Key takeaways
- ACA and FCA are both ICAEW chartered accountants: ACA means associate and FCA means fellow, and both hold the same qualification.
- An ACA can apply to become an FCA after 10 years of membership from their admission date, at no extra cost.
- ICAEW fellowship is not automatic: you apply online and must have no adverse disciplinary findings or outstanding complaints.
- ICAEW produces fellowship certificates monthly, and they can take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive after your application is processed.
- ACCA works differently: members become FCCA automatically after 5 consecutive years of membership with CPD declarations made each year.
- Only ICAEW members may use the letters ACA or FCA; a general affiliate has no right to use them or to call themselves a chartered accountant.
- Fellowship does not add practising rights; public practice still needs an ICAEW practising certificate.
ACA and FCA are both ICAEW chartered accountants with the same qualification. ACA stands for Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales; FCA stands for Fellow. An ACA can apply for fellowship after 10 years of membership, at no extra cost, so FCA signals seniority and a clean record rather than a higher exam.
What is the difference between ACA and FCA?
The difference is length of membership, not qualification. Every ICAEW chartered accountant starts as an ACA on admission and can apply for FCA later.
| Feature | ACA | FCA |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Associate member | Fellow member |
| How you get it | Pass the ACA and join ICAEW | Apply after 10 years as a member |
| Extra cost | Standard subscription | No extra cost |
| Extra rights | None | None beyond the title |
Both can call themselves ICAEW Chartered Accountants. Both appear in ICAEW’s directory, which you can search using our ICAEW member search guide.
Who can become an FCA?
You can apply once you meet three conditions on ICAEW’s fellowship page:
- 10 years of membership, counted from your admission date
- compliance with ICAEW’s Principal Bye-laws
- no adverse disciplinary findings or orders, and no complaints or proceedings outstanding
ICAEW’s Advancement to Fellowship Regulations, effective 6 March 2012, refer to at least 10 years of continuous membership. The committee has discretion to waive or vary that rule for members whose membership since 1 July 1978 was broken but totals at least 10 years, for some members who joined through reciprocal agreements, and for members it judges senior in the profession.
How do you apply for fellowship?
Fellowship is not automatic; you apply online. The steps are:
- Check your admission date. You need 10 years from the date you were admitted as an ACA.
- Check your record. Make sure your CPD declarations are up to date and there are no outstanding complaints.
- Apply online. Use the “Apply for FCA” link on ICAEW’s fellowship page.
- Answer any questions. The committee may ask for evidence, including CPD declarations and details of any disciplinary matters.
- Wait for confirmation. ICAEW contacts you once your application is processed.
- Receive your certificate. Certificates are produced monthly and can take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive.
Refusing to give information the committee asks for, without reasonable cause, can be grounds for refusal.
How does FCA compare with FCCA?
ACCA fellowship works on a shorter, automatic timetable. ACCA awards FCCA once you have 5 consecutive years of membership, with your subscription paid and CPD declaration made every year.
| Body | Fellowship | Route |
|---|---|---|
| ICAEW | FCA after 10 years | Apply online |
| ACCA | FCCA after 5 years | Automatic |
ACCA says missing the annual renewal removes you from the register and breaks continuity. If you rejoin, the 5 years start again from the date you rejoin. See our comparison of ACA vs ACCA.
Who can use the letters ACA and FCA?
Only ICAEW members can use ACA or FCA after their name. ICAEW’s helpsheet on the chartered accountant description, last updated 5 October 2026, says a general affiliate has no right to use the letters ACA or FCA or to describe themselves as a chartered accountant.
ACA students cannot use the letters until they are admitted to membership. You become eligible after passing the exams and completing at least 450 days of work experience; see our list of ACA exams.
Does FCA give you extra rights?
No. Fellowship is a title and does not change what work you can do. Public practice needs an ICAEW practising certificate, whether you are ACA or FCA. Audit work needs audit registration on top. See our guides to the ICAEW practising certificate and accounting career paths.
Which applies to you?
Your membership length and status decide your next step.
- If you qualified less than 10 years ago, then you are an ACA and cannot yet apply for FCA.
- If you have 10 years of membership and a clean record, then you can apply for FCA online now at no cost.
- If your membership had a break, then ask ICAEW whether the committee will count your aggregate years.
- If you are an ACCA member, then FCCA arrives automatically after 5 consecutive years.
- If you want to set up in practice, then apply for a practising certificate; fellowship will not help.
Frequently asked questions
Is FCA higher than ACA?
FCA is a senior membership grade, not a higher qualification. Both ACA and FCA are ICAEW chartered accountants who passed the same exams.
How long does it take to become an FCA?
You need 10 years of ICAEW membership from your admission date. After you apply, certificates can take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive.
Does it cost anything to become an FCA?
No. ICAEW says eligible associates can apply for fellowship at no extra cost.
Is ICAEW fellowship automatic?
No. You must apply online. ACCA’s FCCA is the one awarded automatically, after 5 consecutive years.
Can a client tell whether an accountant is ACA or FCA?
Yes. ICAEW’s online directory shows members, and ICAEW also offers a membership status confirmation service.
Sources
Rates, thresholds and rules in this guide were checked against HMRC and GOV.UK guidance on 6 November 2026. Tax rules change, so check the current position on GOV.UK or with a qualified adviser before acting. This guide is general information, not personal advice.