The ACCA Qualification opens doors to a wide range of roles – all around the world. We’re constantly evolving to give our students and members the best opportunities to grow and succeed.
If you’re considering a career in accountancy, you may also be looking at other qualifications. In the UK, that often means weighing up ACCA against ICAEW. While we firmly believe ACCA provides the greatest opportunities, comparing your options side by side can make it easier to decide what’s right for you.
| ACCA | ICAEW | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification name/designation | ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) | ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) |
| Study flexibility | Flexible and structured pathways are available | Typically via structured training contract |
| Entry routes | Open to school leavers, graduates, and professionals | Primarily graduates, but school-leaver routes exist |
| Number of exams* | Up to 13*, depending on your starting point** | Up to 15*, depending on your starting point** |
| Practical experience | 36 months (flexible employer options)** | 450 days with an ICAEW-authorised employer** |
| Funding | Employer and self-funded | Employer and self-funded |
*The numbers provided reflect the requirements of each qualification without exemptions. If you are granted exemptions, you may be required to complete more or fewer examinations with ACCA than with ICAEW.
**Both ICAEW and ACCA regularly update their qualifications. If you’re reading this article after August 2025, some information may be out of date. Please check the qualification pages on both ACCA and ICAEW websites for the most accurate information.
While both qualifications are similar in that they 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. Although booking ACCA exams in advance is recommended – both for cost savings and effective planning – students generally have the freedom to choose their own timeline based on personal readiness.
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, making it less flexible and therefore, often less suitable for full-time workers and/or independent learners.
*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.
Choose ACCA to supercharge your career. Build technical, strategic, and ethical expertise, qualify to work in audit, and unlock opportunities across top firms and industries worldwide.
With ACCA, the possibilities for your career are limitless.
Yes, switching between ACCA and ICAEW is possible, but it requires careful planning.
If you’ve already started or completed part of one qualification, you may be eligible for exemptions from certain exams based on your academic background or professional progress. However, exemptions are not automatic and vary depending on factors like your degree, the exams you've passed, and when you completed them.
To switch, you’ll need to:
Each body regularly updates its exemption policies, so it's essential to consult the latest guidance from ACCA or ICAEW before making a decision.
Switching may extend your qualification timeline, but it can be worthwhile if your career goals change or if a different designation aligns better with your current role or location.
