CPA England

Professional excellence with purpose.

Develop the technical expertise, ethical judgement and strategic perspective required to lead in accountancy, finance and business.

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Study & progression

Study with direction. Lead with confidence.

Follow a progressive academic pathway supported by clear syllabuses, applied learning and professional guidance.

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Modern professional capability

Build digital confidence for modern finance.

Strengthen analytical thinking, information-systems knowledge and the judgement required in technology-enabled organisations.

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Professional achievement

A qualification that moves careers forward.

Build respected capabilities for opportunities across practice, industry, public service and international business.

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Ethics & public trust

Responsible professionals for a changing world.

Combine technical excellence with ethical leadership, sustainability awareness and an enduring commitment to public trust.

Our professional standards Continuing development

Welcome to CPA England

Advancing competence, integrity and public trust.

CPA England supports aspiring and established professionals through rigorous education, clear standards and continuing professional development.

Our qualification combines technical knowledge with practical application, professional scepticism, communication, strategic thinking and digital proficiency. It is designed for a profession that must respond confidently to changing regulation, technology and public expectations.

Understand the CPA pathway

Qualification framework

A clear route from foundation to strategic leadership.

Each stage builds on the last, moving from essential accounting capability to advanced professional judgement.

Diploma level5 subjects

Diploma in Accounting & Finance

Core capability in financial and management accounting, economics, business, technology and organisations.

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Advanced diploma4 subjects

Advanced Diploma in Accounting & Finance

Deeper study in reporting, taxation, information systems and corporate and business law.

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Professional level4 subjects

Professional Level

Applied professional capability across audit, ethics, governance, performance and managerial finance.

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Strategic levelComplete 4 of 6

Strategic Level

Two mandatory subjects plus two electives aligned with practice, industry and leadership goals.

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Academic syllabus · 2027–2030

Built for modern professional practice.

The syllabus integrates technical knowledge with business strategy, technology, data analytics, sustainability, ethics and professional judgement.

Technical competenceDigital proficiencyProfessional scepticismCommunicationStrategic acumenEthics

Entry routes & exemptions

Your prior learning can shape your starting point.

Applicants may enter through school qualifications, mature entry, relevant certificates or degrees. Exemptions are considered against previous qualifications and experience and are not granted automatically.

Read entry and exemption guidance

School leavers

Five Ordinary Level passes including English and Mathematics, plus three Advanced Level passes.

Mature applicants

Applicants aged 23 or over may be considered with a suitable educational background and evidence of recent study.

Prior qualifications

Relevant certificates, diplomas, degrees and professional study may support advanced entry or exemptions.

Assessment & student guidance

Prepare with clarity and confidence.

Candidates are responsible for checking current timetables, permitted materials, attendance requirements and examination instructions.

Rules

Examination regulations

Guidance for centre-based and remotely invigilated examinations, including conduct, identification, calculators and special arrangements.

Fees

Fees & subscriptions

Review registration, student, membership and examination fees for the 2026 academic and membership cycle.

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CPD

Continuing professional development

Understand structured and unstructured CPD, three-year cycles, annual minimums and evidence requirements.

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The CPA England resource centre

Find what you need.
Start in one place.

Read public guidance, prepare your application and explore professional reading, with a clear route to assigned portal resources.

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Public guidesApplications, study and membership Application formRegistration and supporting evidence Reading & booksProfessional sources and booklist access Portal resourcesAssigned materials require login

CPA academic portal

Your approved learning resources, in one secure place.

A dedicated space for eligible students and members to access assigned syllabuses, academic notices and professional resources.

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Account and professional status
Assigned syllabus resources
Current document editions
Examination and institute notices