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Next Generation ACA Certificate

The Certificate Level of the ACA qualification will introduce you to the fundamentals of accountancy, tax, finance and business.

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Overview

The ACA Certificate Level is designed to empower you as a learner. We'll help you build confidence and resilience in the workplace while developing your accountancy skills and technical knowledge.

With our learner-centric approach, you'll stay motivated and engaged as you progress towards the globally recognised Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB). You'll also develop effective exam techniques to ensure you perform your best in assessments.

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Average duration

12 months

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Assessments

6 exams

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Kaplan pass rate

Surpasses the global pass rate at all levels

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Award

ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB)

Timetables

View our timetables for scheduled Classroom and Live Online sessions to see when the next one is running.

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Who it’s for

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirements are three GCSEs and two A levels in five separate subjects including maths and English or equivalent qualifications.

If you're a graduate, you may be able to apply for up to eight subject credits. If you’re an AAT student who has completed level 3 and level 4 , you may be able to apply for five subject credits. You can check your recommended entry point using the ICAEW’s CPL guidance.

Learning outcomes from the course

ACA Certificate Level will develop your skills and knowledge, giving you a deeper understanding of accounting, assurance, tax, law, business performance, ethics, sustainability and technology.

This programme equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel in the workplace and sets you on the path to becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

Apprenticeships

You may be eligible for an apprenticeship through your employer, depending on your circumstances.

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It's good to know that you can ask for support if you have any problems.

Katherine Ellis
Katherine Ellis Kaplan ACA learner
ICAEW Annual International Orders of Merit award winner

Course content

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Compulsory

Accounting Fundamentals (AF)

You'll learn how to use double-entry accounting to record transactions, adjust financial records, and prepare non-complex financial statements. You'll be able to spot and correct mistakes in accounting records and financial statements, and identify each component in statements.

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  • Basic accounting principles
  • Financial statements
  • Income and expense recognition
  • Assets, liabilities, and equity
  • Bank reconciliation

Compulsory

Assurance and Risk Fundamentals (ARF)

You’ll learn about the assurance process and the principles of ethics. You’ll be able to explain the nature of internal controls, specify weaknesses, choose the appropriate methods of finding assurance evidence, and understand the importance of ethical and professional behaviour.

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  • Introduction to auditing and assurance
  • Ethical and professional considerations
  • Audit planning and risk assessment
  • Internal control systems
  • Audit evidence
  • Audit procedures
  • Audit reporting
  • Quality control

Compulsory

Business Insight and Performance (BIP)

You'll learn how businesses operate, and how finance helps businesses accomplish their targets. You'll be able to identify business objectives, the purpose of financial information, the role of the accountant, governance management, the impact of business on the economic environment, and key features, benefits, and risks of technologies.

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  • The fundamentals of costing
  • Budgeting
  • Decision-making
  • Business environment
  • Data analysis
  • Technology in business
  • Business ethics and sustainability

Compulsory

Business Law (BL)

You'll learn the principles of English law, and explain contractual agreements, the consequences of negligence, the legal ramifications of incorporation, and insolvency law. You'll learn how to identify criminal activities found by professional accountants, and find areas where the law affects the duties of an accountant.

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  • Introduction to law
  • Contract law
  • Employment law
  • Company law
  • Business organisations
  • Regulatory framework
  • Legal ethics and professional responsibility

Compulsory

Sustainability and Ethics (SE)

You'll be able to define sustainability, understand key sustainability concepts and challenges, and recognise situations where these concepts apply to the role and work of the professional accountant. You will be able to recognise the importance of public trust in the accountancy profession and understand the professional skills used by a professional accountant to uphold it as well as the ethical issues arising from the development and use of technology.

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  • Key sustainability concepts and challenges
  • The three pillars of sustainability
  • The impact of regulation, guidance and other forces for change on sustainability
  • The relevant ethical codes
  • Five fundamental ethical principles
  • Principles of data ethics

Compulsory

Tax Fundamentals (TF)

You'll learn about taxation and how to work out income tax, National Insurance contributions, capital gains tax, corporate tax, VAT and stamp taxes. You'll be able to identify ethical issues in performing tax work, and recognise how the UK tax system affects individuals and businesses.

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  • Introduction to taxation
  • Income tax
  • Corporate tax
  • VAT
  • Capital gains tax
  • Stamp taxes

Exams

Next Generation ACA Certificate Level

Computer Based Exams

Our assessment strategy is designed to gradually build your skills and confidence, ensuring you're well-prepared for the six online exams. The Accounting Fundamentals, Tax Fundamentals, and Business Insight and Performance will each have a duration of two hours. The remaining three are 90 minutes long. The pass mark for these exams is 55%. You can take the exams in any order.

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Courses

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OnDemand from £531
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For all other study methods, please complete the enrolment form.

Everything you need to succeed

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The science of learning

We offer dynamic courses based on insights from learning scientists and industry professionals. Our data-driven teaching methods ensure student success and progression.

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Well-being support

Access well-being support through our resource library or speak confidentially with Kaplan's Mental Health First Aiders, safeguarding team, or your tutor and talent coach.

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Academic support

Our team of 50+ finance experts and advisors provide gold-standard personalised academic support 7 days a week. We offer exam strategies, study plans, and proactive resit advice.

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Accessibility

We're committed to an inclusive learning environment, ensuring accessibility and personalised support for all students to succeed.

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Course includes

  • ICAEW digital materials

    Accessed via the ICAEW Bookshelf where you can view, annotate, and highlight key passages.

  • Kaplan workbook

    Kaplan-produced workbook that brings out key areas of the syllabus, integrates with online content and provides question practice.

  • eLearning modules

    Interactive modules that teach the whole syllabus.

  • Marked mock exams and lots of additional practice questions

    Ensure you’re exam ready with our preparation materials. Mocks are strategically positioned to provide space for feedback, reflection and adjustment.

  • Personalised online study space

    MyKaplan is your online learning portal that allows you to access your course content, contact your tutors, and take part in discussion forums. Learn More

Study methods

Get everything you need to succeed, along with tailored features depending on which study method you choose.

Feature

Classroom
from £540.00

Live Online
from £513.60

OnDemand
from £486.00

Free trial
Live, tutor-led classes at set times
Re-watch your lessons
Learn face-to-face with tutors
Speak face-to-face with other students
Engage online with students on the same course
Study at your own pace

Ways to pay

Pay for your course using a debit card, credit card, or PayPal. We also offer alternative payment methods to suit your needs.

Invoice your employer

Your employer may fund the costs of your studies if you're already working in a related field and want to develop your learning.

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PayPal Pay in 3

A buy now, pay later service that splits your purchase into three equal interest-free payments. Offering a flexible way to spread the cost.

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Become a Kaplan client

If you're looking to train your staff and upskill your organisation, you can register as a Kaplan client.

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Related ACA courses

Kaplan is recognised as an ICAEW Partner in Learning, working with ICAEW in the professional development of learners.

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