AIA Professional Qualification

AIA Professional Qualification: Accountancy

Studying to become an Accountant
AIA members operate throughout the world helping businesses, from start-ups to global operations, reach their full potential. Their knowledge and skills base comes from the AIA professional qualification, which was developed through collaboration with employers, businesses and academics to create a professional qualification that delivers world-class accountancy and business skills.

Qualification is through a combination of exams and work experience, covering all core accountancy and business subjects alongside a standalone paper on professional ethics. On completion you become a qualified accountant, ready to embark on an exciting and varied career in whatever business or finance field you choose.

Entry Requirements
You can start your journey with AIA if you have a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent.
If you have a degree or other professional qualifications you may be eligible for exemptions from some papers making it quicker and easier to become a qualified accountant with AIA.

What if I don't have the minimum entry requirements?

We’re working hard to ensure that there is a pathway to membership for everyone that wants a career in accountancy. For those without any relevant existing qualifications, you can take the AIA’s Certificate in Business Finance before progressing on to the AIA professional accountancy qualification.

Structure 
The AIA accountancy qualification is designed to deliver the knowledge, competencies and professional conduct expected of world-class accountants.  There are 3 levels within the AIA accountancy qualification, consisting of 10 exams which are examinable in May and November each year (starting November 2021). 

Foundation Level

A single unit covering 4 components:

Financial Accounting
Management Accounting
Corporate Governance & Audit
Business Management 

Exam

A single, multiple choice, 3 hour online exam covering all four components within the unit. 

Exemptions

Exemptions for prior learning are available and further details can be found on the Exemptions Database. 

Award: Certificate in Accountancy

Once you have passed the AIA Foundation Level integrated exam you will be awarded the AIA Certificate in Accountancy.

This Certificate is attainable in 6-12 months depending on prior learning.
 

Professional Level 1

Subjects:

Financial Accounting and Reporting 1
Principles of Governance and Audit
Management Accounting
Business Law for Accountants
Taxation (UK, HK and China versions are available)
Exam:

Each subject is tested by a 3 hour online exam.

Exemptions: 

Exemptions for prior learning are available and further details can be found on the Exemptions Database. 

Award: Diploma in Accountancy

Once you have passed all papers in Professional Level 1 you will be awarded the AIA Diploma in Accountancy.

This Diploma is attainable in approximately 12 months depending on prior learning.

Professional Level 2

Subjects

Financial Accounting and Reporting 2
Developments in Assurance and Accountability* (Islamic version is available)
Business and Financial Management*
Ethics and Professional Practice
Multi-disciplinary Case Study

*Optional Papers: Students have the option of taking either Developments in Assurance and Accountability or Business and Financial Management

Exam

Each subject is tested by a 3 hour online exam.

Exemptions

No exemptions are available at this level.

Award: Advanced Diploma in Accountancy

Once you have passed the required papers in Professional Level 2 you will be awarded the AIA Advanced Diploma in Accountancy.

This Advanced Diploma is attainable in approximately 12-18 months depending on prior learning.