How to become a Chartered Accountant (CA)

If you are looking for a business career that offers prestige, respect, great prospects and excellent financial rewards, becoming a CA is the perfect place to start.

Chartered Accountants are an extraordinary group of people. Wherever they work, they make a difference. They’re ambitious. They’re talented. They’re in demand.

Studying to become a Chartered Accountant will set you apart and being ‘chartered’ takes you way beyond traditional accountancy and business training.

The CA qualification is a prestigious and internationally respected qualification that will provide you with the knowledge, skills and values you need to be a highly regarded and sought-after business professional.

What is ICAS?

Although our roots are Scottish, ICAS is not just an institute for Scottish CAs. We were the world’s first ever professional accountancy body, established in 1854. Since then we’ve grown into a global community of CAs. Our members work in more than 100 countries and we train CAs in locations all across the UK. With over 21,000 members working in the UK and internationally, we have a truly global reach.

When you qualify as a CA with ICAS, you’ll be in great company and join a global network of like-minded business professionals around world. Throughout your lifetime as a CA, we’re here to support you.

What is the CA qualification?

The CA qualification is exceptional. It’s a prestigious and internationally respected qualification that will provide you with the knowledge, skills and values to be highly regarded and sought-after business professional.

The CA qualification is comprised of professional study and relevant practical experience. To study for the CA qualification, you must meet ICAS' entry requirements for your chosen route.

The qualification is credit rated at Level 11 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) with the qualification sitting at the same level of a Masters degree, and it is recognised nationally and internationally at this level.

Routes to becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA)

To train to become a Chartered Accountant you enter into a training contract with an ICAS authorised employer. This contract is in addition to your terms and conditions of employment and is an agreement between you, ICAS and your employer.

There are different routes to becoming a CA which include:

• Direct entry route for school-leavers 
• Graduate entry route for university graduates
• Professional entry route for experienced finance professionals
• Pathways entry route for Chartered professionals

If you’re studying via the direct or graduate entry route, getting a training contract with one of our ICAS authorised employers is your first step towards becoming a CA.

Where can I train to become a Chartered Accountant (CA)? 

You can become a CA and study the CA qualification anywhere in the UK.

Where you attend classes depends on where your employer is based, or where you are working at the time. We have 11 training centres across the UK and Channel Islands, and no matter where you attend classes, you can rest assured you’ll receive the same high standards of teaching and student support.