CA STUDENT MEMBER HANDBOOK 2013

Welcome 3

Eligibility requirements for Membership of ICAS 4

Entry requirements 4

CA Qualification 4

Exemptions 4

Education Delivery 5

Test of Competence 6

Test of Professional Skills 7

Test of Professional Expertise 8

Business Ethics 9

Request for Further Attempts at Exams 10

Training Contract and Authorised Training Offices 11

Work Experience 14

Admission as a Member 16

CA Student Society 17

Note: The terms CA Student is used throughout to mean CA Student Member as defined in the ICAS Rules.

WELCOME Welcome to the CA Student Handbook. The aim of the Handbook is to provide you with an overview of the CA Qualification and the requirements in place relating to completing your qualification with ICAS. It will be updated annually to reflect any changes to the qualification requirement. It should also provide you with helpful information and act as a useful reference at various points during your training.

This Handbook is applicable to all CA Students completing the CA Qualification through the following course structures: Block(TCandTPS); DirectEntry; Intensive;and Modular.

All CA Students are advised to refer to the website(www.ICAS.org.uk)onafrequentbasis as the information is updated regularly. There is a section specifically for CA Students, covering both technical and administrative matters which are relevant to all classes, including exam dates and the expected dates for publication of exam results. A range of Frequently Asked Questions are also available on a range of topics and will provide useful additional information.

To ensure that CA Education can communicate effectively, all CA Students must keep CA Education informed of any changes to personal details. These can be updated through the website.

Circumstances which may impact upon the completion of the CA Qualification such as extended absence from the training firm or changing training firm should also be advised at the earliest opportunity. This will ensure that CA Students can be advised of the implications of these changed circumstances and take the appropriate action.

ICASAnDThECAQuALIFICATIOn ICAS is the worlds first professional body of accountants, receiving its Royal Charter in 1854. It was the first to adopt the designation Chartered Accountant and the designatory letters CA are still an exclusive privilege in the uK for Members of ICAS.

ICAS has over 21,000 students and Members worldwide who work in a variety of areas such as industry, public practice and the financial sector. ICAS takes great pride in the knowledge that some of the most prominent and successful leaders in industry and the accounting profession are Members of ICAS.

The CA qualification is widely recognised as one of the best accounting qualifications in the world. Regular consultation with employers ensures that the CA qualification is practical and relevant and continues to meet the changing and challenging demands of todays dynamic business environment.

ICASRulESAnDREguLATIOnS As a CA Student you will be bound by the ICAS Rules, including any regulation which imposes a duty on a CA Student. On enrolment with ICAS all CA Students undertake to comply with the obligations and liabilities of a CA Student of ICAS, to be bound by the Royal Charter, the Rules and Regulations of ICAS in force, and to observe and uphold the ethical and professional standards of ICAS. A link to the ICAS Rules is provided here.

A link to the ICAS Code of Ethics is provided here.

CA Students are advised to familiarise themselves with the Rules and the Code of Ethics on enrolment with ICAS.

ICAS Exam Regulations can be found here.

Pleaseensurethatyouhavereadthisdocument as you will be bound by these Regulations before, during and after your exams. It is important to note that all breaches of the Exam Regulations are reported to the Investigation Committee. To date, the Investigation Committee has taken disciplinary action against every CA Student who has been found in breach of the Exam Regulations. CA Students who find themselves charged with professional misconduct for a breach of Exam Regulations are likely to be the subject of a referraltotheDisciplineTribunal,whichisempowered to declare that a CA Student is unfit to become a Member of ICAS and that his/her training contract should be terminated immediately.

COnTACTIng CA EDuCATIonAn up-to-date list of CA Education contacts can be found here.

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2ElIGIBIlITYREQuIREMEnTS TO BECoMEAMEMBER OF ICASIn order to become eligible to be a Member of ICAS, a CA Student Member must have: attendedICASclassesandhavepassed

the requisite exams and assessment in BusinessEthics;

servedunderaregisteredTrainingContract in an ICAS Authorised Training officefortheprescribedperiod;and

satisfiedtheICASworkexperiencerequirements(timeandcompetencies)recorded in the Achievement Log

EnTRYREQuIREMEnTSEligibility IndividualsfollowingtheDirectEntryroute have been accepted onto a school leaver programme by an ICAS Authorised Training Office to complete the CA Qualification. To commence CA training and register a Training Contract, these individuals must meet the entry criteria specified by the employer.

