Get started today with a free trial
Free course trials
Study where you want, when you want, online. Only available with AAT, ACCA, CIMA.
5 day free trial chevron_right
Face to face learning, at a centre convenient to you.
Scheduled online learning.
Study when it's convenient to you, wherever you are.
local_offer 20% off AAT and CIMA OnDemand and Distance Learning courses. Use code SUMMER20 Learn more chevron_right
The ACA qualification will give you the skills to become a chartered accountant, opening the doors to a rewarding and successful career path.
By choosing Kaplan, you can be confident that you will receive all the expert teaching, support and materials to unlock the door to a long and successful career.
8/10 UK’s top accountancy firms use Kaplan.
We’ve trained over 10,000 ACA learners in the past 5 years
We offer flexible, tailored and highly rated apprenticeship programmes
Average duration
3 years
Average salary*
£57,000
ACA members worldwide
208,000
During the ACA qualification, you'll gain comprehensive knowledge in accounting, finance, and business, learning key areas such as audit, law, taxation, financial reporting, and strategic management. The practical experience will complement in-depth theoretical and professional ethics modules, preparing you for a dynamic career in accountancy.
Securing your ACA qualification paves the way to senior positions, predominantly within UK public practice and with major accounting firms. You'll be equipped for a range of positions, including chartered accountant, financial analyst, auditor, and various leadership opportunities, capitalising on your specialised knowledge and professional competencies.
*Statistics are taken from https://careers.icaew.com and https://www.icaew.com/about-icaew. Valid as of January 2025.
However you choose to study towards your ACA designation, the qualification is split into Certificate, Professional and Advanced. You'll also need to have 450 practical work experience days. If you have an accountancy or finance degree, or are AAT qualified you may be able to apply for subject credits. You can check your recommended entry point with the ICAEW’s CPL guidance.
You can choose from three different study methods, and mix-and-match throughout your learning, plus take your course and sit your exams as quickly or as slowly as you would like.
You'll be introduced to the essentials of accountancy and finance. You'll learn about double-entry accounting, assurance, business performance and technology, law, and taxation. This level takes around one year to complete.
Go to ACA Certificate
Go to Next Generation ACA Certificate
This level teaches you how to apply technical knowledge to real-life scenarios. You'll deepen your knowledge on financial reporting, audit and assurance, tax compliance, finance management, business strategy, and business planning. This level takes around one year to complete.
Go to ACA Professional
The ACA Advanced Level will give you the skills to understand how accountancy and finance works within businesses. You'll learn about corporate reporting and strategic business management, and take a case study, which tests your overall knowledge. This level takes around one year to complete.
Go to ACA Advanced
Earn while you learn
This route ensures you gain relevant work experience alongside your studies. You will apply your learning within your role, developing core skills and behaviours alongside the knowledge of the ACA qualification. You may be eligible for an apprenticeship through your employer, depending on your circumstances.
Find out more
Two in one
The ACA CTA joint programme lets you achieve two prestigious qualifications in a shorter amount of time - ACA and CTA. You can become a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser with the joint programme.
Our resit course balances exam practice, case study skills development, and analysis of the Advanced Information in order to provide you with a path to success in your resit exam.
Join a live classroom session remotely and interact with your tutors and peers via Zoom. CLS provides you with unmatched flexibility - you’ll have the option to attend the classroom, in person, as and when you want. ACA CLS courses will be available at the Kaplan Norwich centre. Please contact us to make a course booking.
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive:
Subscribe
Kaplan is recognised as an ICAEW Partner in Learning, working with ICAEW in the professional development of learners.