From school leavers looking to undertake an accountancy qualification to experienced accountants and statutory auditors looking for more from their existing professional body, AIA offers a qualification and membership pathway for everyone, no matter where you are in your career.
If you are looking for an alternative to university education, but a pathway that leads to a professional accountancy career, AIA can help. School leavers can use the AIA’s bespoke learning platform to study straight after A-levels or an international level equivalent and combine flexible working with work. Students are given access to e-tutors, study planners, mock exams and a range of learning resources to support them in their studies and progress in their career.
AIA operates paper-for-paper exemptions designed to reduce repetition for those who have already attained an accountancy qualification either in part or in full. Exemptions are based on the academic and professional qualifications and each applicant is assessed on an individual basis and offer you with the quickest route to full qualification and membership.
The AIA practising certificate gives you a license to operate in public practice, but also offers a huge range of additional benefits to assist you in your career. The AIA practising certificate is a recognised mark of excellence, professionalism and compliance and also offers unparalleled support services to help small and medium sized practices work, evolve and grow.
If you already have a professional accountancy qualification, working in the accounting sector, and a proven track record of experience, you may be eligible for direct membership of the AIA. There are two levels of full AIA membership, Associate and Fellow, and direct entry is offered on a like for like basis.
AIA's entry requirements for registration as a student are 2 A Level passes plus 3 GCSE passes (in five separate subjects including Maths and English) or equivalent. Please see the information below for detailed entry requirements.
If your qualification does not feature below please contact us for further information.
We offer accountancy qualifications to suit you no matter where you're at in your career or your life. Whether you are a school leaver, a graduate or already working. Our qualifications equip you with the skills and expertise you need to succeed in a huge variety of accountancy and finance roles.
AIA accounting qualifications are designed to incrementally build on the knowledge, competencies and professional conduct accountants need to meet the demands made of them throughout their career. AIA is a Recognised Qualifying Body (RQB) for statutory auditors in the UK and regulated by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).
AIA's professional qualification is split into three levels. On completion of each level a qualification is awarded, allowing students to gain qualifications as they progress towards becoming a qualified accountant.
Our qualifications are delivered globally through approved study providers, or through AIA Achieve, our interactive distance learning study programme, enabling you to learn in a way that suits your lifestyle.
All examinations are conducted online in the AIA's online assessment platform. The system utilises the latest technology to provide students with an easy to access, safe and secure form of invigilation. All examinations involve both automated and human invigilation, alongside supervision of your assessment through live proctoring, which allows access to real-time technical advice if required.
AIA membership will take you from being a Student, all the way through your career as an accountant. As an AIA Student you are demonstrating that you are committed to your career development and are embarking on the appropriate training to succeed. Qualification as an International Accountant is achieved through a combination of study, exams and Initial Professional Development (IPD); only on completion of all these elements, and on obtaining Associate membership, are you entitled to declare yourself a qualified accountant.
Available for individuals currently working at a recognised university or college, find out more about AIA Academic Membership.
You are studying for the AIA Professional qualification and obtaining your IPD.
You have completed your professional exams, but have not yet obtained the required IPD.
You are a qualified accountant and can refer to yourself as an International Accountant.
You are a qualified accountant with over 5 years’ post-qualification experience. You can refer to yourself as an International Accountant.