All other individuals wishing to commence CA training and register a Training Contract must hold an appropriate preliminary qualification. This is either an undergraduate degree from a uK university or a degree which has been formally recognised as being uK equivalent.ProspectiveCAStudentsdonot need to hold an accountancy degree. Members of the Association of Accounting Technicians(AAT)arealsoeligibletocommence CA training.

CA Students must provide evidence of their degree or membership of the AAT either directly to CA Education or to their employer who will then provide confirmation to ICAS.

CA QuALIFICATIOnThere are three stages of the CA qualification which are subject to class attendance and exams: Test of Competence(TC);TestofProfessionalSkills(TPS);andTestofProfessionalExpertise(TPE).Inaddition,CAStudentsmustattendaBusinessEthics(BE)courseand complete a short, written assessment. A link to the syllabus which contains detail ofthetopicscoveredwithinTC,TPS,TPEandBEisavailablehere.

ICAS core competencies (prescribed and optional)

BuSInESS ETHICS

Advanced Finance

TaxationAssurance &

Business SystemsFinancial Reporting

TESTofPRofESSIonAlSkIllS

TESTofPRofESSIonAlExPERTISE

MulTI-DISCIPlInECASESTuDY

Specialist competencies

TESTofCoMPETEnCE

Business Law

Business Management

Finance Financial

Accounting

Principles of Auditing & Reporting

CoMPonEnTSofThECAQuAlIfICATIon

3ExEMPTIonSAvailable exemptions Exemptions are possible from some or all of the TC subjects, however, there are generally no exemptions available from TPS,TPE,andBE.Individualtrainingfirmsmay have different policies on whether CA Students can apply for exemptions and this should be confirmed directly with the training firm.

Eligibility for exemptions Exemptions will be awarded provided the degree was obtained within the last three years and both the syllabus and subject requirements are satisfied. AAT members can be exempt from two out of the five TC courses and exams provided the relevant AAT papers were passed.

Applying for exemptions CA Students who think they may be eligible for exemptions must apply to CA Education using the Exemption Application Form and submit the required information to enable the exemption request to be processed. All required information must be submitted to ICAS by the stated deadline to ensure the application is processed before the start of the first class to be attended.

EDuCATIonDElIVERYEligibility to attend TC and TPS classes TocommenceTCandTPSclassesaCA Student must have commenced employment in an Authorised Training Office and intend registering a Training Contract.

TC and TPS course formats TheTCandTPScoursesaredeliveredinavarietyofformats:Block;Intensive;and Modular with some elements being delivered in the classroom and others by supported self-learning. The CA Student must follow a format determined and approved by their training firm.

Educational material A complete set of educational material prepared by CA Education is provided to CA Students on day one of classes. This ensures consistency across all locations in which the qualification is delivered. The majority of the material is delivered by face to face teaching and workshops. Some

elements of the course are delivered by supportedself-learningviaCABlE(CABlendedlearningEnvironment).Thisapproach ensures that all CA Students are appropriately prepared for the exams.

Classes and completion of study materials Attendance at classes is mandatory. Employers must provide CA Students with paid leave to attend classes. CA Students must evidence attendance at classes by signing the daily registers. Any absences will be notified to the training firm.

CA Student participationIn addition to mandatory attendance on all days of classes, it is expected by CA Education and the training firm that all CA Students will actively participate during classes and workshops, completing by the required deadline all course tests and mock exams and course work where issued. CA Education reserves the right to withhold exam eligibility from a CA Student who has not shown reasonable endeavour and satisfactory performance throughout the course.

Absence from classes If a CA Student is ill and unable to attend classes, the CA Student must notify their training firm. CA Students may have exam eligibility removed if they are absent for significant course time.

Withdrawal from classes A CA Student may withdraw from TC, TPSandTPEclassesuptotwoweeksbefore the end of the course and in doing so not become exam eligible. When the CA Student resumes classes the next available exam diet will count as the first attempt.

Provisions for students with Disabilities ICAS endeavours to comply with the Equality Act. If a CA Student has a condition that falls within the definition of a protected characteristic, generally a disability, and as a result is unable to participate in classes or exams on the same terms as non-disabled students then CA Education is obliged to make reasonable adjustments to create an educational environment that enables disabled students to perform equally with non-disabled students.

CA Students are asked to disclose on enrolment if they are disabled and are requested to give CA Education, in particulartheDisabilityofficer,asmuchnotice as possible of their condition. Additional information relating to provisions for CA Students with disabilities is available here.

