ACCA Practising Certificate: How to Set Up Your Own Accountancy Practice
What the ACCA practising certificate is, who needs it, and how to obtain it if you want to offer accountancy services to the public.
What Is the ACCA Practising Certificate?
The ACCA practising certificate (also called a Certificate to Practise, or CTP) is required for any ACCA member who wishes to offer regulated accountancy services directly to the public — including preparing accounts, providing tax advice, or offering audit services in a commercial capacity. Without a practising certificate, ACCA members can work in industry or for employers but cannot practise independently.
Who Needs a Practising Certificate?
You need an ACCA practising certificate if you intend to: set up your own accounting firm, work as a sole practitioner offering services to clients, work in a practice that is not supervised by another ACCA-regulated firm, or provide regulated services (tax advice, accounts preparation, audit) directly in your own name. You do not need one to work as an employed accountant within a company or within an ACCA-regulated practice firm.
Requirements for the ACCA Practising Certificate
ACCA requires candidates to demonstrate: full ACCA membership (exams and PER completed), a minimum amount of relevant practical experience in public practice (typically 3 years, with specific requirements for different service areas), and completion of the ACCA Practising Certificate Development (PCD) programme — an online development programme covering the practical and ethical dimensions of running a practice.
Audit Qualification
If you want to sign audit reports (as a registered auditor), you need the ACCA practising certificate with an audit qualification — which requires additional audit experience and competency demonstration beyond the standard PCP requirements. Audit work is regulated by the FRC and requires firm registration in addition to individual qualification.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
All ACCA practising certificate holders must maintain professional indemnity insurance meeting ACCA's minimum requirements. ACCA has arrangements with preferred insurers but members can use any FCA-regulated insurer meeting the specification.
Further Reading
Study with Learnsignal: ACCA exam preparation and CPD for members. Start with Learnsignal.
What is an ACCA practising certificate?
An ACCA practising certificate is the authorisation an ACCA member needs before they can offer certain accountancy services to the public in their own name or run their own practice. It exists to protect the public by ensuring those offering services such as accounts preparation, tax and related work to clients meet defined standards of competence, experience and professional conduct. Being an ACCA member is not by itself enough to set up in public practice — you generally need the practising certificate first.
Why it is required
Public practice carries particular responsibilities and risks, so ACCA, like other professional bodies, regulates it. The practising-certificate framework helps ensure members offering services to the public have the right experience, appropriate professional indemnity insurance, continuing professional development, and an understanding of the regulatory obligations of running a practice. This protects both clients and the reputation of the profession.
How to obtain one
The route typically involves being an ACCA member, completing a period of relevant supervised experience (often documented through ACCA's practising-experience requirements), and meeting the body's conditions around competence and conduct. The exact requirements, and the categories of certificate, are set by ACCA and can change, so check the current official requirements on ACCA's website before planning your route.
Running your own practice
With a practising certificate, ACCA members can set up and run their own firm, taking on clients directly. Doing so means becoming a business owner as well as an accountant — managing compliance, client relationships, marketing and finances alongside the technical work. Many find it rewarding and flexible, but it requires preparation and an understanding of the regulatory and commercial responsibilities involved.
Is setting up your own practice right for you?
Starting your own practice can offer independence, flexibility and the chance to build something of your own, but it is a significant step that suits those ready to take on business as well as technical responsibilities. Researching the requirements thoroughly and planning carefully are the keys to doing it well.
Common questions
Do all ACCA members need a practising certificate?
No — only those who want to offer regulated accountancy services to the public or run their own practice generally need one. Members working in industry or employment typically do not.
How long does it take to get a practising certificate?
It depends on building the required supervised experience, which takes time, so it is best to plan early if running your own practice is your goal. Check ACCA's current requirements for the specifics. You can explore study and CPD routes on our ACCA courses hub.
Can I work in industry without a practising certificate?
Yes. The practising certificate is only needed to offer regulated services to the public or run your own practice. ACCA members working in employment — in industry, the public sector or financial services — do not need one to carry out their roles.
Does a practising certificate require professional indemnity insurance?
Members in public practice are generally required to hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance, which protects both them and their clients. The specific requirements are set by ACCA, so check the current rules when planning your practice.
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Learnsignal Education Team
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