How to Become a Chartered Accountant

How to Become a Chartered Accountant in 2026: Complete Guide

Becoming a Chartered Accountant is one of the most valuable career investments you can make. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about qualifying as a Chartered Accountant through ACCA, from entry requirements to your first day as a qualified professional.

What Is a Chartered Accountant?

A Chartered Accountant (CA) is a professionally qualified accountant who has met rigorous examination and experience requirements. The designation signifies:

Technical expertise in accounting, finance, and business
Ethical standards upheld through professional codes
Ongoing development via continuing professional development
Global recognition across international markets

Chartered Accountant Routes in the UK

Qualification	Body	Focus
ACCA	Association of Chartered Certified Accountants	Broad, international
ACA	ICAEW	UK-focused, training contracts
CIMA	Chartered Institute of Management Accountants	Management accounting
ICAS	Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland	Scottish focus

This guide focuses on the ACCA route, the most flexible and globally recognized pathway.

The ACCA Pathway to Chartered Accountant

Five Steps Overview

Register with ACCA
Complete exams (13 papers across 3 levels)
Gain experience (3 years practical experience)
Ethics module (online professional ethics module)
Apply for membership (become ACCA member)

Timeline

Route	Typical Duration
Full-time study	2-3 years
Part-time while working	3-5 years
With degree exemptions	2-3 years

Step 1: Entry Requirements and Registration

Minimum Requirements

Standard Entry:

2 A-levels and 3 GCSEs (or equivalent)
Including Maths and English

Foundation Entry (if no A-levels):

3 GCSEs (or equivalent)
Complete 3 foundation exams first

No Degree? No Problem

Unlike some routes, ACCA does not require a university degree. You can start:

Straight from school (age 16+)
Via apprenticeship
As a career changer at any age

See full details: ACCA qualification requirements

Registration Process

Apply online at accaglobal.com
Submit qualification documents
Pay registration fee (~£110)
Receive student membership

Learn how: How to register for ACCA

Step 2: The ACCA Exams

Exam Structure

Applied Knowledge (3 exams)

Paper	Name
BT	Business and Technology
MA	Management Accounting
FA	Financial Accounting

Computer-based, on-demand
Multiple choice format
Study guide

Applied Skills (6 exams)

Paper	Name
LW	Corporate and Business Law
PM	Performance Management
TX	Taxation
FR	Financial Reporting
AA	Audit and Assurance
FM	Financial Management

Computer-based, session-based (March, June, September, December)
Mix of objective and constructed response
3-hour exams

Strategic Professional (4 exams)

Paper	Name
SBL	Strategic Business Leader (compulsory)
SBR	Strategic Business Reporting (compulsory)
+ 2 optional papers from 4 choices

Optional papers:

AFM: Advanced Financial Management
APM: Advanced Performance Management
ATX: Advanced Taxation
AAA: Advanced Audit and Assurance

See our guide: Choosing ACCA optional papers

Exam Costs

Exam Level	Fee Per Paper
Applied Knowledge	~£100
Applied Skills	~£140-180
Strategic Professional	~£260-350
Total (all 13)	~£2,500-3,000

Pass Rates

Current ACCA pass rates:

Level	Average Pass Rate
Applied Knowledge	75-85%
Applied Skills	40-55%
Strategic Professional	30-50%

Exemptions

With relevant qualifications, you may skip papers:

Prior Qualification	Typical Exemptions
Accounting degree	Up to 9 papers
AAT Level 4	Up to 5 papers
Other degrees	0-4 papers

Check your exemptions: ACCA exemptions guide

Step 3: Practical Experience Requirement (PER)

You must demonstrate 3 years of practical experience covering:

9 Performance Objectives

Ethics and professionalism
Stakeholder relationship management
Strategy and innovation
Governance, risk, and control
Leadership and management 6-9. Technical objectives relevant to your role

Where to Gain Experience

Employer Type	Typical Roles
Big 4 firms	Audit, tax, consulting
Mid-tier practices	Varied exposure
Industry	Management accountant, financial analyst
Public sector	Finance officer, auditor
Own business	With approved supervisor

Experience can be gained before, during, or after completing exams.

