ICAS guidance for study leave

Following a recent ATO briefing, ICAS was asked a question in relation to recommended study leave prior to exams.

We have provided the following update and will also update the CA handbook to reflect the Test of Competence (TC) guidance given below.

Test of Competence study leave

Test of Competence (TC) Students sitting four subjects (FA, AR, PoT and BA) are granted one home study day. For September 2022 intake, this is scheduled for Monday 24 October. For Firms and Students sitting fewer TC subjects, it is at employers' discretion whether this study day is granted.

In addition, each TC subject requires a half day of study leave prior to the exams. For FA, AR, PoT and BA, these half days are already included in the class timetable on 25 and 26 October. It is at the employers' discretion as to how much time is given for Students sitting less than four subjects. ICAS recommends a half day for each subject they are sitting. For Fin and MiT, the half day of study leave is already included in the six days of recommended study leave for each subject.

Test of Professional Skills

Modular

Test of Professional Skills (TPS) Modular Students have ongoing study leave planned from day one of class until exam week. During exam week it is expected that Students will be given the days prior to the exam as study leave and it is mandatory for the day of the exam to be given as study leave.

Block

Test of Professional Skills (TPS) Block students must also receive the day of the examination as study leave. It is also recommended that Students receive two study days prior to the exam for each of AD, BTAX, FINREP and SFM. This guidance does not apply to RT where it is at Firms' discretion whether the time is given for the A2 and A3 RT assessments.

Test of Professional Expertise

Test of Professional Expertise (TPE) and Public Trust & Ethics (PTE) Students must receive the day of TPE and PTE examinations. It is also recommended that they receive four days of study leave prior to the exams.

For more information and guidance, please refer to the CA Handbook.