Routes to the ACA

Thinking about doing the ACA but not sure where to start?

Whilst a lot of people will go the ‘traditional’ route of joining a firm after doing a degree, that’s not the only way to end up ACA qualified:

We’re going to walk you through three different routes to getting ACA qualified:

Degree route

Most large firms offer graduate programs, where you will join as a degree graduate and enter the ACA program as part of your training. The firm will sponsor you through the ACA. For some graduate schemes you will work alongside your training, whereas with others you will focus on passing the ACA before you start working.

School leavers program

A number of employers offer school leavers programs – where you can start working and tackling the ACA straight out of school (once you have finished your A Levels). There are generally grade requirements (in other words, minimum UCAS points) but for some large firms, they focus more on the application than a UCAS threshold.

The program is often longer than graduate schemes, but you have the benefit of working and being paid the entire time you are learning.

Coming from abroad

Have you passed or are part way through the ACCA? If so, you can apply to the ICAEW for credits towards the ACA exams. All you then need to do is complete any outstanding exams and you will be ACA qualified.