Accounting qualifications at a glance
Professional
ACCA Qualification
Entry requirementsThree GCSEs and two A Levels in five separate subjects including maths and English or their local equivalent.
| Work experience | Three years. |
|---|---|
| Number of exams | Up to 14, depending on exemptions. |
| How long does it take? | Three to four years, on average. |
| What else is involved? | A professional ethics module. |
Entry level
Foundations in Accountancy and the CAT Qualification
Entry requirementsNone, it is open access and trainees can start at any level.
Do you have any employees who are starting their careers in accounting and finance? Or already working in finance but have no formal qualifications? Then they can take any or all of our entry-level qualifications, referred to as Foundations in Accountancy.
Specialist
Certificate in International Financial Reporting (CertIFR)
Entry requirementsNo formal qualifications are required. Designed for professional accountants and auditors qualified in national accounting standards. Those with experience but no formal qualifications in accounting and auditing can also register.
| Work experience | None involved in qualifying, but the qualification is designed to accompany relevant work. |
|---|---|
| Number of exams | One online multiple-choice assessment. |
| How long does it take? | Average of 20 hours. |
Specialist
Diploma in International Financial Reporting (DipIFR)
Entry requirementsProfessional accountants and auditors working in practice and industry and qualified in national accounting standards are eligible to take the qualification.
Practitioners not yet qualified, but who can verify the following, are also eligible:
- A relevant degree plus two years' work experience.
- Three years' work experience.
- ACCA affiliate status.
- ACCA Certificate in International Financial Reporting plus two years' work experience.
| Work experience | None involved in qualifying, but the qualification is designed to accompany relevant work. |
|---|---|
| Number of exams | One written exam. |
| How long does it take? | Three to six months. |
Specialist
Certificate in International Auditing (CertIA)
Entry requirementsNo formal qualifications are required. Designed for professional accountants and auditors who are qualified in national accounting standards. Those with experience but no formal qualifications in accounting and auditing can also register.
| Work experience | None involved in qualifying, but the qualification is designed to accompany relevant work. |
|---|---|
| Number of exams | One online multiple-choice assessment. |
| How long does it take? | Average of 25 hours. |
Post membership
Global MBA
Entry requirementsACCA member or a minimum of three years’ professional/managerial work experience.
| Work experience | None involved in qualifying, but three years' professional/managerial work experience is required for entry. |
|---|---|
| Number of exams | Assignment-based and two exams. |
| How long does it take? | If an ACCA member, as little as 21 months. |
| What else is involved? | Two face-to-face workshops. |