ICAS is the oldest professional accounting body in the world. Founded in Scotland in 1854, we are now a globally renowned professional accounting body with over 23,000 members worldwide. Students who study with ICAS and become members are eligible to use the prestigious ‘CA’ designation after their name – a designation exclusive to ICAS members in the UK.

As the global professional body for CAs, we educate, examine and lead, enabling excellence whilst always working for the wider public good.
We were formed by Royal Charter in 1854, have trained a lot of CAs since then, and in any given year thousands more students are working with us to achieve the ‘chartered’ goal.

Achieving a professional qualification, like the ICAS CA, shows employers that you have the fundamental technical knowledge and practical experience to succeed. You’ll also earn a competitive salary whilst you train, which increases when you become fully qualified.  To study with ICAS you don’t need to have a degree or any previous accountancy or finance experience.

Membership

ICAS membership provides access to professional resources, technical guidance, and a global network of over 24,000 ICAS CAs and 750,000 members of Chartered Accountants Worldwide.

Members benefit from career and business mentoring opportunities, alongside support from a specialist practice-support team available both online and in person. Membership also includes exclusive rewards, discounts, and value-added services from leading brands and companies, specifically selected for members.

Why become an ICAS CA?

Train to become a Chartered Accountant (CA) with ICAS for an exciting and rewarding career in business and beyond.

Qualify for more than accountancy! Wear the prestigious ‘CA’ badge, unlock global opportunities, competitive salaries and job security, and get support from a globally recognised professional network.

Studying with ICAS

The CA qualification

The Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification is a globally recognised programme that prepares professionals for careers in accountancy, business, and finance. The syllabus combines core knowledge and practical skills across three levels — Knowledge, Skills, and Integration — while also offering modern options like data analytics and sustainability.

With a structured yet flexible approach, it supports students through study guides, workshops, and wellbeing resources, enabling them to learn at their own pace.

The CAB qualification

Discover the Certificate in Accountancy and Business (CAB) qualification for individuals.

The CAB is a professional certification that will develop your knowledge and practical expertise in key areas of accountancy, business and finance.

This is a flexible qualification and it can be studied fully online.

Apprenticeship route

The RGU Graduate Apprenticeship in BA (Hons) Accounting is a government-funded way to become an ICAS Chartered Accountant (CA).

The graduate apprenticeship is an accredited work-based learning programme combining an honours degree from Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University with the globally recognised ICAS Chartered Accountant qualification. This unique five-year course is funded by the Scottish Funding Council, covering your university and class fees.

Explore vacancies

Visit the dedicated job site which offers an interesting range of firms to work and train with, from small local companies to large corporations.

Employers

Employers can greatly benefit from partnering with ICAS to recruit, develop, and support their CA students. The ICAS Advantage platform provides a comprehensive learning experience for students, while the ATO Portal offers secure, anytime access to essential student data.

Additionally, ICAS offers free online advertising and targeted promotions to help organisations attract and retain top talent, making the training programme an invaluable asset for businesses looking to develop their workforce.


Employer resources

Courses

ICAS offers a range of pathways designed to help students and professionals develop skills and progress in their career.

Digital Course 


Course:

Artificial intelligence online course


Study:

Online

Digital Course 


Course:

Big data and cloud computing


Study:

Online

Digital Course 


Course:

Bitcoin and Blockchain technologies


Study:

Online

Paid Short Course 


Course:

Certificate in Sustainability Strategy, Risk and Reporting


Study:

Hybrid

Digital Course 


Course:

Cybersecurity – introduction


Study:

Online

Digital Course 


Course:

Introduction to the digital age six online course pack


Study:

Online

Digital Course 


Course:

Machine Learning and the future of business


Study:

Online

Digital Course 


Course:

Sustainability performance measures


Study:

Online

Digital Course 


Course:

Technology revolution and the impact on finance


Study:

Online

Related interests

Economics

Studying economics offers insights into how economies operate on both a local and global scale, examining how individuals, businesses, and… read more

Apprenticeships

Are you considering studying while earning a salary and gaining real-world experience? Apprenticeships might be the perfect opportunity for you…. read more

Business & management

Studying business and management involves learning about the tools, practices, and leadership skills needed to run and grow a business… read more

Mathematics

Mathematics involves developing the ability to solve complex problems, and applying logical reasoning to a wide range of scenarios. It… read more

Computer Science

Computer science involves learning how computer systems work, including software development, data processing, and algorithm design. This field builds foundational… read more

Law & regulations

This field involves understanding the legal systems, regulations, and ethical principles that govern societies, as well as developing skills in… read more

Engineering

Engineering involves the application of scientific principles and knowledge, to design and build structures, machines, and systems. It covers subjects… read more

Environmental science

Studying environmental science involves exploring the complex interactions between natural systems and human activities, focusing on sustainability, conservation, and the… read more

Related skills

Analytical skills

Analytical skills involve the ability to collect, interpret, and analyse data to solve problems, make decisions, and understand complex issues. read more

Communication

Communication skills involve interacting with other people in order to effectively convey information, ideas, and feedback both verbally and in… read more

Numeracy

Numeracy is the ability to understand and work with numbers, including skills like basic arithmetic, data analysis, and statistical reasoning. read more

Sense making

Sense making is the ability to interpret complex information and understand its deeper meaning. This skill is crucial in the… read more

Regulatory insights

Regulatory insights involve understanding and applying knowledge of laws, regulations, and guidelines relevant to a specific industry. read more

Financial Expertise

This skill encompasses an in-depth understanding of financial markets, including their structure, instruments, and operations. It involves knowledge of equities,… read more

Integrity

Integrity involves acting in accordance with moral principles and being honest and ethical in all actions. read more

Market Insight

Market Insight is the ability to stay informed about financial markets, understanding core principles, trends, and investment tools. This skill… read more

Resilience

Resilience is the strength to remain focused and productive under pressure and to bounce back from setbacks. read more

Negotiating skills

Negotiating is the ability to communicate effectively and reach agreements that benefit all parties involved. read more

Continuous learning

Continuous learning refers to the ability to continually acquire new knowledge and skills throughout one’s career or life. read more

Critical thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to evaluate information, identify biases, and draw well-reasoned conclusions. read more

Back to top of the page