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Affiliate information
ACCA Qualification trainees who have passed their exams but have not yet qualified for membership are referred to as affiliates.
Affiliates have the achievement of passing the exams, however are still trainees working towards completing ACCA's practical experience requirements with the goal of qualifying for membership. If you are an affiliate, it is important that you note the following regulations.
Prohibition on practising
As an affiliate, you may not undertake work other than as an employee under the supervision of a Principal falling within ACCA's definition of public practice, even where this is carried out on an honorary basis. To do so is a potential disciplinary matter. You may, however, offer basic bookkeeping services directly to the public, as set out below, provided you do not refer to your affiliate status or potential membership of ACCA:
- payroll services (including PAYE, National Insurance, or equivalent deductions)
- the preparation of management and other accounts for use solely by the client and not a third party.
You are not entitled to apply for a practising certificate or insolvency licences. Each of these requires the completion of specified types and periods of training, including two years' training after admission to full membership. Further information concerning practising certificates can be found on the members' section of the website.
Use of ACCA letters
As an affiliate, you are not entitled to use the designatory letters ‘ACCA’, which are reserved solely for those who have been admitted to membership, having achieved the required practical experience, in addition to their exam success.
You may refer to yourself as having ACCA affiliate status but may not use the designatory letters after your name or refer to yourself as an ACCA member in any context. Affiliates who do so may be liable to disciplinary action.
This is important to safeguard the reputation of ACCA and its members.