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ACA CTA Joint Programme
We are delighted that you are considering studying for the ACA CTA Joint Programme. Here is some key information which we hope you will find helpful.
About the ACA CTA Joint Programme
The ACA CTA Joint Programme has been created by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT). Completing this programme will enable you to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Tax Adviser in three to four years, as long as you have relevant professional work experience.
When registering as an ACA CTA Joint Programme student, you will be asked to pick a specialism. Your specialism will decide which exams you are required to sit and what your specialism paper, an Advanced Technical exam, would be.
What is the exam structure?
ACA CTA Joint Programme students are required to complete 14 of the 15 ACA modules (excluding Business Planning: Taxation) the relevant CTA specialism paper, the Professional Responsibilities & Ethics: Computer Based Exam and either an Advanced Technical exam, an Application and Professional Skills exam or an ADIT exam.
Do not book the CTA exams on the date and time as any ICAEW exam entries as you will not be able to sit both papers at the same time.
What are the specialisms?
You'll have the opportunity to specialise in one of three areas of taxation:
- Larger Companies and Groups - Designed for students focusing on tax issues relating to the FTSE 350 companies and other large corporates
- Owner-Managed Businesses - Designed for students focusing on tax issues relating to owner-managed private businesses
- Indirect Tax - Designed for students focusing on indirect taxation
Key benefits
- Achieve two prestigious qualifications: the ACA and CTA
- A fast-track route to professional development in taxation and accountancy
- Maintains the same rigorous standards of the ICAEW and CIOT
What are the requirements for this programme?
To join this programme, you just need to meet three criteria:
- You must work in tax
- If you are transferring to this programme as an ACA student, you must not have completed the Professional Level Business Planning: Taxation module
- If you are transferring to this programme as a CTA student, you must not have completed the two CTA Advanced Technical exams
Can I claim exemptions?
Students can claim exemptions from the ACA modules if they met the criteria set out by ICAEW. Exemptions from CTA papers are not available to ACA CTA Joint Programme students.
How can I find out more about this programme?
See the ACA CTA Joint Programme prospectus and CTA syllabus.
Apprenticeship
Students can also study for the ACA CTA Joint Programme as part of the Level 7 Apprenticeship, further information can be found in the Level 7 Apprenticeship section.
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Fees
New Student Registration
- CTA: £248 and is valid for three years.
- Tax Pathway: £355 and is valid for five years.
- ACA CTA / CA CTA Joint Programme: £248 and is valid for four years.
Use your email address to register as a new student.
The registration fee is non-refundable* (unless the application is unsuccessful) and is payable in addition to entry fees for the examinations. (*Please note if your situation changes significantly within a month of the date you made your application for student registration and you no longer wish to proceed (provided you have not registered for any examinations) then a refund can be made, less a small administration charge.)
Student Re-Registration
- CTA: £194 and is valid for a further three years.
- Tax Pathway: £355 and is valid for a further five years.
- ACA CTA / CA CTA Joint Programme: £225 and is valid for a further four years.
View further details on the re-registration page.