Becoming a Chartered Accountant through the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) is a dream for many students around the world. The ACA qualification offered by ICAEW is globally respected and opens doors to top-level accounting and finance careers. If you are an international student and planning to register for ICAEW exams, this guide will help you understand each step in a simple and clear way.
This article is written through human effort and research to provide a clear and reliable guide for students by CA X ACCA
What Is the ICAEW ACA Qualification?
ICAEW’s ACA qualification stands for the Associate Chartered Accountant. It is a professional accountancy qualification recognized across the UK and in many other countries. It includes three levels of exams: Certificate, Professional, and Advanced. You must also complete practical work experience and meet ethics training requirements to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.
Can International Students Register for ICAEW Exams?
Yes, international students from all countries can register for ICAEW exams. However, some steps are different from UK-based students. You will need to apply through an ICAEW-approved tuition provider, confirm your exam centre location, and make sure your documents meet ICAEW’s eligibility standards.
Step-by-Step Registration Process for ICAEW Exams as an International Student
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you register for ICAEW exams from outside the UK.
Step 1 – Check Your Eligibility
Before you begin registration, make sure you meet the basic entry requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have completed high school or an equivalent qualification
- For the ACA qualification, most students apply after completing A-levels, a bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent qualification
- If you already hold a degree in accounting or have exemptions, you can apply for credits
You can also start the ICAEW Certificate Level before university in some cases.
Step 2 – Find an ICAEW Authorised Employer or Tuition Provider
ICAEW exams are designed to be taken along with practical work experience. This means you must register with an ICAEW Authorised Training Employer (ATE) or an ICAEW Partner in Learning (Tuition Provider).
International students often choose tuition providers such as:
- Kaplan
- BPP
- ICAEW Partners in their country
These providers will help guide your exam booking, tuition classes, and registration process.
Step 3 – Create Your ICAEW Account
Visit the official ICAEW student registration portal:
https://my.icaew.com/studentregistration
You must fill out your personal details, contact information, and education background.
Make sure you use:
- Your correct passport name
- A valid and regularly used email address
- An accurate postal address for correspondence
Step 4 – Choose Your ACA Route
There are different ACA routes based on your situation:
- Standard ACA Route (for full-time students or graduates)
- ACA via ICAEW Apprenticeship
- ICAEW CFAB (Certificate in Finance, Accounting, and Business) – this can be a good starting point for international students
You can select the route based on your qualification and career plan.
Step 5 – Submit Proof of Identity and Qualification
You must upload scanned documents:
- Passport copy or national identity card
- Education certificates (like A-levels, O-levels, degree transcript, etc)
- English language certificate (if required)
Make sure all documents are clear and valid.
Step 6 – Pay the Registration Fees
Once your documents are accepted, you will be asked to pay registration fees. These fees vary slightly depending on your country and route. You can usually pay by:
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Bank transfer (in some countries)
You will receive a confirmation email after successful payment.
Step 7 – Get Your ICAEW Student Number
After registration and payment, ICAEW will provide you with a unique student number. You will need this number to:
- Access learning resources
- Book exams
- Track your progress
- Log work experience
Keep this number safe and do not share it with others.
Step 8 – Book Your First Exam
Once registered, you can book your exams directly from the ICAEW website:
https://my.icaew.com/examsonline
Steps to book your exam:
- Log in using your student number
- Choose your exam level (Certificate, Professional, or Advanced)
- Select your exam centre or choose remote invigilation (if available)
- Choose the exam date
- Pay the exam booking fee
Make sure you book the exam at least 5 weeks before the exam date.
Step 9 – Access ICAEW Learning Materials
After your registration is complete and your student number is issued, you will be given access to ICAEW’s official learning resources. These include important tools to help you study properly.
You will get:
- Online study manuals for each subject
- Practice questions and sample tests
- Learning guides and summaries
- Examiners’ feedback reports from previous sessions
- Access to the ICAEW student portal and support services
If you are studying with a tuition provider like BPP or Kaplan, you will also get:
- Live or recorded video lectures
- Teacher support or discussion forums
- Weekly study targets
- Practice exams and progress tests
Make sure you regularly log into the ICAEW learning hub and your tuition provider’s platform. Read the official books carefully and use the practice questions to test yourself. Most students find that solving past questions and mock exams is the best way to prepare.
Step 10 – Prepare for the Exam with a Study Plan
Preparing for ICAEW exams requires consistency, discipline, and a structured routine. A study plan gives you control over your preparation and helps you avoid last-minute stress. It also ensures you cover every topic in enough detail.
Start by calculating how many weeks or months you have until the exam date. Then divide your total available time into smaller sections. Each week should have a fixed study goal. For example, in the first two weeks, you can focus on understanding the first two chapters. In the next two weeks, you can cover chapters three and four with revision.
Make sure your plan includes different types of study activities:
- Reading and understanding topics from the official ICAEW learning material
- Watching or attending tuition provider classes such as BPP or Kaplan
- Making your own short notes for quick revision later
- Solving practice questions and mock exams to check your understanding
- Reviewing examiner’s comments from previous exam sittings
It is also helpful to break your daily study time into smaller sessions. For example, you can study for two hours in the morning, take a break, and then study for another hour in the evening. Do not try to study everything in one go. Short and focused sessions improve memory and reduce fatigue.
A good study plan also includes time for revision. Always keep the last few weeks before the exam for reviewing all the chapters. During revision, focus more on the areas where you are weak. Practice those questions again and again until you feel confident.
If you are working or studying part-time, adjust your study plan based on your routine. Even if you can only study two or three hours a day, regular effort will give you strong results. The key is consistency. Do not skip days and try not to delay topics. If you follow your plan with honesty, you will be fully prepared on the exam day.
Registering for ICAEW exams as an international student is a simple process if you follow the correct steps. Begin by checking your eligibility and finding a tuition provider. Then register through the official ICAEW website, submit your documents, and pay your fees. After that, you can start preparing for your exams with a clear plan.
Success in ICAEW exams comes from consistency, discipline, and strong planning. Use official resources and stay in touch with your tuition provider for help and guidance. Whether you are from Asia, the Middle East, or Africa, the path to becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant is open to you with the right planning and effort.
Questions & their Answers.
1. Can I take ICAEW exams without work experience?
You can begin the exams without experience, but to qualify as a Chartered Accountant, you must complete practical work experience under an ICAEW-authorised employer.
2. How much does it cost for international students to register?
It depends on the country and the exam level. Registration may cost between £180 to £500, depending on exemptions and tuition.
3. Do I need to come to the UK to take ICAEW exams?
No. ICAEW has global exam centres and also offers remote exam options for many subjects.
4. Can I get exemptions from ICAEW if I have an ACCA or CA background?
Yes, you may apply for exemptions. ICAEW will assess your previous qualifications to determine how many papers you can skip.
5. Is ICAEW better than ACCA for international students? CA X ACCA?
Both are strong qualifications. ICAEW is often preferred in the UK and offers a structured training route with employers. ACCA is more flexible and widely accepted globally. It depends on your career goals.
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