QCF Student Guide 2014 - Association of International

QCF STUDENT
GUIDE
Edition 12/02
© Association of International Accountants
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©Association of International Accountants 2014
CONTENTS
QCF STUDENT GUIDE ................................................................................ 1
Contents ...................................................................................................... 3
Welcome ...................................................................................................... 6
How to use this guide ................................................................................. 7
The Qualifications and Credit Framework ............................................... 8
1.o
The QCF System ............................................................................... 8
2.o
Qualification size, level & content .................................................. 8
AIA in the QCF............................................................................................. 9
3.o
AIA Qualifications ............................................................................. 9
4.o
Rules of Combination ...................................................................... 9
5.o
Comparisons ................................................................................... 10
6.o
Credits & Exemptions .................................................................... 10
7.o
Entry requirements ......................................................................... 11
8.o
The Learning Record Service ........................................................ 11
9.o
What now?....................................................................................... 12
9.1
Maintain your student status .................................................. 12
9.2
Read the Code of Ethics ........................................................ 12
9.3
Plan when you are going to take the exams .......................... 13
10.o Qualifications .................................................................................. 15
10.1 Level 5 Certificate in Accountancy ......................................... 15
©Association of International Accountants 2014
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10.2 Level 6 Diploma in Accountancy ............................................ 19
10.3 Level 7 Diploma in Professional Accountancy ....................... 22
11.o Assessment .................................................................................... 24
11.1 Exam Sessions ....................................................................... 24
11.2 QCF Exam Timetable ............................................................. 25
11.3 Exam results & Certificates .................................................... 26
11.4 Exam regulations .................................................................... 26
11.5 Reasonable Adjustment ......................................................... 27
11.6 Appeals .................................................................................. 27
12.o Decide how you are going to study .............................................. 28
12.1 AIA Achieve ............................................................................ 28
12.2 e-Books .................................................................................. 29
12.3 Study texts .............................................................................. 30
12.4 Essential reading .................................................................... 30
12.5 Exam feedback & guidance ................................................... 31
12.6 Syllabus .................................................................................. 31
12.7 Teaching & Learning Guide ................................................... 32
12.8 Other Resources .................................................................... 32
12.9 Approved Study Providers ..................................................... 33
13.o Progression to Associate membership ........................................ 35
14.o Initial Professional Development .................................................. 36
14.1 Where should you obtain your IPD? ...................................... 36
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©Association of International Accountants 2014
14.2 When to begin ........................................................................ 36
15.o Important information .................................................................... 37
15.1 Are your contact details correct? ............................................ 38
Notes .......................................................................................................... 39
©Association of International Accountants 2014
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WELCOME
Welcome and thank you for choosing to study with the AIA.
AIA is an awarding body in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)
and offers a number of accountancy units and qualifications within the
QCF.
The global demand for accountancy knowledge offers an abundance of
opportunities, and finance work has never been more varied, more
interesting or more challenging.
Accountancy is a diverse profession and each QCF student will have
different requirements; AIA provide the tools, resources and learning
environment for you to succeed and quickly enjoy the benefits of your
expanding knowledge base.
As an AIA QCF student you are able to take AIA’s units singly or combined
towards achieving an accountancy qualification and ultimately, the AIA
Professional Accountancy Qualification
Many AIA members are at the top of their industry, from senior
management to director level, representing some of the most important and
profitable firms in the world. With a select membership demographic
including high numbers of these influential decision makers, AIA is a truly
prestigious organisation.
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©Association of International Accountants 2014
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
This QCF Student Guide acts as a point of reference for all aspects of your
study and assessment and should be kept in a safe place.
Where relevant, there are handy icons to show you where you can find
further information or help.
Document available giving further information
Who to email for further information or help
Who to phone for further information or help
Where to find more information on the website (in the pdf version of
the Guide you will be able to click on the link to go to the page)
We have also used QR codes to make it easy for you to access the web
pages or download the documents.
©Association of International Accountants 2014
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THE QUALIFICATIONS AND
CREDIT FRAMEWORK
Ofqual together with its partner regulators in Wales (DCELLS) and
Northern Ireland (CCEA), is responsible for regulation of the Qualifications
and Credit Framework (QCF)
1.O THE QCF SYSTEM
The QCF is a system for recognising skills and qualifications through the
awarding of credit for qualifications and units
Every qualification on the QCF is made up of one or more units.
