ICAEW ACA Certificate Level (New)
ICAEW ACA Certificate level to kick‑start your career in accounting
Flexible study routes designed to suit your schedule
Build core, globally respected knowledge in accounting, finance, and business
Unlock pathways to trainee and entry‑level roles with top employers across the profession
Whether you're just starting your journey in accountancy or looking to formalise your practical experience with a globally respected qualification, the ACA Certificate Level from ICAEW is your essential first step toward becoming a chartered accountant. This level builds a strong foundation in key areas of finance, accounting, and business, preparing you for further progression within the ACA qualification.
Ideal for aspiring accountants and finance professionals beginning their ACA journey
Develop core skills in accounting, assurance, business technology, and law to support sound financial decision-making
Can be completed in as little as twelve months
Prepare for roles such as Trainee Accountant, Audit Associate, or Finance Assistant (with typical salaries from £25,000 to £35,000)
With over 50 years of experience delivering high-quality courses and market-leading pass rates, we provide the knowledge, training, and support you need to excel in your studies and beyond.
Market leading pass rates
Interest-free payment plan option available
Dedicated support from ICAEW qualified tutors
100% online, classroom and residential options
Globally recognised qualifications
ICAEW approved provider
Course Overview
- Duration : 12 months
- RQF level: 4
Why is the NEW ACA Certificate Level course right for you?
Take the first steps in your accountancy career with a qualification designed for aspiring chartered accountants. The ACA Certificate Level from ICAEW equips you with the core knowledge and practical skills needed to make informed financial decisions and support business success.
Build essential competencies in accounting, assurance, business performance, law, and tax fundamentals.
Gain a globally respected qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), enhancing your credibility and career prospects
Open the door to more advanced roles in finance and business and lay the foundation for the full ACA qualification, setting you on the path to becoming a chartered accountant.
This course is suitable for you if you are:
A recent graduate or school leaver looking to begin your journey in accountancy.
Currently working in finance or accounting and looking to formalise your knowledge with a professional qualification.
Aiming for roles such as Trainee Accountant, Audit Associate, or Finance Assistant (with typical salaries ranging from £25,000 to £35,000)
Interested in progressing your career towards chartered status via the ICAEW ACA Professional Level and beyond.
Course details
Whether you’re interested in working in the finance sector, whether that be in practice or industry, the New ACA Certificate Level will give you the knowledge and practical skills you need to succeed in whatever role you’re in.
You’ll develop the essential skills you need to excel in your business career, including double-entry accounting techniques, how to ensure your organisation meets all its objectives and all about the legal side of finance.
The New ACA Certificate Level qualification consists of six compulsory modules to help you develop your business and accounting skills. At the end of each module, you’ll take an exam which will assess your understanding of each topic. Once you’ve passed all your exams, you’ll gain an ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB) qualification.
Modules
Accounting Fundamentals
Assurance and Risk Fundamentals
Business Insight and Performance
Business Law
Sustainability and Ethics
Tax Fundamentals
Completing this ICAEW Certificate Level qualification typically takes 12 months
To begin studying for the ICAEW CFAB (Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business), there are no formal academic entry requirements.
Study whenever and wherever suits you. On-demand learning offers ultimate flexibility, allowing learners to access high-quality course materials anytime, anywhere.
Ideal for independent learners who want flexible, self-paced learning to fit around their busy lives.
Self-paced learning
Digital materials
Remote accessibility
Self-paced progression
Email tutor support
Flexible access
Exam simulator
Flexible, live sessions accessible from any location.
Experience the flexibility of Live Online learning and engage in real-time, interactive sessions from anywhere. Achieve your goals without the commute!
Ideal for learners who want the flexibility to study from any location
Live interactive sessions online
Dynamic delivery and instant Q&A
Collaborative activities
Engaging real-time learning experience
Structured delivery plan
Networking opportunities (online)
Access to full tutor support (online)
Access to study manual and online resources
Online exam preparation
Get all the benefits of in-person learning, all from the comfort of your home. Great if you need a little more flexibility when it comes to location, but still want the opportunity to interact with other learners.
Ideal for learners who want the classroom experience from the comfort of their home and full tutor support
Live classroom sessions streamed online
Dynamic delivery and instant Q&A
Collaborative activities
Engaging real-time learning experience
Structured delivery plan
Networking opportunities (online)
Online tutor support
Study books and online resources
Access to recorded sessions
Online assignments and exam preparation
Traditional face-to-face classes with experienced tutors. If you like the idea of learning in person, where you bounce around ideas with other learners, then our face-to-face classes are for you. Classes take place every few months at one of our many UK venues.
Ideal for learners who prefer traditional classroom settings
Face-to-face interaction
Convenient locations across the UK
Engaging in real-time learning experience
Structured delivery plan
Networking opportunities
In-person and online tutor support
Study books and online resources
Access to recorded sessions
In-class assignments and exam preparation
Our venues span London, Northampton, Birmingham, Newcastle, Cambridge, Little Compton, and many other locations. If you have a specific place in mind, reach out to us - we’d be happy to discuss options to suit your needs.
In-person learning at our 17th-century Manor. Ideal for an immersive experience.
Unique learning environment
All-inclusive experience
Accommodation and meals
Outstanding facilities
On-site exam centre
Support from our dedicated team
Our team will be on hand throughout your journey to answer questions, signpost additional support and provide guidance on your study route. Our experienced tutors will also be there to support you through your learning.
24/7 access to all our learning resources
Our online learning resources give you 24-hour access to our comprehensive business and finance resources to help you through your course and beyond. Available for the duration of your ICAEW Certificate level programme, it includes course recordings and course notes, revision question bank and revision cards, online access to practice mocks, as well as group chats. Perfect for when you want to revisit something you’ve just learnt or revise for your assessments.
