Exam applications

These pages will tell you what you need to know in order to apply for the ACA paper based examinations, i.e. for the six examinations of the Professional Stage application modules and for the Advanced Stage examinations.

For information on applying for the computer based e-assessment examinations you need to access our e-assessment web page since the procedure to follow is different from that of the paper based assessments.

Apply for exams

Isle of Man exam centre

Please note that, due to a change in tuition circumstances, the Isle of Man exam centre is not available in 2010.

There are two ways in which you can apply to enter the paper based examinations:

Dates and deadlines

It is your responsibility to enter for the exams by the relevant session closing date. Please download the exam dates, deadlines and timetable information.

Please note that a surcharge will be made for late entries which will be twice the normal exam fee, accepted for up to seven days after the closing date. No allowance is made for any special circumstances or any error or omission.

Exam entry fees

Exam entry fees vary depending on the exam stage and the number of assessments and papers being sat at the exam session.

Exam centres

A full list of the current exam centres is contained within the exam application form or as part of the online application process.

For the computer based assessment centres, there is a list of approved test centres on the e-assessment web page.

Admission details

Candidates entering for the paper-based exams will now get their admission details electronically.

Instead of an admission letter sent in the post, candidates will collect their admission details online. This will include their timetable, venue, candidate number and instructions.

Admission details will be available from 7am on the Saturday 2 weeks before the exams. We will send you an email to tell you when your admission details are available, so it is important we have an up to date working email address for you.

Candidates who have special arrangements will be sent letters confirming their timetable for the session.

For further information please contact Student Support by calling +44 (0)1908 248 040 or by emailing the team at studentsupport@icaew.com.

Cancelling an application

If you cancel the exam before the entry deadline, you can withdraw yourself online to receive a full credit. If you cancel after the entry deadline, you must notify us in writing or by e-mail at studentsupport@icaew.com.

If you withdraw after the entry deadline but before the refund deadline, the full fee will be held as a credit against your record for re-use at a later exam session.

After the refund deadline, no credit or refund is normally available. If you are unable to attend an exam because of illness or other reason beyond your control, you may request your exams fees be credited or refunded. Requests must be made within 28 days of the date of the examination and you must provide appropriate evidence.

The refund deadlines for 2010 are:

  • 1 March - refund deadline for the March Professional Stage
  • 24 May - refund deadline for June Professional Stage
  • 5 July - refund deadline for the July Advanced Stage
  • 23 August - refund deadline for September Professional Stage
  • 11 October - refund deadline for November Advanced Stage
  • 22 November - refund deadline for the December Professional Stage

Alternative exam arrangements

Alternative exam arrangements can be applied for by students with disabilities (as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995) or by students with specific needs. Applications for alternative exam arrangements must be made before the exam entry closing date wherever possible. Full details are available by viewing our special arrangements for examinations document (PDF 33KB/4 pages).

There are also provisions available for the e-assessment centres. Please see the e-assessment section for further information.

Special consideration

Students who feel that their performance in the examination has been adversely affected by illness or other special circumstances may have these factors taken into account during the results determination process. Any applications for special consideration should be submitted in writing to the Assessment Manager at the ICAEW as soon as possible after the examination, for receipt two weeks before the results despatch date at the latest.

Full details of all the available provisions can be found in the Examination eligibility & conduct regulations (PDF 44kb/8 pages) and the Guidance document (PDF 34KB/2 pages).

Instructions to candidates

The following documents, for Professional Stage and Advanced Stage candidates, contain important information regarding the administration of ICAEW assessments. You must read these instructions carefully to ensure you are fully familiar with our processes and procedures before your attempt your assessment(s).

All regulatory information relating to the Professional Stage and Advanced Stage exams can be found in the ACA assessment regulations (PDF 39KB/8 pages).