The CAT Qualification is suitable for anyone who wants a solid foundation of knowledge in finance and accounting. It will provide you with all the technical skills and knowledge you need to perform an accounting-support role and work at a technician level. No previous academic qualifications are required to study for this qualification. The ability level is broadly equivalent to the first year of a degree programme/HND. The qualification is part of the Foundations in Accountancy suite of awards.
What kind of work can I do with this qualification?
You could work in the following types of roles:
- an accounting role in an small to medium-sized organisation
- a financial reporting, financial support or supervisory role in a larger organisation
- a financial supervisory or management role in accounts payables and/or receivables, or a financial role in fixed-asset accounting or in a financial shared service centre
- an accounting technician role in a commercial organisation.
What's involved?
To achieve the CAT Qualification you will need to register as a student on Foundations in Accountancy and complete:
- nine exams:
Recording Financial Transactions (FA1)
Management Information (MA1)
Maintaining Financial Records (FA2)
Managing Costs and Finances (MA2)
Accountant in Business (FAB)
Management Accounting (FMA)
Financial Accounting (FFA)
plus two of the following:
Foundations in Taxation (FTX)
Foundations in Financial Management (FFM)
Foundations in Audit (FAU) - a professionalism and ethics module called Foundations in Professionalism
- One year's relevant practical experience in any accounting environment to show you can use your knowledge from the exams in the workplace. Experience can be completed before, at the same time or after taking your exams.
You'll be awarded the Introductory Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting when you have completed exams FA1 and MA1; the Intermediate Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting when you have completed exams FA2 and MA2; and the Diploma in Accounting and Business when you have completed exams FAB, FMA and FFA. This is a great way to demonstrate to employers your level of knowledge and capabilities and it motivates you to keep studying. Please note you will receive these awards only when you have also completed Foundations in Professionalism.
How long will it take to complete?
It's up to you as there is no time limit. You can sit most of the exams on demand as computer-based exams or choose to sit paper-based exams in June and December at one of our 380 exam centres around the world. You can complete Foundations in Professionalism before or after the exams. So you could complete the CAT Qualification in one or two years.
Are my English and maths skills good enough to do the qualification?
Check your English and maths skills to see if you're ready to study with ACCA by using our free self-check modules. Just click on the link in the Related links box on the left-hand side of this page.
Can I miss out some exams if I have relevant qualifications?
Yes. Please visit our exemptions page (by clicking on the link in the See also box on the left-hand side of this page) to check what exemptions you may claim based on your previous qualifications. In addition you can use any relevant practical experience you may have to claim exemption from exams FA1, MA1, FA2 and MA2.
Can I go on to do other ACCA qualifications?
We hope you will continue to study with ACCA and progress your career to the next level. After completing your CAT Qualification, you can continue your studies with the ACCA Qualification and work towards becoming a qualified chartered certified accountant.
You will be given exemption from the first three exams of the ACCA Qualification (F1, F2 and F3) and your one year's practical experience can count towards the three years of practical experience needed for the ACCA Qualification. You've made a great start, so why not continue the journey and become a professionally-qualified accountant and an ACCA member?