Language concessions no concessionary treatment is available to CA Students who have English as their second language. All CA Students are permitted to bring in a dictionary and candidates with English as a second language can also bring in a mother tongue translation dictionary. no technical dictionaries are permitted.

CA Education requires a competency level of English language skills equivalent to theIElTSBand6(InternationalEnglishlanguageTestingSystem).

The descriptionstatementofBand6is as follows:Competent user has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstanding. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

4TESTofCoMPETEnCEThe objective of TC is to provide CA Students with basic concepts and knowledge in core areas. There are five subjects at TC: Businesslaw BusinessManagement finance financialAccounting PrinciplesofAuditingandReporting

CABLE study leave In Scotland, CA Students studying for TC classesandexamswilluseCABlE.TheCABlEelementofthefullTCcourseis14 days of supported self-learning. CA Education does not prescribe an amount of time that employers must provide to complete the elements, however, guidance has been provided to employers toconsider10daysofpaidCABlEstudy leave. Where a student holds TC exemptions, the guidance to employers is thatthepaidCABlEstudyleaveispro-rated.

Exam study leave Employers are required to give CA Students exam study leave for the period of enrolled exams. This must be paid for by the employer at the first attempt. Paymentforsubsequentattemptsisattheemployers discretion.

Exam format and timing of exam diets There is a two hour paper-based exam in each TC subject. All papers contain a section of compulsory multiple-choice questions and a section comprising two compulsory questions or, in the case of Financial Accounting, a case study. Each paper will be marked out of 100.

DatesforTCexamsarepublishedinadvance and are held in a number of locations. The website contains details of exam centres available at each exam diet.

Pass mark and credit retention The pass mark is 50% and should a student pass one or more subjects but fail one or more subjects, credit retention applies.

Exam attempts It is anticipated that all CA Students will attempt the first available diet of TC exams which follow on from the completed course. CA Education will automatically enrol CA Students onto the next available diet. CA Education allows four consecutive attempts at the TC exams but employers often allow fewer. Any CA Student requiring to resit any exams is expected to sit the resit at the next available diet. If a CA Student chooses not to sit the next available diet, this will be counted as an attempt by CA Education.

Deferral option for resit exams The deferral option can only be applied oncetoTCandoncetoTPS.WiththewrittenagreementoftheTrainingPrincipala CA Student may defer all resit exams for the next exam diet. The deferral option applies to the entire diet and cannot be selectively applied to individual exams. At the subsequent exam diet, all exams that were deferred must be attempted. CA Students must advise CA Education and provide the written agreement of the TrainingPrincipalbythedatestipulatedinthe results pack.

Guide to TC classes Further information on TC is available in the guide to TC classes. Click here to find out more.

5TESTofPRofESSIonAlSKILLSTheobjectiveofTPSistoequipCAStudents with the practical skills in core areas necessary for a newly qualified accountant. This requires the development of an understanding of relevant concepts, principles and techniques, the ability to apply these in realistic settings and the exercise of judgment in selecting and advising on the most appropriate treatment.TherearefoursubjectsatTPS: Advancedfinance AssuranceandBusinessSystems financialReporting Tax Exam study leave The compulsory requirement for paid exam study leave for CA Students followingtheTPSblockrouteiseightworking days prior to the first attempt. Exam study leave for further attempts is at the employers discretion although it is recommended that half the exam study leave for the first attempt is awarded at the second attempt.

Employers are required to give CA Students exam study leave following all TPSroutes(Block,ModularandIntensive)for the period of enrolled exams. This must be paid for by the employer at the first attempt.Paymentforsubsequentattemptsis at the employers discretion.

Exam format and timing of exam diets AtTPStherearetwopaperspersubjecteachbeingtwohours(plus15minutesreadingtime)long.Themorningpapercontains a 50 mark question. The afternoon paper contains two 25 mark questions.

DatesforTPSexamsarepublishedinadvance and exams are held in a number of locations. The website contains details of exam centres available at each exam diet.

Pass mark and credit retention The pass mark is 50% and should a CA Student pass one or more subjects but fail one or more subjects, credit retention applies.

Exam attempts It is anticipated that all CA Students will attemptthefirstavailabledietofTPSexams which follow on from the completed course.

ICAS allows four consecutive attempts at each exam but employers often allow fewer. Any CA Student requiring to resit any exams are expected to sit the resit exam at the next available diet. If a CA Student chooses not to sit the next available diet, this will be counted as an attempt by CA Education.

