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CIPFA's Professional Accountancy Apprenticeships 

Accountancy Apprenticeships at Levels 3, 4 and 7 

Here at CIPFA we offer three Accountancy Apprenticeships that are tailored for aspiring public finance professionals:

  • Assistant Accountant (Level 3)
  • Professional Accounting Technician (Level 4)
  • Professional Accountant (Level 7)

Employers in England can use their Apprenticeship Levy accounts to fund the training costs of their new and, in some cases, their existing finance trainees.

The Level 7 Professional Accountant Apprenticeship funding band has been approved at £21,000 to pay for the training of each apprentice. Existing CIPFA PQ trainees, with four or more modules of study, or a minimum 12 months of study remaining are able to transfer over to the Level 7 apprenticeship. The cost of the apprenticeship for existing trainees will be reduced based on the number of previous modules passed. 

Please note, the cost of exam entries, re-sits and membership fees cannot be claimed from the levy.

With the Apprenticeship Levy, and the new Accountancy Apprenticeship standards in England, we are uniquely placed to support employers and students through these new developments as they plan to maximise the opportunities of the Levy – both in our capacity as a professional qualifying body, and as a registered training provider, through CIPFA’s Education and Training Centre (CETC).

Our in-house team provide a range of support to help employers plan and implement their apprenticeships training programme, from setting up your apprenticeships account to seeing your apprentices through to successful qualification.

For our students and employers in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales our portfolio of support for students studying for the CIPFA PQ and AAT, remains unchanged, still offering the most relevant qualification for accountancy and leadership in public finance.


Professional-Accountancy-Training-Employer-Guide-THUMBNAIL-med     Professional_Accountancy_Training_Student_Guide-THUMBNAIL-med 

Employer guide     Student guide

Apprenticeships Framework

Apprenticeships combine paid work and study towards a recognised qualification. An apprenticeship allows individuals to gain on-the-job experience and training, and earn a salary whilst undertaking a professional qualification. Employers are required to ensure that 20% of apprentices’ time is spent as ‘off the job’ training.

The new Apprenticeship incorporates additional requirements to the existing professional qualification such as employer visits, regular reviews with apprentices and the employer. However, the additional requirements are designed to support the apprentice through the programme and ensure they are fully prepared to successfully complete the programme - and ultimately satisfy the requirements to become a chartered accountant.

Employers in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales

Although the changes we have outlined here apply in the main in England alone, we are continuing to work in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to understand the impact of the levy and how organisations are intending to work around the recruitment and training of AAT and Professional Accounting trainees and apprentices. F

For employers who choose not to use their levy fund, training provision continues to be funded through our traditional training arrangements.

Useful Apprenticeships links:

GOV.UK Apprenticeships
GOV.UK Apprenticeship funding
Skills Funding Agency