ICAEW updates accountancy qualification for next-generation students

The aim is to build technical study and workplace learning closer together.

Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW) has announced that it is updating its Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualifications starting September 2025

From September 2025, students will study a qualification that brings technical study and workplace learning closer together than ever before, building further on the ACA’s established strengths.

The ICAEW said the new ACA will comprise three core components. These are business, finance and accountancy modules; professional work experience; and a new specialised learning and development programme.

The learning and development programme will aim to deepen students’ competence in ethics, technology and sustainability to reflect the ever-changing world and workplace, through integration with professional work experience; adapt quickly to future changes in the workplace and profession; enhance students’ specialised workplace knowledge and skills through a wide range of flexible learning resources; and provide students with enhanced support through a comprehensively redesigned learning journey.

The exam component will consist of 14 integrated modules, compared to the current 15, including two additional case study papers to help students bridge to the professional and advanced levels. Alongside their professional experience, students will also complete 30 units from a flexible range of online learning modules as part of specialised learning and development, designed for early career upskilling and specialisation.

All existing students will be able to complete the ACA through either the current or updated qualification, and there will be no requirement to sit extra exams. ICAEW is already working with education providers and employers to support students during the transition period.