Deferral option for resit exams The deferral option can only be applied oncetoTCandoncetoTPS.WiththewrittenagreementoftheTrainingPrincipala student may defer all resit exams for the next exam diet. The deferral option applies to the entire diet and cannot be selectively applied to individual exams. At the subsequent exam diet, all exams that were deferred must be attempted. CA Students must advise CA Education and provide the writtenagreementoftheTrainingPrincipalby the date stipulated in the results pack.

Guide to TPS classes furtherinformationonTPSisavailableintheGuidetoTPSclasses.Clickhere to find out more.

6TESTofPRofESSIonAlExPERTISEAtTPE,theCAStudentneedstobeableto use their knowledge to analyse a given problem, and, from that analysis, form an acceptable professional judgement in a given situation. The CA Student also needs to be able to present the information in a clear and logical format and to prioritise the communication to address the major issues from both an objective professional viewpoint and the specific viewpoint and background of the reader.

Eligibility to attend TPE classes CA Students must have passed all of TC (orhavebeenexempt)andTPSbeforeattendingclassesforTPE.TheTCandTPScoursesmustbecompletedwithintheTrainingContractperiodandtheTPEclasses should be commenced no later than the first course following completion oftheTrainingContractonceallTC&TPSexams have been successfully completed.

Eligibility to sit TPE Exam unless the Training Contract has been completed CA Students are not permitted toattendTPEclasseswithouthavinganactive registered Training Contract by the date of the commencement of the firstTPEclass(regardlessoflocation).In addition unless the Training Contract has been completed the CA Student must be serving under a registered Training Contract to be eligible to sit the first attemptoftheTPEExam.CAStudentscanonlyattempttheTPEexamoncetheyhave commenced the final year of their Training Contract.

Study leave and paid leave of absence The compulsory requirement for paid studyleaveatTPEisfourworkingdaysprior to the first attempt. Study leave for further attempts is at the employers discretion although it is recommended that half the study leave for the first attempt is awarded at the second attempt.

Exam format and timing of exam diets TheTPEexamisafiveandahalfhourmulti-discipline case study with a break forlunch.DatesfortheTPEexamsarepublished in advance and exams are held in a number of locations.

Exam attempts It is anticipated that all CA Students will attemptthefirstavailabledietofTPEexams which follows from the completed course as long as that diet is in the final year of the Training Contract.

ICAS allows four consecutive attempts at each exam but employers often allow fewer. Any CA Student requiring to resit any exam is expected to resit the exam at the next available diet. If a CA Student chooses not to sit the next available diet, this will be counted as an attempt by CA Education

Use of a laptop to sit TPE TPEstudentswillhavetheoptiontousetheir own or their firms laptop to write theirTPEexam.

Guide to TPE classes furtherinformationonTPEisavailableintheGuidetoTPEClasses.Clickhere to find out more.

7BuSInESSEThICSThe development of ethics and professional values are an important element in becoming a Chartered Accountant.

Requirements In addition to including ethics within the appropriatesubjectareasatTC,TPSandTPE,allCAStudentsmustattendatwodaycourseinBusinessEthics(BE)andcomplete a short written assessment.

The first day of the course is usually held within the first year of the Training Contract and the second day is delivered duringtheTPEcourse.

Content The first day of the course covers the nature of ethics, the nature of ethical business and the ethical decision-making process. The second day covers the ethical behaviour of global business, corporate citizenship, real life ethical dilemmas, whistle blowing and the ICAS Code of Ethics.

Assessment Format The assessment is a home-based exercise. CA Students will be asked to evaluate the given scenario, describe the nature of the ethical dilemma and propose a course of action.

Guide to Business Ethics furtherinformationaboutBusinessEthicsis available here.

8REQuEST FOR FuRTHER ATTEMPTSATExAMSSituations where a CA Student has not attended an exam

Where a student has not attended an exam due to: illness,injuryorothermedicalreason;

or personalordomesticproblemsofa

severe nature

an application may be made to reset the exam counter for the affected exam attempt.

Information to be submitted The request to cancel the exam attempt and reset the exam counter must be submitted in writing to CA Examinations within seven days of the affected exam. The request submitted by the CA Student must include the following: AletterfromtheCAStudentoutlining

the special circumstances which led to thematerialinterruptionintheirstudies;

AstatementofsupportfromtheTrainingPrincipal/firm;and

Relevantthirdpartyevidenceormedicalevidence as detailed below from a reputable medical source such as a Doctor,Consultant,Surgeonorotherrelevant practitioner

The medical evidence submitted must include: theidentityandnatureoftheillness/

injury/medicalissue; thestartandenddatesoftheperiod

where the illness affected the CA Student and their ability to study/attend exams;

confirmationthattheCAStudentwasunable to attend exams during the periodtheywereaffectedbytheillness;and

otherrelevantinformationwhichthemedial practitioner feels is appropriate.

