How to become a chartered accountant

Chartered accountants are finance managers: they help individuals and businesses stay compliant with financial regulations. 

Day-to-day work can vary massively depending on the employer, but the main responsibilities of this role include preparing financial statements, reviewing accounts, managing budgets, completing tax returns and producing financial forecasts. 

To learn how to become a chartered accountant, you must first decide if you’re suited to the role. 

Do you enjoy working with numbers? Are you interested in pattern recognition and in developing the ability to translate complex financial jargon into something more digestible for laypeople? 

Chartered accountants are often expected to use financial information to advise business owners, so you’ll also need excellent interpersonal skills. If you’re not quite there yet, don’t worry: these are skills that can be learnt at university or on the job in an apprenticeship. 

Do you need a degree to become a chartered accountant?

No, if you’re on the path to becoming a chartered accountant, university isn’t the only option: don’t be discouraged! 

It’s true that obtaining a finance or accounting degree (followed by a graduate training contract) is the traditional path, but many professional accountancy bodies offer alternatives for school leavers, apprentices, graduates, and those looking for a career change. 

In 2026, industry professionals are often just as interested in your numeracy, problem-solving skills, motivation and ability to study while working. 

The main routes into chartered accountancy

Unlike many careers, there is no single ‘correct’ way to become a chartered accountant. Over time, the profession has evolved, with employers paying special attention to students from different educational and professional backgrounds. Let’s take a closer look: 

University 

You might choose to study for a degree before starting professional accountancy training: this could be in finance, business, or economics (though some graduate schemes accept applicants from any academic discipline). 

If you choose a degree accredited by the major professional bodies (like ICAEW, ACCA, or CIMA), you will likely graduate with exemptions from several foundational chartered exams. 

After graduation, the goal is to secure a spot on a competitive graduate training scheme (usually lasting three years) where you’ll complete professional exams and gain the mandatory practical experience needed to achieve chartered status. 

Students should be aware that, while this route is the most effective, it’s also the most expensive. 

School leaver or apprenticeship

When exploring how to become a chartered accountant, you don’t necessarily need to go to university. Taking the school leaver or apprenticeship route means you could apply for positions after completing your GCSEs or A-Levels.

Apprenticeships (such as the Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship, which is equivalent to a Master's degree) are fantastic because they allow you to earn a salary while an employer funds your training.

You’ll split your time between working in a related financial role and studying towards your professional exams! 

Students should remember that this route requires excellent time management, but it also allows them to avoid university debt entirely and qualify with years of practical, on-the-job experience. 

Vocational

Another way to become a chartered accountant is via vocational qualifications. 

When you want the practical benefits of the school leaver route but need more flexibility, learners may choose to study a recognised accounting qualification first, then progress towards a chartered qualification when they feel ready.

You can study foundational qualifications independently, such as s QLS Level 2 Bookkeeping Course (available at Distance Learning Centre), which allows you to acquire entry-level skills before committing to a longer professional pathway. 

Career change

It’s never too late to become a chartered accountant, even after working in another industry. If you already have experience in admin, business, management, customer service or finance, you may have transferable skills that will be useful in accountancy.

If you’re transitioning from another career, you likely won't want to step back into a full-time university environment. Much like the vocational route, career changers often begin by studying AAT or introductory bookkeeping qualifications.

Learn the fundamental principles of accounting during your evenings or weekends while maintaining your current income. Once you’ve secured your foundational knowledge, you can apply for other courses or entry-level finance roles to build your practical experience. 

How long does it take?

When there are multiple entry points into the profession, there’s no single timeline for qualifying. As a general guide, many professional accountancy routes take around three to seven years to complete. 

For example, if you start from scratch without a degree, you’ll typically spend 1 to 2 years completing foundational qualifications like AAT (Levels 2, 3, and 4). After you achieve AAT Level 4, you can progress to the strategic chartered exams, which take another 2 to 3 years. 

Can distance learning help?

Yes, for many, distance learning is a valuable first step in the journey to becoming a chartered account. While you can’t become fully chartered through distance learning alone, studying from home can help you build the necessary knowledge

For example, you might be interested in strengthening your numeracy skills with a Maths A-Level or Maths Functional Skills course. When you need to study around work or other commitments, you can work through your course at a pace that suits you.