Article Index
Accountancy qualifications
How can I get qualified?
All Pages

Generally speaking, the student determines how soon they can achieve the qualification. Progress is dependent upon whether you choose a part-time or a full-time study option. Most professional qualifications can be completed in a minimum of three years, however, students are encouraged to go at their own pace.

Bodies offer various flexible study options to students; many of who choose to study on a part-time basis whilst working full-time; fulfilling their work experience requirements at the same time. Although working whilst studying for a professional qualification can be both demanding and time consuming, it is often to the student's advantage, as they have the opportunity to implement what they learn in the classroom to a real work situation.

As mentioned previously, qualification as a professional accountant is achieved through a combination of study and work experience. The accountancy experience can usually be gained before, during or after study for the qualification. In the UK, the required experience is a minimum of three years, and to qualify as a company auditor, this must be approved and supervised practical training under a registered auditor.

Courses for the UK bodies are available internationally, and UK qualifications can be studied in most main business centres through distance learning programmes. The main bodies also offer their own range of study materials: study texts and revision kits, tailored specifically to their examinations. Study materials can be used in conjunction with a taught course or as self-study guides for those students unable to attend scheduled classes.

With the growing importance of e-business and the Internet, accountancy bodies are getting on-line and over the next few years there will be increasing opportunity to study interactively through the World Wide Web. The first tentative steps towards on-line learning have already been made with programmes such as the Association of International Accountant's cyber school.

The route to becoming a qualified accountant is regarded as one of the most difficult demanding commitment and determination. The rewards however, are exceptional. Achievement of a professional accountancy qualification will enable you to meet the challenges of a complex, modern, international business environment and will equip you with the tools to rise to the top in any financially based career