All information submitted in support of such applications will be logged and held securely in accordance with the ICASobligationsinrespectoftheDataProtectionAct1998andusedonlyforthe purposes it was originally submitted for. The request will be examined and reviewedbytheDirector(Courses)andtheDirector(Policy).

Communication of decision Written confirmation of whether the request to reset the exam counter has been successful will be sent within 28 days of receipt of the request. A request may be rejected where insufficient evidence is submitted in support of an application.

An appeal against an adverse decision oftheDirector(Policy)andtheDirector(Courses)maybemadetotheExecutiveDirector,Education.ThedecisionoftheExecutiveDirector,Educationshallbefinal.

Situations where a CA Student has extenuating circumstances relating to an exam ICAS allows four consecutive attempts at each exam, CA Students who fail any exam at the fourth and final attempt may apply to the Student Education Committee to request a further attempt at these exams where extenuating circumstances apply to an exam diet.

Notification of intention to request further attempt notification of the intention to apply for a further attempt must be made to CA Education within 28 days of issue of the results relating to the fourth and final attempt.

Grounds for making a request for further attempts The Student Education Committee will only consider a material interruption to studies as appropriate grounds for requesting further attempts at exams. A material interruption to studies falls into one of two categories: Illnessorothermedicalreasons;or Personalordomesticproblemsofa

severe nature.

The Student Education Committee will not exercise its discretion in favour of a CA Student where the sole ground of application is an improvement in exam performance.

Information to be submitted to Student Education Committee A formal request for further attempts at the exams should be made to the Student Education Committee. The request will then be considered at the next available meeting of the Committee. The Student Education Committee will not exercise its discretion in favour of a CA Student where a material interruption cannot be proved.

All requests must be supported by: 1. a statement of the special

circumstances which led to a material interruptiontostudies;

2. astatementfromtheTrainingPrincipalcorroborating the facts as set out in the applicants statement and indicating, with reasons, whether or not the application is supported. The statement should also comment on the applicants employmentrecord;and

3. a medical certificate, or any other form of third party evidence where appropriate. The medical certificates must be dated at the time of illness and submitted to CA Education within seven days of the conclusion of the relevant exam diet.

Communication of decision Following the Student Education Committee meeting, the CA Student will be informed of the Committees decision in writing. CA Students are advised that in granting a request for further attempts, the Student Education Committee will determine the timing of the attempt and may impose any conditions considered appropriate, for example, attendance at classes.

9TRAInInGConTRACTAnDAuThoRISEDTRAInInGOFFICESBecomingaMemberofICASisnotjustabout attending classes and passing exams, the CA Students must also satisfy the Training Contract requirements forming part of the CA Qualification.

Tripartite contract The Training Contract is a tripartite agreement between ICAS, the CA Student andtheAuthorisedTrainingoffice.Byentering into a Training Contract, the training office agrees to provide the CA Student with an effective training in accordance with the ICAS Training Standards, whilst the CA Student undertakes to make a proper contribution to the work of the training office. ICAS undertakes to authorise and monitor the training offices, provide appropriate classes and exams, and set and monitor work experience requirements.

Purpose The Training Contract governs the training and work experience to be given to a CA Student within an Authorised Training Office. The training is intended to provide the CA Student with the technical knowledge, work experience and professional attitudes necessary for admission as a member to ICAS.

Contract of Employment In addition to the Training Contract, there is the separate statutory requirement that all employees are provided with a Contract of Employment. The Contract of Employment sets out the terms and conditions of the CA Students employment with the Authorised Training Office. Certain terms and conditions are governed by statute.

The length of period of employment, as set by the Contract of Employment, should be at least the same period as the Training Contract. There are detailed statutory requirements regarding the period of employment. All prospective CA Students must be shown the Contract of Employment prior to joining the Authorised Training Office.

normally the employer named in the terms and conditions of employment will be the same legal entity as named in the Training Contract, but in exceptional circumstances may be a different legal entity.

ICAS recommends that the mandatory statutory terms and conditions are supplemented by additional clauses relating to the following provisions of the Training Contract: 1. Leave of absence for attendance at CA

classesandexams;2. Study leave in accordance with ICAS

requirements;3. The number of attempts to be allowed

ateachoftheexams;4. Conditions on which assignation to

another Authorised Training Office may takeplace;and

5. The Authorised Training Offices contribution towards the cost of:

a)registrationfees; b)classfees; c)books; d)examfees;and e)feesforadmissionasaMember.

