How to become a Chartered Accountant (CA) by the graduate entry route
Follow the graduate entry route to becoming an ICAS Chartered Accountant (CA). It’s open to students from a variety of degree disciplines and you’ll earn a competitive salary whilst you train.
Lots of our students come to us to train as CAs directly upon graduating from university.
They’re from a variety of backgrounds because it doesn’t matter what degree you have, and previous experience in accountancy or business isn’t required.
All you need is a university degree that meets the entry requirements, and the ambition to begin a truly extraordinary career.
Find a CA training vacancy that's right for you
What to expect
- takes approximately 3 years
- supported study
- a competitive salary
- detailed workplace experience
- a training vacancy that fits you
Three-years’ supported study
The graduate route to becoming a CA takes around three years. The qualification is rated at the same level as a master’s degree and is organised to cover everything from the essentials to advanced principles of accounting, business and ethics.
We’ll provide support throughout your studies, offering high-quality information, advice and guidance.
Relevant practical experience
To qualify as a CA, you’ll also need to be in a Training Contract of at least 3 years and achieve a minimum of 450 days of relevant practical experience. You’ll gain this by signing a training agreement and working with an ICAS-authorised employer – and earn a competitive salary whilst you learn.
A training vacancy to fit you
The range of available employers varies, from big accountancy firms and large corporations, to government offices, smaller start-ups and local companies, so you’re bound to find a training vacancy that fits you.
What’s required
- various degrees accepted
- international degrees also qualify
- meet the employer’s requirements
- course fees covered
Graduates with non-accountancy degrees
Most CA students hold non-accountancy degrees. With this type of degree, you won’t be eligible for exemptions and will begin with an Ethics module, which will be part of our Fundamentals onboarding course. The remainder of the syllabus is structured over three levels, starting with Knowledge, leading to Skills, and finishing with Integration.
Graduates with ICAS-accredited degrees
If you graduated with an ICAS-accredited degree, you could be eligible for up to six exemptions from the first level of the CA qualification.
Graduates with non-UK degrees
ICAS welcomes international students holding degrees that are equivalent to a UK degree. There’s more information on our International students page.
What’s next?
Apply for an ICAS CA training agreement
The first step to becoming a CA is to apply for a training agreement with an ICAS-authorised employer. Entry requirements vary per employer, and we offer a range of firms to work with, from small local companies to large corporations.
Why should I become a Chartered Accountant?
By training to become an ICAS Chartered Accountant (or CA for short), you’ll be on the fast track to unlock some of the most powerful and rewarding positions in business, accounting and industry, in the UK and internationally.
- Qualify for more than accountancy
- Use the prestigious CA letters after your name
- Unlock international opportunities
- Enjoy competitive salaries and job security
- Join a global business community
- Access ICAS’ unrivalled professional support
Can international students/graduates become a CA?
Yes, but it varies by employer. Students who need a visa to work in the UK, must check with the Authorised Training Office (ATO) to see whether this is possible with their individual employer.
How is the ICAS CA qualification structured?
The ICAS CA is widely viewed as one of the most prestigious accounting qualifications in the world.
The CA syllabus begins with an Ethics module, which will be part of our Fundamentals onboarding course.
The remainder of the syllabus is structured over three levels, starting with Knowledge, leading to Skills, and finishing with Integration.
As illustrated below, the core subjects at the Skills level are supported by four new in-depth electives: Advanced Tax: Data Analytics; Innovation for Growth and Transformation; and Sustainability for Accountants.
Assessment is by examination (UK only) and, in addition, candidates must complete, and have validated, 450-750 days of relevant practical experience.
The qualification is credit rated at Level 11 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and is recognised nationally and internationally as sitting at the level of a Masters degree.
Do I qualify for any exemptions to the CA qualification?
Exemptions may be available from all six papers of the Test of Competence (TC) level, depending on your qualifications and memberships.
Who may be eligible for an exemption?
- graduates with an ICAS-accredited degree
- graduates with some non-ICAS-accredited degrees
- members of ICAEW
- AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting
Where do I apply for a CA training agreement?
Our dedicated job site Becomeaca.org.uk offers an interesting range of firms to work and train with, from small local companies to large corporations.
