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Routes to Membership
AIA Journey
From school leavers looking to undertake an accountancy qualification to experienced accountants and statutory auditors looking for more from their existing professional body, AIA offers a qualification and membership pathway for everyone, no matter where you are in your career.
Apply NowWhich is the Right Route for You?
School Leaver
If you are looking for an alternative to university education, but a pathway that leads to a professional accountancy career, AIA can help. School leavers can use the AIA’s bespoke learning platform to study straight after A-levels or an international level equivalent and combine flexible working with work. Students are given access to e-tutors, study planners, mock exams and a range of learning resources to support them in their studies and progress in their career.
Graduates or Part-Qualified Accountants
AIA operates paper-for-paper exemptions designed to reduce repetition for those who have already attained an accountancy qualification either in part or in full. Exemptions are based on the academic and professional qualifications and each applicant is assessed on an individual basis and offer you with the quickest route to full qualification and membership.
Accountants in Practice
The AIA practising certificate gives you a license to operate in public practice, but also offers a huge range of additional benefits to assist you in your career. The AIA practising certificate is a recognised mark of excellence, professionalism and compliance and also offers unparalleled support services to help small and medium sized practices work, evolve and grow.
Qualified Accountants
If you already have a professional accountancy qualification, working in the accounting sector, and a proven track record of experience, you may be eligible for direct membership of the AIA. There are two levels of full AIA membership, Associate and Fellow, and direct entry is offered on a like for like basis.
Entry Requirements
AIA’s entry requirements for registration as a student are 2 A Level passes plus 3 GCSE passes (in five separate subjects including Maths and English) or equivalent.
If you are unsure please contact us for further information.
Membership Progression
AIA membership will take you from being a Student, all the way through your career as an accountant. As an AIA Student you are demonstrating that you are committed to your career development and are embarking on the appropriate training to succeed. Qualification as an International Accountant is achieved through a combination of study, exams and Initial Professional Development (IPD); only on completion of all these elements, and on obtaining Associate membership, are you entitled to declare yourself a qualified accountant.
Available for individuals currently working at a recognised university or college, find out more about AIA Academic Membership.
Student: You are studying for the AIA Professional qualification and obtaining your IPD.
Graduate: You have completed your professional exams, but have not yet obtained the required IPD.
Associate (AAIA): You are a qualified accountant and can refer to yourself as an International Accountant.
Fellow (FAIA): You are a qualified accountant with over 5 years’ post-qualification experience. You can refer to yourself as an International Accountant.