ICAS recommends that contingent clauses, particularly in relation to clawback of training expenses, should not be included in the Contract of Employment. However, these can be included provided the overall terms and conditions are justified, and disclosed at the outset of the training period.

Length of Training Contract The Training Contract period will be determined by the route to qualification followed by the CA Student. The minimum period for a Training Contract will be three years, however, Training Contract periods can be up to six years in length.

Impact of absence from Employment on Training Contract Period Where a CA Student is absent from employment, through circumstances such as illness or maternity leave, for a continuous period of greater than one calendar month, the Authorised Training Office must inform CA Education of this absence and the Training Contract will be suspended and the period of the Training Contract extended accordingly. Where a Training Contract has been suspended for reasons of illness or maternity leave, the

CA Student will not be expected to attend the exam diets until the Training Contract has been resumed.

In addition, over the course of the Training Contract period if the CA Student is absent from employment for a cumulative period of greater than one calendar month, the Authorised Training Office must inform CA Education of this cumulative absence and the period of the Training Contract be extended accordingly.

Training Contract requirements in relation to work experience If a CA Student does not satisfy the workexperience(timeorcompetency)requirements within the Training Contract period, the Training Contract will be extended to such length as the work experience requirements are satisfied. Conversely, if a CA Student has satisfied all the work experience requirements prior to the completion of the Training Contract period, the remainder of the Training Contract must be completed before the CA Student is eligible to apply to be a Member of ICAS.

Work experience gained outside the period of the Training Contract will not count towards meeting the work experience requirements of the CA Qualification.

Registration of Training ContractThe Training Contract must be registered with CA Education within six months of the date the Training Contract commences.

Assignation of Training Contract CA Students are not encouraged to assign their Training Contract to another Authorised Training Office during the Training Contract period. There may, however, be circumstances where both the Authorised Training Office and the CA Student are in agreement that the Training Contract may be assigned to another Authorised Training Office. Assignation of the Training Contract should be notified to CA Education within one calendar month of the CA Student commencing the new employment.

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Cancellation of Training Contract The Training Contract will be cancelled in the following circumstances: 1. It is ended by the agreement of all

parties;or2. If a CA Student fails to meet the

preliminary qualification requirements withintherequiredperiod;or

3. The CA Student becomes ineligible to be a Member of ICAS.

Cancellation of the Training Contract should be notified to CA Education within one calendar month of the date of the cancellation. The CA Student and/or Authorised Training Office will provide CA Education with any additional information that may be required relating to the circumstances of cancellation. The Training Contract registration will be withdrawn from the date of cancellation.

Termination of Training Contract The Training Contract will be terminated in the following circumstances: 1. The CA Student has committed a

serious breach, has repeated or have continued(afterwarning)anymaterialbreach of the obligations under the TrainingContract;or

w2. The CA Student has been found guiltybyICASof;

professionalincompetence unsatisfactoryprofessionalconduct professionalmisconduct

Termination of the Training Contract should be notified to CA Education within one calendar month of the date of the termination. The CA Student and/or Authorised Training Office will provide CA Education with any additional information that may be required relating to the circumstances of termination. The Training Contract registration will be withdrawn from the date of termination.

Commencing a new Training Contract Where a Training Contract has been cancelled by mutual consent, the CA Student may apply to the Student Education Committee for permission to enter a new Training Contract. The Committee will normally look for a period of two years to have elapsed between the cancellation of the first Training Contract and the new application. In approving a new Training Contract, the

Committee may impose such terms and conditions as it considers appropriate to the circumstances.

PermissiontocommenceanewTrainingContract will not normally be given to a CA Student: 1. who has completed a Training Contract

but has not progressed to become a MemberofICAS;or

2. whose previous Training Contract has been terminated.

Suspension of Training Contract If CA Students have completed six months of their Training Contract, they can apply to CA Education to suspend their Training Contract. The CA Student will be expected to outline the reason for the suspension and submit the Achievement Log completed and signed off up to the date of suspension.

A CA Student will be able to have a period of up to 24 months without additional time being added to the Training Contract length, or an increase in the Achievement Log requirements. For suspension periods of over 24 months, CA Students must request permission from the Student Education Committee to enter a new Training Contract.

