Ask yourself questions about the type of professional career you’d like. For example, what size firm would you like to work for? Do you want to have a private practice? Do you want to work for nonprofit organizations or for-profit businesses? As you get more training and experience, you’ll get a better idea of the aspects you like and don’t like.
Get good grades in your classes, especially in any math- or business-related classes. [3] X Research source Alternately, some professional organizations will accept a 2-year accounting associate degree as a foundational education for an aspiring Chartered Accountant. [4] X Research source
Some training programs, such as the program offered by Chartered Accountants Ireland, consist of courses that prepare you directly for the examinations. For example, in Ireland, you will register for the Chartered Accountant Proficiency 1 (CAP1) exam, which covers Finance, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Taxation, and Law for Accountants. The syllabus for the course describes the learning outcomes and weighting for the course’s exam. Some programs are offered for working professionals who already have jobs and who have experience in the financial sector. Check with your local organization to learn more about the options for working professionals. [6] X Research source
Search for placements in your region by checking with your CA professional association. Apply for placements in your industry of choice. If you want to work for an organization that is not authorized, you may be able to register your manager as someone who is authorized to evaluate your performance and growth. Check with your CA professional association to see if this is an option.
In some regions in Britain, this is called an Achievement Log. In Canada, it is known as the Record of CA Qualifying Experience (RQE).
In Ireland, for example, you will take the Chartered Accountant Proficiency 1 (CAP1), Chartered Accountant Proficiency (CAP2), and the Final Admitting Examination (FAE). The CAP1 covers Finance, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Taxation, and Law for Accountants. CAP 2 covers Audit & Assurance, Strategic Finance & Management Accounting, Taxation and Financial Reporting. The FAE is a comprehensive final exam.
Find a study partner to help you study. This could be someone else who is also taking the exam, or it might be someone who is already a Chartered Accountant. Many work placements will give you some education leave so that you can take time off work to study for your exams.
There are different score minimums that you must attain; for example, you must achieve a minimum of 50% on your exams in Ireland in order to pass. In Canada, for example,you’ll take the Uniform Evaluation, which is a three-day, national exam that tests you on your competencies in responding to business simulations.
Alternately, you might be hired on permanently at the company where you had your professional placement.
