The global body for professional accountants

Transferring to ACCA

ACCA and ICAEW

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ICAEW students and members sometimes choose to transfer to ACCA. Whatever your reasons, we provide a supportive framework to help you take the next step and thrive in your accountancy career.

Select the relevant tab for step-by-step transfer guidance, then scroll down to explore key differences between ICAEW and ACCA.
ICAEW to ACCA

If you’ve already completed parts of the ICAEW qualification, you may be eligible for exemptions from certain ACCA exams. However, exemptions are not automatic and vary depending on what specific ICEAW exams you've passed and when you completed them.

To switch, you’ll need to:

  • Check how many exam exemptions you're eligible for. Use our exemptions calculator to see which exams you might be exempt from.
  • Register with us Once registered, you'll have access to the myACCA portal where you can submit exemption requests.
  • Submit your exemption request via the myACCA portal. Select the papers you’d like exemptions for, upload the required documents, and confirm your details before submitting your application.
  • Start studying with ACCA. Complete any remaining exams, modules, and the practical experience requirement.

We regularly update our exemption policies, so be sure to check the latest ACCA guidance on exemptions before deciding to transfer.

Switching to ACCA may extend your qualification timeline, but it can be worthwhile if your personal circumstances or career goals change, or if a different designation aligns better with your new or preferred role or location.

Did you know?

ACCA has 250,000+ members and 550,000+ students in over 180 countries

We're one of the largest and fastest-growing global accountancy bodies

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Transferring from ICAEW to ACCA

  • ICAEW members with 5+ years of membership: Usually no ACCA exams are required. The transfer is mostly administrative – just pay the membership fees.

  • ICAEW members with less than 5 years: You may need to sit some ACCA exams, depending on your ICAEW papers and exemptions. You’ll also need to meet ACCA’s Practical Experience Requirement (PER) and pay membership fees.

Tip: Submit your ICAEW transcripts for a full exemption assessment – ACCA evaluates each case individually.

How to switch from ICAEW to ACCA

Check eligibility

  • You must be a fully qualified ICAEW member with an active and good-standing membership.

Gather required documents

  • ICAEW membership certificate or proof of qualification.
  • Records of your professional experience and achievements

Apply for ACCA membership

ACCA review

ACCA will review your application and may then:

  • grant full exemptions from all ACCA exams if eligible.
  • request additional documentation to verify your experience, if needed.
  • advise you on any ACCA exams, modules, or requirements if direct admission criteria are not fully met.

Pay membership fees (if eligible for direct admission)

  • One-time membership admission fee.
  • Annual subscription for ACCA members.
  • Depending on your role, sector, or jurisdiction, you may also need a practising certificate or other licenses, which could involve additional fees.

Confirmation of membership

Once fees are paid and your application is approved, ACCA will confirm your membership. You can then use the ACCA designation after your name and enjoy full rights and access to ACCA resources worldwide.

Alert

This route to ACCA membership is for membership only and does not automatically convey practice rights.

Certain additional requirements need to be met before you can obtain a practising certificate for general public practice or audit work from ACCA. 

Differences between ACCA and ICAEW

ACCA

More than half a million students across the world have chosen ACCA as their launchpad into a huge variety of accounting and business careers. Our inclusive approach means we have flexible pathways for graduates and non-graduates alike. With quarter of a million members across 180 countries, we’re the only truly global accountancy body. Our members and students work in every sector – from financial services and tech to sport and entertainment to the public sector and beyond. Many rise to leadership positions like CFO and CEO, while others make their mark in areas like audit, consultancy, sustainability and analytics. And because the ACCA Qualification is respected by employers everywhere, many of our members have forged successful international careers.

ICAEW

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales has 172,000  members and 38,000 students. More than 80% of its membership is in the UK. The most established route to attaining its ACA Qualification is through a training contract with an employer following the completion of an undergraduate degree, but other routes are available.

Sources

Why ACCA?

For tomorrow’s finance leaders. Fuelling innovation, skills, and impact in a rapidly changing world.

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ACCA creates qualifications for ambitious, future-focused finance professionals who want to lead, innovate, and shape tomorrow’s business world. Blending technical mastery with digital skills, ethical insight, and sustainability know-how, ACCA equips members to tackle automation, data analytics, and global challenges head-on – turning every opportunity into a chance to drive change and redefine the future of finance.

FAQs

ACCA accepts:

ICAEW generally requires:

  • A university degree (2:1 preferred)
  • A training contract with an authorised employer
  • School leaver and apprenticeship routes are available too

*The ACCA Qualification is changing in 2027. Both ACCA and ICAEW regularly update their qualifications. Check their official Qualification pages for the most up-to-date information.

While both qualifications are similar in that they currently have three levels and offer on-demand exams for the earlier stages, a key difference lies in how they are typically studied. ICAEW is most commonly pursued alongside a training contract, meaning exams are usually scheduled well in advance and form part of a structured study plan. In contrast, ACCA students more often study without a training contract, giving them greater flexibility in deciding when to sit exams. 

*The ACCA Qualification is changing in 2027. Both ACCA and ICAEW regularly update their qualifications. Check their official Qualification pages for the most up-to-date information.

The ACCA Qualification offers a high level of flexibility, allowing students to progress at their own pace and select exam dates that align with their schedules. This makes it especially suitable for individuals balancing their studies with full-time work, as well as those pursuing full-time education.

In contrast, the ICAEW ACA Qualification is typically completed through a full-time training contract that combines work and study.

*The ACCA Qualification is changing in 2027. Both ACCA and ICAEW regularly update their qualifications. Check their official Qualification pages for the most up-to-date information.

Standout features of ACCA

  1. 01 Global portability

    The ACCA Qualification is one of the most globally recognised finance qualifications, giving you the flexibility to work across industries and countries.

  2. 02 Flexible learning

    Study full-time, part-time, online, or blended – with multiple exam sittings each year. ACCA lets you learn your way, around work, family, and life.

  3. 03 Unlocks careers in audit

    The ACCA Qualification allows you to work in audit and other regulated sectors, opening doors to roles that some other qualifications may not.

  4. 04 Opens doors to diverse roles

    The ACCA Qualification prepares you for diverse career opportunities in almost every sector – from analyst and strategist to CFO, entrepreneur, and beyond.

Why I chose ACCA

I chose ACCA because of its global recognition and internationally relevant curriculum, which I knew would equip me with the skills to excel in a rapidly evolving finance industry.

Efi Philippou

Financial Strategist, ACCA

See where ACCA can take you

Join a global network of over 250,000 ACCA members – professionals shaping the future of finance in every sector and region. With ACCA, you’ll unlock thousands of exciting opportunities worldwide. Discover how ACCA members are driving success with some of the world’s most recognisable brands.

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Ready to begin your career journey with ACCA?

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