Although CA Students may be working towards work experience requirements in the Achievement Log during the suspension period, these cannot be signed off.

CA Students who are otherwise eligible, willbeabletoattendTCandTPSclassesandsitTCandTPSexamswhilsttheTraining Contract is suspended. unless the Training Contract has been completed CA Students are not permitted to attend TPEclasseswithouthavinganactiveregistered Training Contract by the date of thecommencementofthefirstTPEclass(regardlessoflocation).

Attendance at classes is subject to availability and payment of necessary fees for classes, exams and books. If a CA StudenthascompletedaTC,TPSorTPEcourse or is resitting an exam, they must continue to present themselves at exam diets even if their Training Contract has been suspended for reasons other than

maternity or illness. Missed exams will continue to count as an attempt.

Suspension of integrated Training Contract and degree route CA Students following an integrated Training Contract and degree route will be able to have a suspension period of up to 16monthswithoutadditionaltimebeingadded to either the Training Contract, or Achievement Log requirements. For suspensionperiodsbetween16and24months, additional time will be added to the Training Contract and Achievement Log requirements.

CA Students following an integrated Training Contract and degree route will not normally resit ICAS exams during the placement period. Exam attempts will be suspended until they commence the final period of the Training Contract. Where there is a gap of 12 months between the first attempt at the exams and the subsequent resits, CA Students will be required to reattend classes. With the agreementoftheirTrainingPrincipal,itwillbe possible for CA Students to apply to CA Education to resit ICAS exams during the placement period. Such applications will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Redundancy Where a CA Student is made redundant at any time during the Training Contract period, the CA Student may attempt any exams for which they are otherwise eligible to sit. The redundancy should be notified to CA Education within three weeks of the date on which the redundancy becomes effective.

Disputes and other matters relating to the Training Contract Any dispute arising between parties to a Training Contract may be referred to ICAS. In the first instance it may be appropriate to discuss the matter informally with CA Education. However, Authorised Training Offices and CA Students should be aware that an arbitration service is available. In these circumstances, the matter should be referred to the Secretary of ICAS. Any decision reached will be final and binding.

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WoRkExPERIEnCEIn addition to passing exams and completing the Training Contract requirements, the CA Student must also satisfy the work experience requirements forming part of the CA Qualification.

Purpose The work experience requirements ensure that the CA Student has received sufficient work experience to enable them to effectively apply knowledge in a variety of relevant, practical situations.

Work experience requirements The work experience requirements to be satisfied are specified as the achievement of a number of competencies and minimum relevant work experience requirements. It is recognised that the type of work experience available to a CA Student will vary depending on the size and type of Authorised Training Office.

Competency requirements DuringtheTrainingContractperiodallCAStudents must achieve the following: 1. Prescribedcompetenciesin: a)Accounting; b)InformationTechnology; c)Communication&influencing; d)Personaleffectiveness;and e)People,teamwork&leadership2.Corecompetencies;and3. Specialist competencies.

CA Students are required to achieve 12 core competencies with a minimum of six from one discrete technical area. CA Students are also required to complete a minimum of five specialist competencies from one technical area. These should extend one of the prescribed technical areas or the core area in which the CA Student achieved at least six competencies. The specialist competencies should be at a more detailed level than the optional competencies, and be in an area that the CA Student is beginning to acquire an expertise. A competency is only considered achieved when it has been achieved at the level expected of a newly qualified CA.

Relevant practical work experience requirements The minimum relevant work experience requirements are:

Three year Training Contract 450 days

Integrated Training Contract and degree route 500 days

DirectEntryfiveyearTrainingContract750 days

It is anticipated that CA Students following an integrated Training Contract and degree route will achieve 300 days relevant work experience in the final period of the Training Contract.

normally work experience gained in the placement period will only count as relevant work experience if the CA Student following an integrated Training Contract and degree route returns to complete the Training Contract within the original Authorised Training Office.

The minimum relevant work experience requirements relate to purely practical work experience and, therefore, excludes time spent on in-house training courses, CA Education classes, holidays, illness and general administration.

Work experience requirements in relation to Training Contract Although the work experience may be gained in a variety of Authorised Training Organisations, if it is gained outside the period of the Training Contract it will not count towards meeting the work experience requirements of the CA Qualification.

If a CA Student does not satisfy the work experience(competency)requirementswithin the Training Contract period, the Training Contract will be extended to such length as the work experience requirements are satisfied. All the work experiencerequirements(timeandcompetency)mustbesatisfiedbeforetheCA Student is eligible to be a member of ICAS.

