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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

ACA Certificate Level will develop your accountancy skills and technical knowledge, so you continue to add value to your company. You’ll achieve a globally-recognised qualification (CFAB), and gain a deeper understanding of accountancy and finance, and how it relates on a wider business scale.

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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, technology, law, management information, and tax. It’s the start of the set of professional skills that ICAEW Chartered Accountants are required to develop during their training.

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 (AC)

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 (AS)

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, Technology, and Finance (BTF)

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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  • Business environment
  • Business organisation and structure
  • Management and leadership
  • Business strategy
  • Technology in business
  • Financial management
  • Risk management
  • Corporate finance
  • Business ethics and sustainability
  • Emerging trends in business and technology

Compulsory

Law (LW)

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
  • Tort law
  • Employment law
  • Company law
  • Business organisations
  • Regulatory framework
  • Legal ethics and professional responsibility

Compulsory

Management Information (MI)

You’ll learn how to prepare financial information related to the management of a business. You’ll be able to specify the costs associated with the production of products and provision of services to determine price, choose suitable budgeting approaches and methods, specify crucial aspects of effective performance management systems, and calculate appropriate data used in management decision-making.

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  • The fundamentals of costing
  • Budgeting
  • Performance management
  • Variance analysis
  • Investment appraisal techniques

Compulsory

Principles of Taxation (PTX)

You’ll learn about taxation and how to work out income tax, National Insurance contributions, capital gains tax, corporate tax, and VAT. 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

Exams

ACA Certificate Level

Computer Based Exams

As part of this level, you will complete six 90-minute online exams. The pass mark for these exams is 55%. You can take the exams in any order.

ICAEW exam software

ICAEW’s exam software has been developed to ensure the ACA reflects modern accountancy practices. This includes:

  • Spreadsheet software that reflects commonly used applications. The spreadsheet contains standard functionality that allows you to make your calculations and adjust them if needed, just as you would in the workplace
  • A word processor that auto-adjusts to the size of the response that you are writing, and allows you to copy in the data from the spreadsheet as part of the report (only the word processing section will get marked)
  • Digital copies of relevant permitted texts such as the tax tables within the exam so that you can easily search for the content that you need.

Courses

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OnDemand from £477.4
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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.

  • 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 £622.60

Live Online
from £563.80

OnDemand
from £477.40

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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