Key takeaways
- ICAEW's free online directory, Find a Chartered Accountant at find.icaew.com, confirms whether someone is a current ICAEW member.
- The directory shows the member's admittance date and whether they hold an ICAEW practising certificate.
- ICAEW members need a practising certificate when they engage in public practice, for example as a principal of an accountancy firm offering services to the public.
- ICAEW's free disciplinary records search lets you search by name, firm, location, member number or case number.
- ICAEW's membership team is on +44 (0)1908 248 250 (option 2), 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, from 10am on Wednesdays.
- To check a statutory auditor, search the Register of Statutory Auditors, which listed 9,006 statutory auditors when updated on 4 November 2026.
- ACCA warns that not every firm in its directory is regulated by ACCA, so check the firm's certificates held.
To check a chartered accountant, search ICAEW’s free Find a Chartered Accountant directory at find.icaew.com. It confirms current membership, the date the person was admitted and whether they hold an ICAEW practising certificate. Then check ICAEW’s free disciplinary records search for any orders against them or their firm.
What is the ICAEW member search?
The ICAEW member search is ICAEW’s official online directory, called Find a Chartered Accountant. ICAEW describes it as the free way to verify membership on its status confirmation page.
It covers ICAEW Chartered Accountants and ICAEW firms. For each member it shows:
- the date they were admitted to membership
- whether they hold an ICAEW practising certificate
The letters ACA and FCA after a name indicate ICAEW membership; FCA is a fellow.
How to check an ICAEW chartered accountant
- Get the person’s full name and firm name. A membership number is even better.
- Search find.icaew.com. Enter the name, firm or location.
- Check they are a current member. Note the admittance date.
- Check the practising certificate. Anyone offering accountancy services to the public should hold one (see below).
- Search the disciplinary records. Use ICAEW’s disciplinary records search.
- Check any audit claim. If they will audit your company, search the Register of Statutory Auditors.
- Ask ICAEW if anything does not match. Call +44 (0)1908 248 250, option 2.
What does a practising certificate tell you?
A practising certificate tells you ICAEW has authorised the member to work in public practice. ICAEW says “you need an ICAEW PC when you engage in public practice”, typically when a member becomes a principal in an accountancy firm or offers accountancy services to the public on their own account.
ICAEW’s practising certificate guidance adds that a PC is needed whatever the member calls their firm, and whether or not they hold a certificate from another body such as ACCA or CIOT, with some exceptions. Failing to hold one can lead to disciplinary action.
An ICAEW member employed by a company, rather than practising, will not usually hold one. That is normal.
How to check disciplinary records
ICAEW’s disciplinary records search covers ICAEW members and member firms. You can search by:
- full name, last name, or name and ID number
- firm name and location
- member number or case number
- hearing date range
ICAEW says disciplinary decisions are published in full, without redaction, under its publication policy. The page does not say how far back records go.
What if someone is not in the directory?
If a person calls themselves a chartered accountant but is not listed, ask them which body they belong to. Other bodies, such as ICAS and Chartered Accountants Ireland, also award chartered titles, and each has its own register.
If they claim ICAEW membership and are not listed, report it. ICAEW’s misdescribers page says it receives complaints every week about people using “chartered accountant”, ACA or FCA without being entitled to, including former members. It lists those who have given undertakings to stop in the last three years.
Plain “accountant” is not a protected title in the UK. See do you need a licence to be an accountant and chartered vs unqualified accountants.
Checking other bodies and registers
Use the right register for each claim.
| Claim | Where to check | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ICAEW member (ACA, FCA) | find.icaew.com | Free |
| ACCA member or firm | ACCA Find an accountant | Check certificates held |
| Statutory auditor | Register of Statutory Auditors | Firms and individuals |
| Written proof of ICAEW status | ICAEW confirmation letter | Paid service |
ACCA’s firm directory lists firms with at least one ACCA principal. ACCA warns that not every firm in it is regulated by ACCA, so check the firm’s certificates held.
The Register of Statutory Auditors covers every UK audit firm and statutory auditor across the four recognised supervisory bodies. When last updated on 4 November 2026 it listed 3,114 firms and 9,006 statutory auditors.
Getting written confirmation of ICAEW status
ICAEW issues written confirmation letters of member status, firm status or exam results. This is a paid service; the page does not give the fee. The letter includes disciplinary status by default, except for students. Third parties, such as background screening firms, can request one with the person’s written consent.
What advisers should do
- Check new hires and subcontractors before they work on client files.
- Keep a dated screenshot of the directory entry in your onboarding records.
- Check your own listing is correct so clients can find you.
- Review your firm’s other registrations, including AML supervision and the HMRC standard for agents.
For a wider checklist for clients, see how to check if an accountant is qualified.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ICAEW member search free?
Yes. The Find a Chartered Accountant directory and the disciplinary records search are both free. Written confirmation letters are a paid service.
What does the ICAEW directory show?
It shows whether someone is a current ICAEW member, their admittance date and whether they hold an ICAEW practising certificate.
Does every ICAEW member have a practising certificate?
No. Members need one when they engage in public practice, such as running an accountancy firm. Members employed in business usually do not.
How do I contact ICAEW to verify a member?
Call +44 (0)1908 248 250 and choose option 2, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and from 10am on Wednesdays, or use ICAEW’s webchat or contact form.
How do I check if an accountant is an ACCA member?
Use ACCA’s Find an accountant directory. For firms, check the certificates held, because not every listed firm is regulated by ACCA.
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.