The majority of students that enrol with the Institute are graduates from 3rd level institutions, comprising of business and non – business graduates alike.
Business Graduate Exemptions
The Institute recognises that business graduates already have a broad academic foundation for the further study required for professional examinations. The range of exemptions offered reflects the content and level of the qualification obtained, some qualifications gaining an entire exemption from CA Proficiency 1.
Non – Business Graduate Exemptions
Many Chartered Accountants have qualified in non-business related disciplines such as law, computer science, engineering, arts etc. The Institute encourages this, recognising that their diverse backgrounds bring an invaluable mix of skills and knowledge to the profession. The first examination for non-business graduates is CA Proficiency 1.
The programme leading to the CA Proficiency 1 examination, and especially the subject “Financial Accounting” assumes some prior knowledge of the subject. We therefore recommend that students participate in an introductory course in basic accounting.
Business Graduates
Full-time, one year, post-graduate Masters in Accounting for business graduates are offered in
Students who have met the CAP1 requirement and successfully meet the criteria on these courses are exempt from the entirety of CA Proficiency 2 and join the Institute having completed all but the Final Admitting Examination.
Non – Business Graduates
Full time, one year post-graduate Diploma programmes are available for non- business graduates. These are offered at
Students who successfully complete these programmes and meet the agreed exemption criteria are exempt from the entirety of CA Proficiency 1. Exemptions are awarded on an all or nothing basis.
Details of these post-graduate courses can be obtained from the Dept of Accounting / Finance at the respective bodies.
School Leavers
You can start your studies directly out of school. If you’re bright, ambitious and want to get your career off the ground straightaway, the direct entry school leaver pathway offers an alternative to college. You don’t have to study Honours Maths or Business at Leaving Cert / A-Level, but an aptitude for these subjects will be very helpful.
In your first year, you would be studying with our partner body, Accounting Technicians Ireland, and there are various ways you can progress.
Apprenticeship route
This route is most popular with school leavers. It's a work-based programme which means you can earn while you learn. Over 2 years, you work 4 days a week with an approved ATI employer, and attend college 1 day a week. You then transition into the Chartered Accountants Ireland programme and potentially benefit from partial CAP1 exemptions (subject to results).
Traditional route
The ATI programme can be completed on a part time basis. This route is most popular with mature students. You work full time and undertake the ATI study in the evenings. The Traditional path offers two options; 1. Gain a merit grade in the ATI first year exams (and meet certain prerequisite Leaving Cert/GCSE or A Level requirements). You can then move on to studying our first year exams, CAP1. 2. Study with ATI for two years to gain the Accounting Technician qualification before joining us for further study (potential to obtain partial CAP1 exemptions).
How to apply?
Apply directly to Accounting Technicians Ireland. Detailed entry requirements are available on their website: www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie
Who is it for?
The Apprenticeship route that is popular with school leavers will suit ambitious, practically minded students who are certain that they want to be
Chartered Accountants and would like to be qualified as quickly as possible. The Traditional route will suit mature students who would like to return to study or change careers.
Requirements
To begin the Direct Entry School Leaver Route students must achieve at least H6 or O5 in both English and Mathematics, and students must secure at least 356 points from any combination of six subjects in one sitting.
In Northern Ireland students must have 3 GCE Advanced Level subjects at Grade C or better with GCSE Ordinary Level English and Mathematics at Grade B or better. Students must then secure a merit pass in Accounting Technicians Ireland First Year examinations
The Graduate Route
The majority of students that enrol with the Institute are graduates from 3rd level institutions, comprising of business and non–business graduates alike.
Business Graduate Exemptions The Institute recognises that business graduates already have a broad academic foundation for the further study required for professional examinations. The range of exemptions offered reflects the content and level of the qualification obtained, some qualifications gaining an entire exemption from CA Proficiency 1.
Non – Business Graduate Exemptions Many Chartered Accountants have qualified in non-business related disciplines such as law, computer science, engineering, arts etc. The Institute encourages this, recognising that their diverse backgrounds bring an invaluable mix of skills and knowledge to the profession. The first examination for non-business graduates is CA Proficiency 1.
The programme leading to the CA Proficiency 1 examination, and especially the subject “Financial Accounting” assumes some prior knowledge of the subject. We, therefore, recommend that students participate in an introductory course in basic accounting.
Business Graduates
Full-time, one year, post-graduate Masters in Accounting for business graduates are offered in
Students who have met the CAP1 requirement and successfully meet the criteria in these courses are exempt from the entirety of CA Proficiency 2 and join the Institute having completed all but the Final Admitting Examination.
Non – Business Graduates
Full time, one-year post-graduate Diploma programmes are available for non-business graduates. These are offered at
Students who successfully complete these programmes and meet the agreed exemption criteria are exempt from the entirety of CA Proficiency 1. Exemptions are awarded on an all or nothing basis.
Details of these post-graduate courses can be obtained from the Dept of Accounting / Finance at the respective bodies
School-leaver / Direct Entry Route
From 2017 onwards: To begin the direct entry school leaver route students must pass 6 subjects in their Leaving Certificate in one sitting only, students must achieve at least H6 or O5 in both English and Mathematics, and students must secure at least 365 points from any combination of six subjects in one sitting.
Prior to 2017: Students must get a minimum of 360 points in the Leaving Certificate out of 6 subjects (this must include English and Mathematics at Higher Level grade D or better, or Ordinary Level grade C or better).
In Northern Ireland students must have 3 GCSE Advanced Level subjects at a grade C or better with GCSE Ordinary Level English and Mathematics at grade B or better.
Students must then secure a merit pass in Accounting Technicians Ireland first year examinations.
Prospective students who do not fall into any of the above entry routes are generally:
Click here to download brochure on how to become a Chartered Accountant
