Transitional Arrangements for PQ/IPFM Students to the new PAQ (UK and International) Qualification

Due to the changes in the syllabus some of the modules you will be sitting have been impacted as the new modules are not a direct replacement.

Those modules affected are detailed below including the impact of the new qualification to the Strategic Case Study.


CIPFA Professional Qualification to CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification (UK)


The implications of the change for you as a student are as follows:

  • If you do not hold a pass/exemption in BOTH Taxation and Corporate Governance and Law after the final exam sitting, then you will have to sit Tax and Law (UK) under the PAQ qualification route
  • If you have previously attempted or have booked and deferred the Strategic Case Study examination and not passed this paper after the final exam sitting - September 2024, by way of a concession, you will be permitted two further attempts in December 2024 and March 2025. After this date, you will have to sit and pass Governance and Risk Management before sitting the PAQ Strategic Case Study exam

International Public Financial Management Qualification to Professional Accountancy Qualification (International)


The implications of the change for you as a student are as follows:

  • If you do not hold a pass/exemption in BOTH Public Finance and Governance, Public Policy and Ethics after the final exam sitting, then you will have to sit Tax and Law (International) under the PAQ qualification route.
  • If you have previously attempted or have booked and deferred the Strategic Case Study and not passed this paper after the final exam sitting - September 2024, by way of a concession, you will be permitted two further attempts in December 2024 and March 2025. After this date, you will have to sit and pass Governance & Risk Management before sitting the PAQ Strategic Case Study exam.

If you would like any further guidance or you have any questions, please contact studentsupport@cipfa.org