Secondments and working outside the Authorised Training Office It is acceptable for a CA Student to work on secondment or outside the Authorised Training Office for a period of up to 52

weeks on the condition that the proposed secondment has been approved by the TrainingfirmandICASDirector(Policy).Duringthisperiod,theCAStudentshouldcontinue to be supervised and the quality ofworkexperiencemonitored.Beforegoing on secondment or working outside the Authorised Training Office, a CA Student should have spent at least one month of the Training Contract working in the Authorised Training Office.

Completion of the Achievement Log CA Students are required to maintain an Achievement Log in the format specified by CA Education and to ensure that is an accurate and complete picture of the work experience gained. Failure to maintain the Achievement Log satisfactorily may result in a CA Student not achieving exam eligibility.

The completion of the Achievement Log will demonstrate that the CA Student has achieved the competency and the work experience requirements to become eligible to be a Member of ICAS. It will also enable the Authorised Training Office to review and monitor the CA Students work experience in relation to the ICAS requirements.

Review of the Achievement Log by Authorised Training Office The Counselling Member or Training Principalmustregularlyreviewandmonitor the CA Students work experience. This review should be carried out, at a minimum, on an annual basis and be documented by approving the Achievement Log. In addition, the Achievement Log should be reviewed regularly by a qualified member of staff who has day-to-day responsibility for supervising the work of CA Students.

Review of the Achievement Log by CA Education A sample of Achievement Logs of CA Students completing the first year of the Training Contract will be reviewed by CA Education. All Achievement Logs will be reviewed periodically by CA Education as determined by the qualification route.

All final year Achievement Logs should be submitted to CA Education for review within one month of the expiry of the

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Training Contract. Failure to do so may result in the imposition of a fine on the CA Student.

UK audit qualification The attainment of the CA Qualification does not automatically entitle the member to the uK audit qualification. Attainment of the CA Qualification does meet the theoretical requirements of the uK Companies Act but a minimum of 210 days of uK audit experience is also required(atleast105daysofukcompanyaudit)tomeetthepracticalexperiencerequirements to achieve the uK audit qualification.

The Achievement Log is also used to record the number of days of experience required for the audit qualification. (Currently210daysauditwork,halfofwhich must be within company audit work, with the remainder coming from theauditofotherapprovedbodies.)nilreturns are required from CA Students who have not undertaken any audit work during the year. In addition, CA Students must provide an explanation in the annual reflective statement of the work performed and skills developed in relation to the audit work recorded.

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ADMISSIonASAMEMBEROF ICASRequirements to become a Member of ICASIn order to become eligible to be a Member of ICAS, a CA Student must have: attendedtheICASclassesandhave

passed the requisite exams and assessmentinBE;

servedunderaregisteredTrainingContract in an ICAS Authorised Training officefortheprescribedperiod;and

satisfiedtheICASminimumworkexperiencerequirements(timeandcompetencies)recordedintheAchievement Log.

Applying to be a Member of ICASCA Students should apply for admission to be a Member within one year of the later of: 1. passingtheTPEexam;or2. completion of service under the

Training Contract.

Application for admission as a Member of ICAS must be made using the appropriate form. The form should be accompanied by the appropriate payment.

Final Certificate of Service The Final Certificate of Service should be registered with CA Education within one month of the completion of the Training Contract. The Final Certificate of Service must be signed by the Counselling Member and testify that the CA Student is fit and proper to be admitted as a Member of ICAS. Where there are concerns that the CA Student is not fit and proper, this should be referred to the Student Education Committee stating the reasons for this opinion. If it appears that there are reasons why the application to be a Member should not be recommended, then the matter may be referred to the Investigations Committee.

CASTuDEnTSoCIETYThe CA Student Society aims to engage, inform, develop and connect CA students throughout the uK. The Society enables CA students to build their own professional community, providing opportunities for networking with fellow CA students and CAs. Ethics, professionalism and building a lifelong connection with ICAS is at the heart of everything we do.

The Society works to build a sense of community with CA students across the uK and provides opportunities for networking and building relationships, and ensures students are kept up-to-date with developments affecting the professional and wider economy. The Society is run by a committee which includes CA student representatives from different employers, regions and levels of study. All students automatically become a member of the CA student Society.

For further information visit icas.org.uk/castudentsociety or like the facebook page facebook.com/castudentsociety

Student society

CA

CAhouse21haymarketYardsEdinburghEh125Bhcaeducation@icas.org.uk+44(0)1313470100icas.org.uk