2.O QUALIFICATION SIZE, LEVEL &
CONTENT
Every unit and qualification is given a credit value and a level
Levels indicate difficulty; they range from entry level 1 to level 8.
Qualifications at the same level are a similar level of demand or difficulty.
The content and size of qualifications at the same level can vary
The size of a qualification and the length of time it takes to complete are
shown by its credit value. 1 Credit = 10 hours of learning
The title of the qualification indicates its content; more detailed information
is provided specification for the qualification.
Further details can be found on the Ofqual website
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©Association of International Accountants 2014
AIA IN THE QCF
AIA has 19 units in the QCF; these can be taken as single units, except
where the rules of combination apply, or they can be combined to create a
qualification.
3.O AIA QUALIFICATIONS
AIA offers three qualifications to its QCF students
Level 5 Certificate in Accountancy (Units 1-8)
Level 6 Diploma in Accountancy (Units 9-15)
Level 7 Diploma in Professional Accountancy (Units 16-19)
4.O RULES OF COMBINATION
Students are required to:
Undertake Unit 5 jointly with Unit 6
Undertake Unit 7 jointly with Unit 8
Undertake Unit 11 jointly with Unit 12
www.aiaworldwide.com/qualifications/qcf/qcf-units.html
+44 (0) 0191 493 0282 (Recruitment)
©Association of International Accountants 2014
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5.O COMPARISONS
To help you to compare the difficulty of units and qualifications in the QCF
with other recognised qualifications it is helpful to know;
QCF Levels 4 & 5 are accepted as equivalent to Foundation Degree
University degree, HND and HNC levels
QCF Level 6 is accepted as equivalent to University degree (Batchelor)
QCF Level 7 is accepted as equivalent to University degree (Masters)
6.O CREDITS & EXEMPTIONS
If you want to study a qualification you can avoid duplicating your learning
and assessment in two ways:
1. With achievements from within the QCF you can transfer credits
between units and qualifications
2. AIA will assess other certified learning and achievements and may
award credits
There is an extensive exemptions database on the website, which allows
you to search for your qualifications. Qualifications that are not listed are
assessed on an individual basis.
www.aiaworldwide.com/qualifications/exemptions1.html
[email protected]
+44 (0)191 493 0262
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Go to web page
©Association of International Accountants 2014
7.O ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
In order to take a unit or qualification at a particular level, you are required
to hold a full qualification at either the same level or at the level
immediately below. For example, if you want to take a unit at level 7 you
need to hold a qualification at level 7 or level 6.
8.O THE LEARNING RECORD SERVICE
The Learning Record Service (LRS) is designed to support learners at all
levels to access, manage and use their own achievement information such as qualifications, awards or training received as they progress through
education, training and lifelong learning.
The Learning Records Service provides shared services across the
education sector and is built on the principle of collect once, use many
times and used by all that are entitled to do so. It supports the whole of the
education sector.
PERSONAL LEARNER RECORD
The Personal Learning Record (PLR) is an electronic record of all your
vocational QCF achievements. It is accessible online through the Learning
Record Service and it allows you to see an electronic record of your
qualification achievements.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-records-servicepersonal-learning-record
UNIQUE LEARNER NUMBER
A Unique Learner Number (ULN) is a ten digit reference number which is
used to access your Personal Learning Record. The Unique Learner
Number also means that the information within your Personal Learning
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Records is secure and cannot be shared with other organisations without
your prior consent.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/lrs-unique-learner-numbers
In addition to your ULN, we will allocate you an AIA reference number
which should be quoted in all correspondence with us.
9.O WHAT NOW?
9.1 MAINTAIN YOUR
STUDENT STATUS
To maintain your status as an AIA student
member – to be able to enter the exams, receive
your membership benefits and call yourself an AIA student – you must pay
an annual subscription fee. The subscription is due on 1 October each
year.
www.aiaworldwide.com/images/QCF/qcffees-cc.pdf
[email protected]
Go to web page
+44 (0)191 493 0288
9.2
READ THE CODE OF ETHICS
Professional ethics is concerned with the principles used to judge the right
and wrong of behaviour and actions. It is essential that you possess a high
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©Association of International Accountants 2014
degree of professional integrity to maintain public confidence in the
accountancy profession.
