There is no single way to become an accountant in the UK. The bodies below each run their own qualification, and apprenticeships are another way in. Some routes need an employer to take you on; others you can start alone. This page helps you compare them side by side. Each route has its own guide with fees and sources.
The routes at a glance
| Route | Starting point | Length and experience |
|---|---|---|
| AAT | You can start with any qualification, depending on your skills and experience. AAT recommends good English and maths. | Level 3 usually takes around a year; Level 4 around 12–18 months. |
| ACCA | The ACCA Qualification asks for two A-levels and three GCSEs (or equivalent). The Foundation level has no minimum entry requirements. | 13 exams, an ethics module, and at least 36 months of relevant work experience. |
| ACA (ICAEW) | A qualification at UK university admission standard (no degree needed), or start with ICAEW's Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB). | 14 exams, at least 450 days of professional experience in a training agreement, and 30 units of Specialised Learning. Typically three to five years. |
| CIMA | Maths and English equivalent to GCSE grade C/4 or above to begin. | CIMA says its Finance Leadership Program can be completed in one to three years, and the Self-Tailored Learning Pathway takes about four years on average. |
| Apprenticeships | Set by the employer. Standards run from Level 2 to Level 7. These figures are for England. | Typically 12 months (Level 2) to 36 months (Level 7), depending on the standard. |
How to choose
- Do you already have a job or an offer? If an employer will take you on, ask which route they use and whether they pay for fees and study time.
- Do you need to earn while you learn? Look at apprenticeships and at employers who pay for ACA or ACCA study.
- What are your qualifications now? The entry points differ. AAT lets you start at any level; ACCA and ACA have minimum entry requirements, with a lower starting step (ACCA Foundation, ICAEW CFAB) if you do not meet them.
- What kind of work interests you? CIMA is a management accounting body. Read each body's own career pages before you commit.
- How much can you afford yourself? Compare the fees on each guide, and remember that tuition from a training provider is a separate cost.
Routes can be combined. For example, you can start with one qualification and move on to another. Each body decides what credit or exemption it gives for earlier study, so check with the body before you rely on it.
General information only, not professional or financial advice. This guide does not recommend any course, employer or product, and does not give tax, accounting or financial advice.