How to become a Chartered Accountant (CA) by the school leaver route

Follow the school-leaver route to becoming an ICAS Chartered Accountant (CA) and you’ll bypass university and go directly into paid training.

As an ICAS CA you’ll be qualified for an extraordinary career in business and beyond.

  • Highers and A Levels accepted
  • 5 years training
  • earn while you learn
  • no student debt
  • an extraordinary career in business and beyond

Follow the school-leaver route to an extraordinary career

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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
  • Wear the CA badge of prestige
  • Unlock international opportunities
  • Enjoy competitive salaries and job security
  • Join a global business community
  • Access ICAS’ unrivalled professional support

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 advanced syllabus delivers technical expertise in accounting and finance whilst instilling wider business acumen and an overall commercial awareness. It consists of three levels:

  • Test of Competence
  • Test of Professional Skills
  • Test of Professional Expertise and Business Ethics

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.

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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.

Where can I download the ICAS 'Become a CA' brochure?

Our Become a CA brochure gives you more information on ICAS, why you should become a CA, and all the training steps required to become a CA.

Download the brochure