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
- achieve 450 days of real practical experience at a pace that works for you and your training contract employer
- earn while you learn
- no student debt
- an extraordinary career in business and beyond
Follow the school-leaver route to an extraordinary career
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
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.
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.
What are the other routes to becoming a Chartered Accountant?
There are various ways to become an ICAS Chartered Accountant (CA), with options for school leavers, graduates, professionals and apprentices: