ICAEW entry requirements: routes with and without a degree

You do not need a degree to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. ICAEW’s minimum for the ACA is a qualification that meets UK university entry standards, usually 2 A levels and 3 GCSEs. If you have neither, you can start with the ICAEW CFAB certificate, an apprenticeship, AAT, or the mature entry route.

What are ICAEW’s minimum entry requirements?

ICAEW’s minimum entry requirements, updated 27 June 2025, accept any one of these:

Vocational A levels, a GNVQ intermediate award or a BTEC first diploma at merit can also count alongside 3 GCSEs. Other A level standard qualifications are considered on individual application. ICAEW does not set a UCAS points total.

Do you need a degree to become a chartered accountant?

No. ICAEW says plainly that a degree is not required, and that graduates of any discipline can train for the ACA. The degree question comes from employers, not ICAEW.

ICAEW’s early careers FAQs say competition for graduate ACA schemes is high, so employers will often require a minimum 2:1. They also say employers typically expect a B or grade 5 in GCSE maths and English. Check each employer’s own criteria before you apply.

Routes without a degree

There are four main ways in if you have no degree. Our guide to becoming an accountant without a degree covers other bodies too.

1. School leaver training contract. With 2 A levels and 3 GCSEs you meet the ACA minimum and can join a firm that trains school leavers.
2. ICAEW apprenticeship. The Level 4 Accounting Technician apprenticeship has no set entry requirements, though apprentices under 19 need a Level 2 (GCSE) pass in English and maths before the final assessment. It typically takes 18 months and covers the 6 Certificate Level exams. Apprentices can then move on to the full ACA. See accountancy apprenticeships.
3. ICAEW CFAB. The Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business covers the first 6 ACA modules and has no formal entry requirements. Passing it qualifies you to start the ACA.
4. AAT to ACA fast track. AAT has no formal entry requirements. ICAEW’s AAT to ACA route offers credit for up to 6 ACA exams, depending on your AAT units, and up to 12 months of work experience if you trained with an ICAEW Authorised Training Employer.

What is the mature entry route?

ICAEW accepts applicants over 25 with at least 7 years’ professional experience in finance, law or accountancy, even without formal qualifications. You send a covering letter, a detailed CV and a reference to applications@icaew.com. The reference comes from your proposed training principal, or another employer if you are not registering under a training agreement.

What does the ACA involve once you are in?

Meeting the entry requirements only starts the process. According to ICAEW’s ACA overview, the ACA involves:

• 14 exams across the Certificate, Professional and Advanced levels.
• At least 450 days of professional experience.
• 3 to 5 years of training in most cases, though it can be done in three.
• A Level 7 equivalent qualification, the same level as a master’s degree.

Most employers pay for training under a training agreement. You can also study independently and pay your own costs, but you still need the professional experience with an ICAEW Authorised Training Employer. Our ACA exams list sets out each paper.

Which route applies to you?

• If you have a degree in any subject, apply for graduate ACA schemes; an accounting degree may earn exam credit.
• If you have 2 A levels and 3 GCSEs, you can apply for school leaver ACA contracts now.
• If you have GCSEs but not A levels, start with the Level 4 apprenticeship, CFAB or AAT.
• If you are over 25 with 7 years in finance, law or accountancy, apply through mature entry.
• If you already hold AAT, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA membership, you meet the minimum and may get credit.

What to do now

1. Match your qualifications to the table above.
2. Check whether your target employer adds its own grade rules.
3. Ask ICAEW about credit for prior learning before you register, since you cannot claim it for an exam you have already attempted.
4. Compare routes in our ICAEW ACA qualification guide and how long it takes to qualify.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do the ACA without a degree?

Yes. ICAEW accepts 2 A levels and 3 GCSEs, an equivalent qualification, CFAB, AAT membership or mature entry instead of a degree.

How many A levels do I need for ICAEW?

ICAEW’s minimum is 2 A level passes at grades A* to E, plus 3 GCSE passes at grades 9 to 4. Employers may ask for higher grades.

What GCSEs do I need for the ACA?

ICAEW’s minimum is 3 GCSE passes at grades 9 to 4 alongside 2 A levels. Employers typically expect a B or grade 5 in maths and English.

Is there an age limit for the ICAEW mature entry route?

You must be over 25 and have at least 7 years’ professional experience in finance, law or accountancy.

Does a 2:2 degree stop me training for the ACA?

Not under ICAEW’s rules, which accept any degree. Many graduate schemes ask for a 2:1, so you may need to look at employers without that rule or another route.

How long does the ACA take?

ICAEW says training typically takes 3 to 5 years and needs at least 450 days of professional experience.