ICAEW ACA Qualification: Earn Your ACA Certificate & Advance Your Career in Accountancy

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) qualification, commonly referred to as the ACA qualification, is the gold standard for aspiring accountants. At NXT-LVL Training Center, our ACA courses are structured to provide the essential knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in finance, including roles in audit, taxation, corporate finance, consultancy, and strategic leadership, ensuring you reach the next level in your professional journey with NXT-LVL training.

At NXT-LVL Training Center, you will receive personalised attention from dedicated tutors who understand the demands of the ACA. You'll have access to extensive study resources and mock exams, ensuring you get the best support. Our practical insights help bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, making your learning experience truly effective.

Entry requirements

Graduates with a degree (any discipline) can apply. School leavers can start with ICAEW’s CFAB (Certificate in Finance, Accounting, and Business), which forms the first six modules of the ACA.

Practical experience

450 days of relevant, supervised work experience with an ICAEW authorised training employer as part of a training agreement.

Number of exams

14 core exams spread across three levels (some exemptions may apply).

Specialised Learning 

Alongside exams, students complete 30 units of specialised learning, allowing early career upskilling and flexible development pathways.

Additional Requirements

The updated ACA embeds ethics, sustainability and technology across the syllabus and includes a requirement for ethics and professional skills development alongside exams and work experience.   

Certificate Level (6 modules)

Provides the core foundations required for a career in accountancy and business.

• Accounting Fundamentals
• Assurance and Risk Fundamentals
• Business Law
• Tax Fundamentals
• Business Insight and Performance
• Sustainability and Ethics

Professional Level (6 modules)

Develops applied technical knowledge, commercial awareness and professional judgement.

• Fundamental Case Study
• Assurance, Risk and Reporting
• Corporate Reporting, Data and Assurance
• Business and Digital Strategy
• Corporate Financial Strategy
• Tax Compliance and Planning

Advanced Level (2 case studies)

Assesses strategic thinking and real-world decision-making at a senior professional level.

• Technical Case Study
• Strategic Case Study

ICAEW has launched a refreshed ACA qualification from September 2025, designed to better prepare students for a rapidly evolving profession. This modernised qualification aligns closely with our approach at NXT-LVL Training Centre, focusing on real-world skills, flexibility and long-term career development.

Transitional Arrangements - current students can complete the ACA through either the existing or updated qualification.

The Next Generation ACA focuses on three key pillars:

1) Technology:  Digital skills, data and systems thinking are embedded throughout the qualification. 

2) Sustainability: A new Sustainability and Ethics module at the Certificate Level reflects the profession’s growing responsibility in this area. 

3) Ethics: Increased emphasis on ethical decision-making across all modules.

For further guidance on how the Next Generation ACA may affect your studies or how NXT-LVL can support your journey - please get in touch with us or visit the ICAEW website.