Registration with a professional accountancy body, such as the AIA, and
familiarity with its Code of Ethics are essential attributes for all accountants
aiming to meet the high expectations demanded by an expanding and everchanging profession.
AIA has adopted the International Ethics Standards Board (IESBA) Code of
Ethics for Professional Accountants and in agreement with IFAC, all AIA
students and members are given access to the Code of Ethics and are
bound by the AIA constitution to observe the Code.
http://www.aiaworldwide.com/aia-profile/valuesand-ethics.html
Code of Ethics
Constitutional Documents
Go to web page
Malpractice & Maladministration Policy
9.3
PLAN WHEN YOU ARE GOING TO TAKE
THE EXAMS
Your first step as an AIA student should be to decide which exams you are
eligible to take and when you are going to sit them, and then you can plan
your study and have a goal to work towards.
www.aiaworldwide.com/students/qcf.html
+44 (0)191 493 0286
[email protected]
Go to web page
©Association of International Accountants 2014
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UNIT
TITLE
REF
LEVEL
CREDIT
VALUE
Level 5 Certificate in Accountancy
600/4633/8
5
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1
Applying Financial Accounting Theory to
Practical Situations
K/503/6994
5
8
2
Business Economics
M/503/6995
5
3
3
Management Accounting
T/503/6996
5
6
4
Principles of Law for Accountants
Y/503/6991
4
5
5
Theory and Application of the Principles of
Audit
A/503/6997
5
5
6
Application of the Underlying Principles of
Personal and Business Tax
F/503/6998
5
5
7
Principles of Statistical Sources and Data
Collection
D/503/6992
4
2
8
Business Information Processing
H/503/6993
4
2
Level 6 Diploma in Accountancy
600/4634/X
6
65
9
Managing Internal and External Audit
Procedures
M/503/7001
6
11
10
The Application of Company Law in Financial
Settings
T/503/7002
6
10
11
Analytical Skills for Business
J/503/6999
5
5
12
Designing a Management Information System
K/503/7000
5
5
13
Business Management Principles for
Accountants
A/503/7003
6
10
14
Financial Accounting for International
Accountants
F/503/7004
6
12
15
The Use of Cost Control and Cost
Management in Operational and Strategic
Decision Making
J/503/7005
6
12
Level 7 Diploma in Professional Accountancy
600/4632/6
7
80
16
Corporate Accounting and Reporting
D/503/7009
7
20
17
Financial Management with an International
Perspective
R/503/7010
7
20
18
Professional Practice in Auditing
Y/503/7011
7
20
19
Taxation and Tax Planning
D/503/7012
7
20
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10.O QUALIFICATIONS
10.1 LEVEL 5 CERTIFICATE IN
ACCOUNTANCY
APPLYING FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING THEORY TO PRACTICAL
SITUATIONS
Level: 5
Credit value: 8
GLH: 30
Grading system: Pass
UNIT AIM
You will be able to prepare financial statements and draft other financial
information to support these. You will also be able to use this financial
information to evaluate organisational performance as a basis for decision
making.
BUSINESS ECONOMICS
Level: 5
Credit value: 3
GLH: 15
Grading system: Pass
UNIT AIM
You will be able to recognise economic problems and identify possible
solutions in a variety of economic situations. You will be able to apply your
knowledge of the analysis of particular situations in the UK, Europe and
Rest of the World including developing countries.
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MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING
Level: 5
Credit value: 6
GLH: 30
Grading system: Pass
UNIT AIM
You will know and be able to apply management accounting techniques to
ascertain the cost of products, processes, operations and services. You
will also be able to provide information to assist management in their
decision making and policy formulation activities.
PRINCIPLES OF LAW FOR ACCOUNTANTS
Level: 4
Credit value: 5
GLH: 25
Grading system: Pass
UNIT AIM
You will be able to apply legal principles to accounting problems including
all aspects of the law of contracts and torts. You will also have a general
understanding on how to apply the law on insolvency.
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THEORY AND APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF AUDIT
Level: 5
Credit value: 5
GLH: 20
Grading system: Pass
This unit must be taken jointly with Unit 6 Application of the
Underlying Principles of Personal and Business Tax.
UNIT AIM
You will be able to understand the theory of audit practice and apply these
principles in planning and conducting an audit. You will also be able to
provide input and understand the nature of audit reporting.
