become a student

Register as a student and start your path to becoming a chartered public finance accountant (CPFA).

Why study with CIPFA?

CIPFA is the only accountancy body in the world specialising in the public services.
Our gold standard Professional Qualification (to become a CPFA), international qualifications and others, give you more opportunities for career success.

Getting started

Depending on your circumstances, the best way to get started is to take a look at our trainee vacancies or contact our student recruitment team to discuss your specific entry route and exemption enquiries.

PQ pathway

Register now as a CIPFA student

  • Step 1 - register on the website
  • Step 2 - activate your account: we will send you an activation email to make sure that your email is correct and active
  • Step 3 - complete details in My CIPFA: you will be able to add your employer details, your home address, let us know about any special requirements you may have as well as choose topics that are of interest to you
  • Step 4 - complete student registration form: we will ask you to accept a declaration that you fulfil minimum entry requirements, are competent and fit to practice (eg not been convicted or charged with an offence) and have not been declared bankrupt or undertaken IVA; you will also need to provide personal and employment details again (please bear with us - we are working on streamlining this process)
  • Step 5 - pay application fee of £50 and 2012 membership subscription of £75.50 (half-year) via CIPFA Shop - we recommend that you set up an account using the same details as your CIPFA web registration.
  • Step 6 - apply for exemptions (optional): please send in copies of your certificates and/or exemption grids to studentsupport@cipfa.org

    Once we verify your details and receive payment, we will send you a welcome letter confirming your registered student status and enrolment on the CIPFA Professional Qualification.

Video blogs

Follow three CIPFA Education and Training Centre (CETC) students, as they share their experience of life as a CIPFA trainee.

Case studies

Find out how CIPFA students have acquired the leadership, management and strategic skills to take them to the top.

Webinars

Updates on a range of topics and themes that run throughout our professional qualifications.

'It is definitely not a pre-requisite to have studied accountancy or finance at university and would encourage graduates from all backgrounds to consider a career in public finance.'

Charlotte Hannam Finance trainee at the Home Office and graduate in Japanese.

'The CIPFA qualification will have given me good head start to work in the Police, NHS, central or Local government.'

James Donegan Project Assistant, Metropolitan Police

'I’m fully committed to a career within the NHS. CIPFA was (and should be) the qualification of choice for a career in public finance.'

Natalie Gilmore