fast-Track Your Future with Mercury

At Mercury, we equip you with the knowledge and structure to succeed in your ACA journey. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to leverage prior qualifications for exemptions, our team will guide you every step of the way.