APPLICATION OF THE UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES OF PERSONAL AND
BUSINESS TAX
Level: 5
Credit value: 5
GLH: 20
Grading system: Pass
This unit must be taken jointly with Unit 5 Theory and Application of
the Principles of Audit.
UNIT AIM
You will be able to understand the UK tax system and be able to compute
tax liabilities for both individuals and organisations; this will include income
tax, capital gains tax and corporation tax.
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PRINCIPLES OF STATISTICAL SOURCES AND DATA COLLECTION
Level: 4
Credit value: 2
GLH: 10
Grading system: Pass
This unit must be taken jointly with Unit 8 Business Information
Processing.
UNIT AIM
You will be able to identify sources of statistical data and use a range of
techniques to present the information for analytical purposes.
BUSINESS INFORMATION PROCESSING
Level: 4
Credit value: 2
GLH: 10
Grading system: Pass
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS
This unit must be taken jointly with Unit 7 Principles of Statistical
Sources and Data Collection.
UNIT AIM
You will be able to understand the concepts and methods of business
information technology, and its application to practical business situations.
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10.2 LEVEL 6 DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTANCY
MANAGING INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL AUDIT PROCEDURES
Level: 6
Credit value: 11
GLH: 48
Grading system: Pass
UNIT AIM
You will be able to plan and prepare audits both internal and external in
accordance with professional and legal framework of auditing. You will be
able to undertake the audit of computer installations and systems and
limited company audits. You will also be able to review audit practice.
THE APPLICATION OF COMPANY LAW IN FINANCIAL SETTINGS
Level: 6
Credit value: 10
GLH: 48
Grading system: Pass
UNIT AIM
You will have an understanding of the principles and practice of company
law relating to the financial environment. You will also be able to make
reasoned conclusions following the application of legal rules and
procedures.
©Association of International Accountants 2014
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ANALYTICAL SKILLS FOR BUSINESS
Level: 5
Credit value: 5
GLH: 20
Grading system: Pass
This unit must be taken jointly with Unit 12 Designing a Management
Information System.
UNIT AIM
You will be able to apply mathematical statistical systems modelling and
techniques to a range of problems. You will also be able to interpret the
results and evaluate appropriateness and limitations of techniques used.
DESIGNING A MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
Level: 5
Credit value: 5
GLH: 20
Grading system: Pass
This unit must be taken jointly with Unit 11: Using Statistics as a
Management Tool.
UNIT AIM
You will be able to take part in the strategic development and design of
management information systems, including both hardware and software.
You will understand methods of selection, acquisition, organisation,
management and security of the processes and technology involved.
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©Association of International Accountants 2014
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES FOR ACCOUNTANTS
Level: 6
Credit value: 10
GLH: 48
Grading system: Pass
UNIT AIM
You will be able to understand organisational structure and design,
business management and the role of the manager in an organisation. You
will also understand the management theories applied to decision making
and planning and control processes.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING FOR INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTANTS
Level: 6
Credit value: 12
GLH: 50
Grading System: Pass
UNIT AIM
You will be able to prepare and interpret accounting statements and to
prepare appropriate accounts for specialised transactions.
THE USE OF COST CONTROL AND COST MANAGEMENT IN
OPERATIONAL AND STRATEGIC DECISION MAKING
Level: 6
Credit value: 12
GLH: 50
Grading system: Pass
UNIT AIM
You will be able to understand the economic and commercial environment
to enable them to make effective use of management accounting
©Association of International Accountants 2014
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information within their own organisation or business practice. You will
gain an understanding of financial control and decision, support aspects of
management accounting and be able to diagnose complex business
problems in an accounting information context.
10.3 LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN PROFESSIONAL
ACCOUNTANCY
CORPORATE ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING
Level: 7
Credit value: 20
GLH: 60
Grading system: Pass
UNIT AIM
You will be able to critically evaluate current thought and developments in
financial accounting and reporting. You will also be able to apply
knowledge and professional judgement in an assessment and discussion of
the requirements of international accounting standards and other reporting
requirements. You will have the ability to prepare and assess a wide
variety of accounting and financial statements in a wide variety of business
contexts.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT WITH AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Level: 7
Credit value: 20
GLH: 60
Grading system: Pass
UNIT AIM
You will be able to appraise the appropriate deployment of financial
resources and their long term impact and evaluate strategic options and
make appropriate recommendations. You will also understand managing
the financial consequences of global company operations.