Detailed guide: ACCA work experience PER guide

Step 4: Ethics and Professional Skills Module

What It Involves

Online module completed during studies
Focus on professional ethics and behavior
Interactive scenarios and reflections
Must be completed before membership

Topics Covered

Integrity and objectivity
Professional behavior
Confidentiality
Ethical dilemmas
Professional skepticism

Learn more: ACCA ethics module guide

Step 5: ACCA Membership

Applying for Membership

Once you have:

✓ Passed all 13 exams (or equivalent with exemptions)
✓ Completed PER requirements
✓ Finished Ethics module

You can apply for full ACCA membership.

What You Receive

ACCA designation (letters after your name)
Practicing certificate eligibility (if pursuing practice)
Global network access
Continuing Professional Development requirements

Ongoing Costs

Fee	Amount (Annual)
Membership subscription	£269 (full member)
Practicing certificate	Additional if applicable

Total Cost to Qualify

Budget Summary

Cost Category	Amount
Registration	£110
Annual subscriptions (student years)	£500-800 total
Exam fees	£2,500-3,000
Study materials	£2,000-5,000
Total (self-study)	£5,000-9,000

With tuition:

Cost Category	Amount
All above	£5,000-9,000
Tuition courses	£3,000-8,000
Total (with tuition)	£8,000-17,000

Compare to: University degree costs £50,000+

Employer Sponsorship

Many employers pay:

Exam fees
Study materials
Tuition fees
Study leave

Check Big 4 sponsorship options.

Career Prospects After Qualifying

Starting Salaries (UK)

Sector	Newly Qualified Salary
Big 4	£45,000-55,000
Industry (large company)	£42,000-55,000
Practice (mid-tier)	£38,000-48,000
Public sector	£35,000-45,000

Career Progression

Years Post-Qualification	Typical Role	Salary Range
0-2	Senior Accountant	£45,000-60,000
3-5	Manager	£55,000-75,000
5-8	Senior Manager	£70,000-100,000
8-12	Director/FC	£90,000-140,000
12+	CFO/Partner	£120,000-500,000+

Full details: ACCA salary guide

Career Path Options

Chartered Accountants can pursue:

CFO and finance leadership
Audit partner
Tax specialist
Management consultant
Risk and compliance
Forensic accountant
Entrepreneur

Success Factors

What Makes Candidates Successful

Factor	Impact
Consistent study routine	High
Quality practice questions	Very High
Exam technique	High
Practical experience	High
Professional network	Medium

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Underestimating exam difficulty
Insufficient question practice
Leaving PER until after exams
Neglecting ethics module
Poor time management in exams

Getting Started Today

Week 1 Actions

Check entry requirements
Research employers/apprenticeships if applicable
Register for ACCA online
Choose study approach (self-study vs tuition)

Month 1 Actions

Secure study materials
Create study plan
Join ACCA student community
Book first exam session

Year 1 Goals

Complete Applied Knowledge papers
Start Applied Skills papers
Begin practical experience log
Start ethics module

Conclusion

Becoming a Chartered Accountant through ACCA is a structured, achievable goal. With 13 exams spread across 3 levels, practical experience requirements, and an ethics module, the pathway is demanding but well-defined.

The investment, whether of time, money, or effort, pays significant returns. Chartered Accountants enjoy:

Above-average salaries
Strong job security
Global career mobility
Respected professional status
Diverse career options

Whether you're a school leaver, career changer, or looking to formalize your accounting experience, the ACCA route to Chartered Accountant is accessible, flexible, and internationally valuable.

Start your journey today.

Ready to begin? ACCAly's AI tutor helps you prepare for exams, while our practice questions build exam readiness.