How to become an Associate Chartered Accountant
Associate Chartered Accountants (ACAs) are versatile professionals with a bachelor's degree with accounting and business study. Before entering the profession, they gain workplace experience and complete a short professional competence programme.
There are three main steps to becoming an ACA:
- Complete a recognised academic programme
- Complete a practical experience programme
- Complete a professional competence programme.
The following figure outlines the process of becoming an ACA. Note that some steps can be undertaken at the same time.
Meet the academic requirements | Complete general practical experience |
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Completion of a bachelor's degree with coverage at an NZICA-accredited tertiary institution of specified accounting
and business topics. We recognise all NZQA-accredited bachelor's degrees completed at New Zealand universities, polytechnics and Institutes of technology towards the bachelor's degree requirement. Studied abroad? Apply for recognition of overseas study and qualifications (PDF, 318 KB) |
One year of relevant accounting experience (verified by an NZICA member) completed before, during or after the completion of the academic requirements. |
Complete and submit the Provisional membership form (PDF, 376 KB)
Complete and submit the Certificate of general practical experience (PDF, 211 KB)
Complete a specified practical experience programme | Complete a professional competence programme |
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Completion of at least 12 months in total in an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) overseen and verified by an
NZICA-registered mentor. Prerequisite: Academic requirements and general practical
experience. |
Foundations Programme - Self study
- Ethics workshop
- Written examination
Prerequisite: Provisional membership and general practical experience. |
Apply for full membership (PDF, 575 KB)
Associated Chartered Accountant