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PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN AUDITING
Level: 7
Credit value: 20
GLH: 60
Grading system: Pass
UNIT AIM
You can exercise judgement in the management of the audit process and
in the application of audit techniques, and evaluate and discuss issues
relating to current practices and developments in auditing and associated
areas.
TAXATION AND TAX PLANNING
Level: 7
Credit value: 20
GLH: 60
Grading system: Pass
UNIT AIM
The learner will have knowledge of the practical aspects of the UK tax
system and an appreciation of the interaction of taxes. They will be able to
analyse the taxation issues of a given situation and to offer tax planning
solutions.
©Association of International Accountants 2014
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11.O ASSESSMENT
AIA tests the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of each unit by a
written exam in English. A pass or fail will be awarded in line with AIA
procedures.
To gain a pass you must attain 50% of the allocated marks and
achieve ALL the learning outcomes of the unit.
11.1 EXAM SESSIONS
AIA exams take place twice a year in May and November over four days;
the exam entry deadline is the 1 April and the 1 October respectively.
The exam is for a three-hour period and you will be given an additional 15
minutes reading and planning time.
Exam dates are published on the AIA website.
www.aiaworldwide.com/examinations/examentry/key-dates.html
Go to web page
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©Association of International Accountants 2014
11.2 QCF EXAM TIMETABLE
The timetable showing the QCF units can also be viewed on the website.
www.aiaworldwide.com/qcf-students.html
[email protected]
Go to web page
+44 (0)191 493 0285
Day 1 – Monday
Unit 1: Applying Financial Accounting Theory to
Day 2 – Tuesday
Unit 2: Business Economics
Practical Situations
Unit 5: Theory and Application of the Principles
Unit 4: Principles of Law for Accountants
of Audit / Unit 6: Application of the Underlying
Unit 9: Managing Internal and External Audit
Principles of Personal and Business Tax
Procedures
Unit 10: The Application of Company Law in
Unit 13: Business Management Principles for
Financial Settings
Accountants
Unit 14: Financial Accounting for International
Unit 16: Corporate Accounting and Reporting
Accountants
Unit 17: Financial Management with an
International Perspective
Day 3 – Wednesday
Day 4 - Thursday
Unit 3: Management Accounting
Unit 19: Taxation and Tax Planning
Unit 8: Business Information Processing / Unit
7: Principles of Statistical Sources and Data
Collection
Unit 12: Designing a Management Information
System / Unit 11: Analytical Skills for Business
Unit 15: The Use of Cost Control and Cost
Management in Operational and Strategic
Decision Making
Unit 18: Professional Practice in Auditing
©Association of International Accountants 2014
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11.3 EXAM RESULTS & CERTIFICATES
Credit for the unit will be awarded to you on successfully passing the exam.
Each exam script is marked on its own merits; AIA do not predetermine
how many candidates are successful in any one sitting
Results will be released by post. If you have opted in to the LRS, AIA will
update your PLR at the earliest possible opportunity.
You will be issued with a certificate, within four weeks of the exam results
being released.
www.aiaworldwide.com/about-aia/login.html
[email protected]
+44 (0)191 493 0285
11.4 EXAM REGULATIONS
Please read through and familiarise yourself with the exam regulations.
This provides the regulations before and during the exams, including the
rules of progression, reasonable adjustment, special consideration,
complaints procedure and candidate malpractice policies.
Exam Regulations
[email protected]
Download
+44 (0)191 493 0285
www.aiaworldwide.com/examinations/examregulations.html
Go to web page
26
©Association of International Accountants 2014
11.5 REASONABLE ADJUSTMENT
If you have special needs and require reasonable adjustment to be made to
standard exam conditions, or to the format of the exam paper, you must
complete a Student with Special Needs Form and submit it no later than
three weeks before you are due to sit the exam.
Student with Special Needs Form
[email protected]
+44 (0)191 493 0286
Download form
www.aiaworldwide.com/examinations/examregulations/reasonable-adjustment.html
Go to web page
11.6 APPEALS
As part of our quality assurance procedures, AIA ensures that the exam
scripts are marked to the highest standard. If you have received your exam
results and a fail has been awarded which you would like to query; further
information on how to do this is contained in the exam regulations and on
the website.
exam regulations
[email protected]
+44 (0)191 493 0286
©Association of International Accountants 2014
Download
27
12.O DECIDE HOW YOU ARE GOING TO
STUDY
Once you have entered the exams, you need to plan how you are going to
study. AIA offers an extensive range of study materials and resources for
you to choose from.