Get your burning questions answered quickly
Our learning support team are here to help If you have a question about the programme, ICAEW membership, workshops or anything else to do with your course. They are contactable whenever you need them, for as long as you’re on the programme.
Invoice your employer
If your employer is paying for your course, then we can invoice them directly, so you don’t have to worry about trying to organise the payment yourself. You focus on your studies and we’ll take care of the rest.
Call our team of advisers today to get started!
Pay in full
To pay for your course in full, simply enquire, call us on 016 0867 4224, or complete the booking form and return to rbs.reed@reedbusinessschool.co.uk
We’ll provide you with all the details you need to complete the payment smoothly.
If you're currently a student or considering ICAEW with us, you'll find all essential resources here, from course outlines to application forms.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our support team. We're here to help ensure your success every step of the way. Remember to return your forms to rbs.reed@reedbusinessschool.co.uk.
Where can this course take me?
The qualification from ICAEW focuses on building a strong foundation in finance, accounting, and business, making it especially valuable for individuals looking for a career in finance or to gain valuable business knowledge.
Compare ICAEW with other accounting qualifications
Successfully completing this course could lead to a job as a Trainee Accountant, Audit Associate or Finance Assistant or to further study with ICAEW Professional Level.
See what other roles your accountancy journey could lead you to
Chose your study method
We offer a range of study methods to suit your lifestyle and budget. All our study options include 24-hour access to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where you can study in your own time between classes.
Residential
In-person learning at our 17th-century Manor. Experience the ideal immersive environment.
Unique learning environment
All-inclusive experience
Accommodation and meals
Outstanding facilities
On-site exam centre
Course price does not include accommodation fees. Rooms are available from £75 per night.
Classroom
In-person learning. Ideal for learners who prefer traditional classroom settings.
Face-to-face, classroom learning
Immediate feedback from tutors
Networking with fellow learners
Online resources for extra support
Convenient times and locations
Online Classroom
Enjoy a classroom experience from home. Ideal for learners seeking live online lessons.
Online classroom experience
Direct support from tutors
Real-time collaboration with peers
Recorded sessions for later review
Interactive online learning environment
Live Online
Real-time, online classes with live tutors. Ideal for learners seeking flexibility.
Scheduled live sessions online
Direct support from tutors
Real-time collaboration with peers
Recorded sessions for later review
Interactive online learning environment
On-demand
Coming soon in 2026
Flexible, self-paced online learning. Ideal for independent learners.
Comprehensive digital materials
Access to recorded webinars
Tutor support via email
Self-assessment quizzes
Optional 1-2-1 tutor (fees apply)
£3495.00 (inc VAT)
Looking to earn this qualification through an apprenticeship?
The ICAEW Level 4 Accounting Apprenticeship allows you to develop professional skills while working, with the added benefit of government funding for eligible employers.
It’s a practical, cost-effective way to earn a recognised qualification and gain valuable work experience simultaneously.
Enquire today to find out more!
Why Reed Business School?
When you learn with Reed Business School, you’ll benefit from:
Market-leading pass rates: achieve top results with our expert support and resources.
Proven success: our students consistently perform at the highest level.
Experienced tutors: subject specialists guide you to pass your qualifications.
Proven teaching formula: helping thousands of students succeed.
Flexible delivery options: classroom, online, residential, and self-paced study available.
Convenient study: learn anytime, anywhere on your laptop, phone, or tablet.
Additional study materials: includes revision cards and question bank.
Mock exams & recorded lessons: accessible via Microsoft Teams.
Comprehensive materials: texts, revision cards, and mock exams included.
Highly rated: 4.6/5 on CourseCheck from hundreds of reviews.
50+ years of experience: a trusted provider with proven ICAEW results.
On-site exam centre: sit exams in a familiar, convenient setting.
Trusted brand: decades of expertise in learning and recruitment.
See what our learners have to say...
Market-leading pass rates
Testimonial
Frequently asked questions
The ICAEW Level 4 Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB) is a globally recognised qualification that provides foundation knowledge in finance, accounting, and business. It consists of six modules covering key areas such as accounting, assurance, business technology, law, management information, and principles of taxation. It is ideal for those starting a career in finance or looking to build towards the ICAEW ACA qualification.
The ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB) is equivalent to a Level 4 qualification in the UK, which is comparable to the first year of a university degree. It sits just below a diploma or degree level and is roughly equivalent to an AAT Level 4 qualification.
The ICAEW CFAB consists of six modules, covering key areas of finance, accounting, and business. These modules are:
Accounting
Assurance
Business, Technology and Finance
Law
Management Information
Principles of Taxation
Each module is assessed by a computer-based exam.
There are six exams for this qualification. Once you’ve passed all six modules you will become ICAEW CFAB qualified.
Yes, the ICAEW CFAB is worth it if you want to build a strong foundation in finance, accounting, and business. It is globally recognised, enhances career prospects, and can be a stepping stone to the ICAEW ACA qualification. It is especially valuable for individuals looking for a career in finance or to gain valuable business knowledge.
Case studies
Robert Lay, another ICAEW prize winner!
Exciting news from one of our final-year ICAEW students, Robert Lay, who recently won a prize at the ICAEW awards. Let's hear about his achievement.
Lily Gammon's journey to accountancy success: A Reed Business School triumph | Reed Learning
Discover how Lily Gammon achieved her dream career with Reed Business School's support and guidance. Her inspiring story showcases determination and success in the world of accountancy.
Useful links
If you're currently a student or considering ICAEW with us, you'll find find all essential resources here, from course outlines to application forms.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our support team. We're here to help ensure your success every step of the way. Remember to return your forms to rbs.reed@reedbusinessschool.co.uk.
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