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FAQs on Ending of the ACCA/ICPAS Joint Examination Scheme (JES)
All information is up-to-date and correct at time of publishing on 28 February 2012.
ACCA and ICPAS have been operating a Joint Examination Scheme (JES) since 1983. Currently students studying for the ACCA Qualification come under the JES agreement which means after successful completion of the JES examinations they have satisfied the examination element needed in order to gain admission as members to ACCA and ICPAS (Associate).
The JES also covers FIA. Students who successfully complete the examinations of the JES are eligible to apply for the designation of 'Certified Accounting Technician' of both bodies.
The JES will come to an end on 24 September 2012 and ACCA and ICPAS will not be renewing the agreement.
Current ACCA JES Students and new ACCA JES Students who register by 31 December 2011
They will receive communication which outlines the options they have going forward. They will be able to opt for:
- The new ICPAS Plus route and pay student subscription fees to both bodies
- The ACCA Only route and pay only ACCA student subscription fees
Students who opt for the ICPAS Plus route have 10 years from the point at which they registered onto the JES in which to complete their ACCA examinations and have satisfied the criteria necessary for ICPAS membership.
Students must decide on the ICPAS Plus route or ACCA Only route by 24 September 2012. Students who do not make a decision on the above by 24 September 2012, will be ACCA only students and no longer be eligible for the ICPAS Plus route.
Current FIA JES students
Students who have completed and passed the FIA/CAT examinations and are transferred to the ACCA register by 31 August 2012 will be eligible to choose the ICPAS Plus route or the ACCA Only route as mentioned above. Students in this position will receive a communication which outlines these options.
Students who are not transferred to the ACCA register by 31 August 2012, will remain as FIA students and will be ACCA Only FIA students. Students will be eligible for the FIA suite of qualifications awarded by ACCA (including CAT status). Student subscription fees to only ACCA apply.
New Students - ACCA
New students who enroll for the ACCA Qualification from 1 January 2012, will no longer be under the JES and will be ACCA Only students. Subscription fees to only ACCA apply. Students will also have to pay a one-time initial registration fee to ACCA only.
New Students - FIA
New students who enroll for Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) from 1 January 2012 will no longer be under the JES and will be ACCA Only FIA students. Subscription fees to only ACCA apply. Students will also have to pay a one-time initial registration fee to ACCA only.
Professional Membership with ACCA and ICPAS
JES Students who opt for ICPAS Plus:
Membership to ACCA will be awarded after completing the examinations, fulfilling the necessary practical experience requirements and completing the Professional Ethics Module.
Membership to ICPAS will be after completion of ACCA examinations and achieving the relevant admission criteria at the time of application for membership to ICPAS. There are no changes to the criteria at the moment.
Membership to ACCA for students who opt for the ACCA only route
Current JES Students who opt for the ACCA Only route will gain admission as Members of ACCA after completing their examinations, fulfilling the necessary practical experience requirements and completing the Professional Ethics Module.
ACCA Members
If you are currently a member, you will not be affected by the end of the JES.
Further Developments
ACCA and ICPAS are currently finalising the arrangements for a smooth transition. Please be assured that all students will be able to complete their studies without any interruptions.
Important dates and key developments will be posted regularly on this web page. We encourage you to visit this page often for all updates.