12.1 AIA ACHIEVE
AIA Achieve is an interactive distance learning course
guiding your learning in preparation for the exams, and
giving you access to feedback, advice and support from a
specialist team of e-Tutors; ensuring that you get the
maximum benefit from your study.
Achieve has been created in collaboration with BPP Learning Media, who
have extensive experience of publishing study materials for professional
exams and have a direct understanding of the AIA syllabus through
publishing our study texts and e-Books.
Achieve can be purchased as single courses which correspond to each
exam paper, or as a bundle if you are taking more than one exam at a
session. Each course has been created to be completed over a minimum of
three months in preparation for the following exam session.
On enrolment on an Achieve course you will receive:

Study Text e-Book

Course e-Book

User Guide

Personal Study Planner

Syllabus

Online learning resources (webinars, podcasts)
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©Association of International Accountants 2014
Achieve Enrolment Form
[email protected]
+44 (0)191 493 0286
Download form
www.aiaworldwide.com/study-2/aia-achieve.html
Go to web page
12.2 E-BOOKS
Published by BPP Learning Media e-Books will
revolutionise the way that you study; they are
quick and easy, giving you instant access to the
study material you need. e-Books are portable,
space-saving and can be downloaded in
minutes from any location. They are readable
on PCs, laptops, certain phones (Mac,
Windows, Linux, Android), and will also work on
Apple devices (iPhone, iPad).
e-Books are available for all papers and are essential reading. It is
mandatory for you to have either an e-Book or a printed study text for the
papers you are studying. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the
most recent copy of each e-Book.
[email protected]
+44 (0)191 493 0286
www.aiaworldwide.com/study-2/e-books.html
©Association of International Accountants 2014
29
12.3 STUDY TEXTS
If you would prefer a print edition rather than an e-Book, study texts can be
purchased online through the secure area of the website or by contacting
Membership Services.
QCF Study Text Order Form
[email protected]
Download form
+44 (0)191 493 0286
www.aiaworldwide.com/study-2/e-books.html
Go to web page
12.4 ESSENTIAL READING
AIA provides an essential reading list which is tailored to the syllabus and is
compiled by examiners. You must read as widely as possible in preparation
for your exams and you should include reading these texts in your study
plan.
www.aiaworldwide.com/study-2/essentialreading.html
Go to web page
30
©Association of International Accountants 2014
12.5 EXAM FEEDBACK & GUIDANCE
AIA Examiners regularly provide guidance and feedback for students to
assist them in successfully completing the exams. This is sent out through
the secure area of the website and you will be notified by email when it is
available.
12.6 SYLLABUS
Familiarity with the AIA syllabus is absolutely essential and you should read
and refer to it regularly as part of your study. The exams progressively test
knowledge in practical situations, and questions at Level 5 or Level 6 may
assume knowledge of topics covered at Level 5. Make sure you review the
current version of the syllabus for the year in which you are taking your
exams.
QCF Syllabus (Exam Scheme & Reading List)
[email protected]
+44 (0)191 493 0286
Download
www.aiaworldwide.com/examinations/examsyllabus.html
Go to web page
©Association of International Accountants 2014
31
12.7 TEACHING & LEARNING GUIDE
The Teaching and Learning Guide is a must-read before and during your
study. The guide is designed to facilitate a standardised approach to the
exams, through the provision of guidance and advice to AIA study
providers, examiners and exam candidates.
The guide focuses on the exam process, the AIA approach to exams,
studying, sitting an exam and the awarding of exam results, and provides
invaluable advice on how to study and strategy in the exams.
QCF Teaching & Learning Guide
Download guide
12.8 OTHER RESOURCES
AIA provides a number of other resources which have not yet been
referenced in this guide, and which you should look at in preparation for the
exams.
www.aiaworldwide.com/examinations/examtips.html
AIA LinkedIn Student Group
Go to web page
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©Association of International Accountants 2014
12.9 APPROVED STUDY
PROVIDERS
The AIA QCF study course is available through a
number of private education institutions, when choosing a course provider
you should make sure they are an AIA Approved Study Provider
Approved study providers are of an appropriately high standard to teach
the AIA professional qualification and are required to adhere to AIA’s
quality control procedures to maintain approved status. A list of current
providers is on the website.
www.aiaworldwide.com/study-2/approved-studyproviders.html
Go to web page
STUDY PROVIDER MONITORING
Each approved study provider is monitored to
ensure that they are maintaining our
requirements in teaching, student support,
facilities and training. When a study provider
does not meet the expected standard AIA will
take action; for example providing details of the
underperformance and allowing the provider time
to implement changes. In more serious
circumstances, we may place sanctions against
the study provider until such time as the requirements have been met or
may remove Approved Study Provider status.
