AAT To ???

Hi, here is the link to the exemptions info on the ACCA website - not the easiest website to find info, and I'm studying with them!

http://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/apply-now/exemptions.html

I don't think that page even says what exemptions you can claim, but when I started 2 years ago it was F1-3 that I was exempt from.

Having never studied ICAEW I don't know my way round their website, but I'd have thought it would appear on Google. I would look at the syllabus for both and see which appeals to you more, also considering where you would study, how much it would cost and what time off work if any your employer will give you. A couple of things to bear in mind - ACCA are very strict about working for yourself while doing their qualification, you can't do anything past trial balance, VAT and payroll. ICAEW require you to have a training contract with an approved employer to be able to complete their qualification. Also with ACCA there is the option to complete a Bsc degree, which was one of the deciding points for me.

Good luck!

Once you've completed all the F level papers, and the professional ethics module, you can choose to do the research and analysis project, and then you are awarded a Bsc (Hons) in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University. You don't have to do the RAP to get ACCA membership, only if you also want the degree along the way. I'm currently doing the project at the moment.

There are 20 topics to choose from, and you can do it on any organisation. I started off with a plc as there was lots of info available on the internet. But when I came to write it up I really struggled cos I didn't feel comfortable with the organisation I'd been encouraged to use. So I changed things completely and I'm now doing it on the organisation I work for, looking at how effective our costing techniques are. You have to do quite a bit of research and then analyse your findings and make conclusions and recommendations. I've just finished the main report, it has to be no more than 6,500 words. There's then a presentation to do to your mentor (mine is my tutor) and a 2,500 words (I think) skills and learning statement to do, which I think is a report about how well you feel you did the project? I haven't read up much on this bit yet!

It's a big step up from the AAT project, so I wouldn't recommend this for anyone who really struggled with that one. There's not a lot of guidance available, it's really a do-it-yourself project. Your mentor's really just there for bouncing ideas off rather than telling you what to do.

I'm enjoying it though, and as I haven't already got a degree, think it is worthwhile. The level of degree you get depends on your average score in the six exams, and the grade you get for the project.

With regard to the ICAEW exemptions it'll depend on what you have done at AAT level. Go here and apply the results to what you have covered.

It may seem like you get more exemptions for the ACA than the ACCA but if your knowledge is lacking you will get found out. Not really a problem if you are prepared to purchase some of the materials you are exempt for and get up to speed so to speak.

Exemptions to me mean less time in an exam hall but by no means less studying time!

Regards

Dean