TC FAQs (essential info)

We've outlined some of the most frequently asked questions for the Test of Competence level.
Enrolment
How do I enrol into ICAS/TC?
An email is sent to all Authorised Training Offices/Firms which they will then forward to their prospective Students. This email contains a link to our enrolment page, along with instructions on how to enrol.
How can I apply for exemptions?
After you have completed the enrolment, you are listed on our system as a “Prospective Student” and it is only after your Firm confirms your enrolment that you become a “Student”. If you can’t access the exemptions portal yet, it is because we are waiting for your Firm to confirm your enrolment.
Find information on how to apply.
How does the new TC syllabus affect my accredited degree exemptions application?
To ensure fair treatment of Students, exemptions from accredited degrees will continue to be awarded in the short term. The new exemptions will be granted using the current degree programme but will be subject to additional requirements.
You can find out what the additional requirements are here. Please ensure you are logged into your ICAS account to view the webpage.
Can I still apply for an exemption even though I didn’t complete an accredited degree?
ICAS does recognise non-accredited degrees and it is still possible for Students to be granted exemptions. Find out more about non-accredited degree exemptions under the “Who is eligible for an exemption?” section.
For non-accredited applications, you must download the non-accredited form, complete the form, and then upload this onto the portal. For step-by-step guidance, please click on this PDF.
I have been enrolled and applied for exemptions, what happens next?
Once enrolment has been processed, Students should expect to receive a welcome email from ICAS that includes their Student number, ICAS email address and an outline of the next steps. All Students are provided with an ICAS Student email address to be used when logging in to ICAS online-learning platforms. This will also be the email address to which ICAS send Students their joining instructions and all future essential updates and information.
Course content
What do the TC modules cover?
(All modules are 10 SCQF credit points)
The full syllabus is available in the CA Student Handbook.
Online classes
What if I don’t have access to a PC?
You will be able to access ICAS classes from any personal device e.g. smartphone, tablet and a PC. If you have problems accessing a device, please speak with your Firm.
Please note that exams must be completed on a computer which includes a working camera and microphone. If you have problems accessing a device, please contact your Firm.
What if I cannot attend class?
If for any reason you cannot attend class, please contact your Firm.
When will I get the details of how to connect to the online classes?
You will receive an email invitation from ICAS (Scotland) or BPP (England) a few days prior to the start of your classes, if you have not received this 48 hours before then please contact ICAS at students@icas.com if you are from Scotland, and icas@bpp.com if you are based in England.
Students in Scotland will be sent Microsoft Teams links to classes two to three days before the start of class date. Students in England are sent a link to Adobe Connect to access classes from BPP.
I am having technical difficulties and can’t connect to my class, what should I do?
Please contact onlinelearning@icas.com if you are in Scotland and icas@bpp.com if you are in England for technical help. If it is not resolved, please view the recording of the class when you are able to.
What is the format for the TC Course?
It is a seven-week course based on blended learning. Four out of the six subjects are class-based and are sat first, running into the exams (FA, AR, BA and PoT). The seven weeks will cover the scheduled classes, a revision period, two progress tests and one mock exam per subject.
FIN and MIT will be covered separately, they are online Advantage courses with no live teaching. These two courses are flexible learning and Firms decide when to give Students the study days to complete the modules (each course is six days).
Assessments
Are there progress tests for TC modules?
Yes, during TC there will be two progress tests and a mock exam for each subject.
- Progress test 2 and the mock will be the same format as the exams.
- FIN, BA, AR, PoT and MIT consists of 40 objective questions.
- FA consists of 24 objective test questions and one long question totaling 40% of the paper.
Can I extend the deadline to hand-in my PCT/Mock?
Progress tests and mocks need to be completed within a set time. However, given certain circumstances, we would recommend that you contact your Firm and ask them initially if they would allow an extension. If your Firm approves, they will need to contact ICAS directly by emailing students@icas.com and then we will extend accordingly. Please note, that the non-exception is that they all have to be completed before the exam takes place.
What is the online format for the assessment/exams?
ICAS will be continuing the delivery of online learning and exams. The Test of Competence exams will continue to be delivered via an online platform, the same format CA Students will have experienced in their progress tests and mocks. Students will receive more guidance on this during their studies.
Exams
When is the next sitting for the TC Exams?
You can find the dates for all scheduled upcoming TC exams here.
How can I book an exam?
You can book an exam via Timetabler, click here to log in – please ensure you use your ICAS Student email address.
1. Once logged in to ICAS.com with your ICAS Student email address, select 'Book an Exam'
2. Select 'Upcoming Classes'
3. Click on the field labelled 'Class Date'
4. Select 'Custom Range' on the left
5. Select a range of dates that includes when the desired exam takes place
6. Click 'Apply'
7. Choose the exam and session you wish to book and click 'BOOK NOW'
Is there retake material available for TC Exams?
All the resources needed to pass the TC exams are available on Advantage. There is no retake material available for these modules – if you need to resit a module the resources will be made available to you after booking.
When will I receive my exam results?
Exam result dates can be found here.
Where can I view my exam results?
Exam results are available via Achievement Logs – to access this click here, ensure you are logged into your ICAS Student email address and select “Achievement logs”.
An email will also be sent to Students on the morning of results day confirming their result. Firm Portals will also be updated on results day.
Will I be given the opportunity to give feedback if anything impacted my performance during the mock or exam?
Yes, ICAS will issue an electronic form for you to complete and be submitted up to 24 hours after the mock/exam has finished.