Students have a right to appeal against any decision that AIA places on a
study provider. To do this you should complete the Student Support for a
Study Provider Form, available on request from the Recruitment
Department.
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COMPLAINTS AGAINST A STUDY PROVIDER
AIA will investigate any complaint made by a student against an Approved
Study Provider as outlined in the Study Provider Complaint Procedure. If
you wish to make a complaint, you must complete a Study Provider
Complaint Form outlining your grievance, which will be discussed with the
study provider.
If your complaint is in relation to facilities, the study provider will be required
to provide a report stating what action has been taken. If it is more serious,
then AIA will advise on the remedial action required.
Student Support for a Study Provider Form (available on request)
Study Provider Complaint Procedure (available on request)
Study Provider Complaint Form (available on request)
[email protected]
+44 (0)191 493 0282
34
©Association of International Accountants 2014
13.O PROGRESSION TO ASSOCIATE
MEMBERSHIP
To qualify as an International Accountant you must prove your academic
ability and technical knowledge by passing the AIA exams, and also
demonstrate your ability to competently apply this technical knowledge,
professional skills and professional ethics, values and attitudes in the
workplace. You are therefore required to also complete a minimum of three
years’ practical work experience or Initial Professional Development (IPD),
before becoming a professionally qualified accountant.
LEVELS OF MEMBERSHIP
Student – You are studying for the AIA professional qualification and
obtaining your IPD.
Graduate – You have completed your professional exams, but have not
yet obtained the required IPD.
Associate (AAIA) – You are a professional, qualified accountant and can
refer to yourself as an International Accountant.
Fellow (FAIA) – You are a professional, qualified accountant and have
over five years’ post-qualification experience in the accountancy
profession. You can refer to yourself as an International Accountant.
Member in Practice – An Associate or Fellow member who is authorised
by AIA to engage in public practice by means of holding a practising
certificate
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14.O INITIAL PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
IPD is defined as work experience, gained by performing the work of a
professional accountant under qualified supervision at progressive levels of
responsibility.
14.1 WHERE SHOULD YOU OBTAIN YOUR
IPD?
The diverse nature of accountancy work makes it possible to gain your
experience in industry, commerce or public practice. You can obtain
experience in more than one sector, and you may find that a variety of
experience will benefit your career.
The organisation in which you undertake your IPD can be any size and the
type of work may vary from one employer to another. It is important for your
employer to offer you a varied training environment and facilitate access to
guidance and support from a professionally qualified accountant.
14.2 WHEN TO BEGIN
Ideally your IPD should mirror your study and you should aim to begin as
soon as you register as an AIA student. If this is not possible, IPD
undertaken before, during or after passing the exams, or a combination, will
be accepted.
Detailed information on the minimum periods of employment that are
eligible, how you should plan your IPD and how you should record it is
provided in the IPD Guide.
36
©Association of International Accountants 2014
IPD Guide
IPD Annual Declaration
[email protected]
Download guide
+44 (0)191 493 0286
www.aiaworldwide.com/initial-professionaldevelopment-ipd.html
Go to web page
15.O IMPORTANT INFORMATION
YOUR REGISTRATION NUMBER
When you registered as a student you were
issued with a reference/registration number,
please quote this in all correspondence with us,
as it helps us ensure that we provide you with
the best service possible.
©Association of International Accountants 2014
37
15.1 ARE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS
CORRECT?
It is essential that we have accurate and current contact information for
you, to ensure that we can maintain communication and deliver core
services. You can update your details at any time by logging into the
secure area or by contacting membership services.
www.aiaworldwide.com/about-aia/login.html
[email protected]
+44 (0)191 493 0286
38
Go to web page
©Association of International Accountants 2014
NOTES
©Association of International Accountants 2014
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©Association of International Accountants 2014