Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy

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Professional Qualification - Frequently Asked Questions

What career prospects are there for CIPFA qualified accountants?
How useful is the CIPFA qualification outside the public sector?
What are public sector salaries like?
Do I need to be working in finance already?
Can I study for CIPFA if I am not currently employed?
What sort of organisations offer trainee posts?
Where can I find out about trainee vacancies?
When do employers recruit trainees?
How long does it take to complete the training?
What exemptions am I entitled to?
Do I have to attend college?
How much does it cost?
Are there any registration deadlines?
Can I still register if I am waiting for my AAT Technician results?

What career prospects are there for CIPFA qualified accountants?
Careers prospects are unlimited. CIPFA qualified accountants often rise to senior management positions in both the public and private sectors. For further information on current CIPFA students and qualified members visit the case studies section on the CIPFA website; http://www.cipfa.org.uk/students/prospective/casestudies.cfm

How useful is the CIPFA qualification outside the public sector?
Very! CIPFA’s unique combination of technical accounting and managerial skills is highly prized in many areas of business and commerce. CIPFA members include partners in the top accountancy firms as well as Finance Directors and even some Chief Executives in major private sector corporations.

What are public sector salaries like?
Salaries for trainees vary according to employer and location. Starting salaries could be as much as £25k. Employers often award pay increases after successful completion of each stage of the training. Once qualified salaries usually rise to up to £35k. Salaries for top executives are in the £40,000-£120,000 range.

Do I need to be working in finance already?
No. You can start to do the Professional Qualification (Professional Certificate and Professional Diploma stages) even if you are working in another department. However, in order to satisfy our Initial Professional Development Scheme (IPDS) you will need to provide evidence of validated work experience. Further reading can be found at; www.cipfa.org.uk/students/current/manual.cfm

Can I study for CIPFA if I am not currently employed?
Yes. You can start to do the Professional Qualification (Professional Certificate and Professional Diploma stages) even if you are working in another department. However, in order to satisfy our Initial Professional Development Scheme (IPDS) you will need to provide evidence of validated work experience. Further reading can be found at; www.cipfa.org.uk/students/current/manual.cfm

What sort of organisations offer trainee posts?
NHS organisations, local authorities, Government Departments and private accounting firms have trainee schemes.

Where can I find out about trainee vacancies?
CIPFA publishes a vacancy list here http://www.cipfa.org.uk/students/prospective/vacancies.cfm

When do employers recruit trainees?
This is very variable. Please see individual advertisements for closing dates. Start dates also vary; http://www.cipfa.org.uk/students/prospective/vacancies.cfm

How long does it take to complete the training?
Starting from scratch without any exemptions, you can pass your examinations in 3 years. The course it totally modular and can be completed at a time and speed dependent on you the student. Passes are held for life.

What exemptions am I entitled to?
There are no exemptions for non-relevant degrees. Refer to the CIPFA website which lays out exemptions in full; http://www.cipfa.org.uk/students/prospective/exemptions.cfm Alternatively contact CIPFA and speak to the Exemptions Manager – 020 7543 5896

Do I have to attend college?
No. At CIPFA, we appreciate that we all lead very different lives and face different demands on our time. So, when it comes to studying professional qualifications we recognise that flexibility is the key. That is why we offer a choice of study methods including open learning, attendance at CETC for face to face tuition or via Kaplan Live Online. For further information visit the study methods section of the website.

How much does it cost?
Full information on costs is available here. We also provide a range of products and services which enhance our students’ study experience. The Study Lounge contains information relating to examinations i.e. dates for registration, exams dates and when results will be released.  It also contains previous examination papers to assist in your studies.  A Discussion Forum is also available where you can chat with other CIPFA students.  You will also receive a copy of CIPFA's monthly Public Finance magazine which is supplemented by weekly PF Online updates.

Are there any registration deadlines?
You can commence your open learning studies at any time during the year by registering with CIPFA.  This will allow you to access the Study Lounge and then purchase any examinations.  The deadlines to register for exams are the last Friday in March (for June examinations) and the last Friday in September (for December examinations).

Can I still register if I am waiting for my AAT Technician results?
Yes. You can register, start studying and even sit your CIPFA exams (excluding the final stage – Final Test of Professional Competence.) However, you will only be granted your necessary exemptions on receipt of documentation indicating you have passed and are a fully qualified AAT member. Visit the AAT section of this website for further information on our AAT fast-track scheme including examination exemptions.

If you have any other questions, please email one of our Education Advisors at students@cipfa.org