MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA

Membership of the Association is only open to accountants engaged in public practice in the United Kingdom, or accountants in the employ of such practising public accountants. Accountants not engaged in public practice within the United Kingdom or in the employ of an accountant engaged in practice within the United Kingdom are excluded from membership. It is a requirement of membership that all members engaged in public practice on their own account should be covered by professional indemnity insurance adequate for the size of their practices.

ASSOCIATE

Associate Membership (ACPA) is a full corporate grade of membership and is available by four routes

a) be over the age of twenty one and hold the National Vocational Qualification Level 4 (Accounting Practice), or its recognised equivalent or :-

b) be over the age of thirty, hold the Association's Certificate of Professional Competence and have been a principal, partner or director of a practice, firm or company of practising public accountants in the United Kingdom for not less than ten years, or

c) be over the age of thirty five, hold the Association's Certificate of Professional Competence and have been an employee of a practice, firm or company of practising public accountants in the United Kingdom with fifteen years relevant practical experience approved by the Council, or

d) be over the age of forty, hold the Association's Certificate of Professional Competence and have twenty years relevant practical experience approved by the Council.

FELLOW

Fellow (FCPA) is a full corporate grade of membership and is only available to Associates of five years standing who are over the age of twenty-five.

DESIGNATION

Associates and Fellows of the Association may use the designation "Certified Public Accountant". Associates and Fellows who wish to use the Association's designation and or designatory letters in connection with their practice must be in possession of a valid current practising certificate issued by the Association.