What Is the Difference Between ACCA and ACA (ICAEW)?

ACCA vs ACA: The Core Difference

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant, awarded by ICAEW) are both highly respected UK professional accounting qualifications, but they serve different career paths and are structured very differently.

Structure

ACA: 15 exam papers + 450 days of structured training with an ICAEW-authorised employer. You cannot complete ACA independently - you must be employed by an authorised training firm (typically a practice firm or large corporate with ICAEW accreditation). The training contract is central to the qualification.

ACCA: 13 exam papers + 3 years of practical experience (PER) documented via the ACCA portal. You can study ACCA alongside any finance role - no employer authorisation required. The PER is self-documented rather than structured through a training contract.

Who Can Do Each

ACA is primarily for people who secure a training contract at a Big 4, mid-tier practice, or ICAEW-authorised employer. It is competitive to enter. ACCA is open to anyone who meets the entry requirements, making it more accessible for career changers, those in industry, or those who did not secure a training contract.

Career Outcomes

Both are highly regarded by employers. ACA carries particular prestige in audit, corporate finance, and Big 4 advisory. ACCA is more widely recognised globally (180+ countries) and is particularly strong in industry, commercial finance, and international roles. For UK practice careers, ACA is often preferred. For industry or international careers, ACCA is equally strong.

Cost and Time

ACA is typically funded by the training employer. ACCA can be self-funded. Both take approximately 3-5 years.

Further Reading

• ACCA vs CPA
• ACCA Overview
• ICAEW ACA Complete Guide

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