How to apply for exemptions from the ICAS Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification
ICAS offers exemptions from courses and assessments for the initial, Knowledge, stage of the Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification.
You may qualify for exemptions from all five papers at the Knowledge the CA qualification. However, exemptions are not available from work experience or the following course sections:
- Skills
- Integration
Who is eligible and how to apply for exemptions from the ICAS Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification?
- Graduates with degrees accredited by ICAS
- ICAEW student members
- AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting
- Graduates with degrees that are not accredited by ICAS
To be eligible, your degree, ICAEW modules, AAT Diploma must have been completed within the last three years.
Apply for an ICAS-accredited-degree exemption
You can apply using the accredited-degree exemption form on the Exemption Portal via Advantage. Module requirements can be found on the accredited qualifications and universities degrees list.
Students applying for exemptions must have competed their undergraduate degree or qualification within the last three years.
Apply for a non-ICAS-accredited-degree exemption
If your degree is not in the accredited qualification and degree list, you may still be eligible for a non-accredited-degree exemption. You will need to apply for exemptions using the form and uploading onto the Exemption Portal.
Students applying for exemptions must have competed their undergraduate degree within the last three years.
Apply for an ICAEW member exemption
ICAEW student members who have selected and passed the relevant modules can apply for exemption from five Knowledge courses and assessments. You can apply using the Exemption Portal.
The modules must have been completed within the last three years. Module requirements can be found on the accredited qualifications and universities degrees list.
Apply for an AAT diploma holder exemption
Students who have sat and passed the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting under the syllabus launched in September 2022, may be eligible for exemptions from certain Knowledge courses, depending on the optional AAT units chosen.
The modules must have been completed within the last three years. Module requirements can be found on the accredited qualifications and universities degrees list.
How do I apply?
Submit an online application using the Exemption Portal
To apply for an exemption, you must submit a completed application form, together with supporting documentation through the Exemption Portal. The application form you are required to submit depends on which type of exemption you qualify for.
Please note that exemption applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Exemption applications must be received before the start of classes, any received beyond this date will be declined.
Include your supporting documentation
Each exemption form details the supporting documentation and the minimum grades required. As part of the application, you will be required to upload an academic transcript detailing the modules you sat and the marks you were awarded.
For non-accredited degree exemption applications, you must also provide course documentation such as module descriptors that contain module outlines; syllabus; structure; assessment methods; and learning outcomes to clearly demonstrate how your degree has covered all the syllabus requirements.
This evidence will be used to support your application; if this evidence is not provided or is insufficiently detailed, it could lead to you not being awarded an exemption.
All applications will be handled through the Exemption Portal, and the status of your application can also be reviewed here.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about exemptions
Have any questions about exemptions?
Please contact students@icas.com
