New AIA Professional Qualification FAQs

Following a major review and revision of the structure of the AIA exams, the new professional qualification was designed to create a streamlined programme which leads to qualification as an accountant or auditor with subject specific knowledge, skills and awareness of context fit for modern commercial, public enterprise and professional environments.

AIA has also developed its learning and assessment methods to enable the full qualification to be studied and examined online.

Overall the new professional qualification is quicker to complete, more accessible and affordable. 

• The qualification structure has been streamlined, reducing the number of exams from 16 to 10 for those taking the accountancy route and from 17 to 11 for those wishing to qualify as a statutory auditor, making it quicker to qualify, more accessible and affordable.
• The Foundation level is now tested through a single integrated, multiple choice exam.
• Optional papers have been introduced to allow further flexibility for students. At Professional Level 2 students can choose between taking Developments in Assurance and Accountability or Business and Financial Management.
• Professional Level 1 and 2 papers can be sat in any order.
• All exams are now conducted online by Computer Based Exam.
• All students must register for AIA Achieve Academy.

As an existing AIA student we want to help you reach your goal of becoming a qualified accountant as soon as possible. The transition arrangements were put in place to ensure that no student is disadvantaged by the launch of the new professional qualification.

All previously granted exemptions or exam passes are retained.

All AIA students have been contacted by email with detailed information about transferring to the new qualification. If you have not received this email please contact the AIA Exams Team: exam@aiaworldwide.com

Download the AIA Switchover Policy

No whilst the format has changed, AIA has worked hard to ensure that the standard of the qualification remains high. AIA continues to be:

• A Recognised Qualifying Body (RQB) for statutory auditors in the UK and regulated by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).
• A Prescribed Body under the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2014 in the Republic of Ireland.
• A supervisory body under the UK and ROI Money Laundering Regulations. 
• ECCTIS (formerly NARIC) conducted an independent evaluation and benchmarking of the AIA Professional Qualification and concluded that the Foundation Level, Professional Level 1 and Professional Level 2 were equivalent to the Recognised Qualifications Framework levels 5, 6 and 7. 

Read more about AIA

AIA Achieve Academy is a purpose built, online learning platform for all AIA students, providing them with a hub of interactive learning resources.

Available worldwide, the platform has been designed to ensure users have the support and learning opportunities available to suit their learning preferences and incorporates a range of effective and proven learning tools.

The platform’s content covers all topics within the professional qualification provides all the resources, support and materials required to be successful in the exams.  

Find out more about AIA Achieve Academy

AIA’s new professional qualification offers:

• A quicker, more affordable route to becoming a qualified accountant or statutory auditor.
• Increased focus on the wide range of business and finance skills needed by practitioners.
• Greater portability of skills between business sectors through optional papers.
• Greater accessibility. Students can choose between studying online from any location, or through a combination of online and face-to-face teaching.
• Online assessment throughout the qualification.
• Stand-alone paper in ethics to enhance critical thinking in relation to professional ethics.

More about AIA Qualifications

All AIA qualifications are all tested online via computer based exams, with two exam sittings taking place each year in May and November. The AIA's online exam platform requires a set-up procedure which should take place before the day of the exam and also utilises spreadsheet and word processing response options.

Exams can be taken in an approved test centre or at home with remote invigilation in place.

Find out more about AIA exams

No, the qualification structure has been streamlined, reducing the number of exams from 16 to 10 for those taking the accountancy route and from 17 to 11 for those wishing to qualify as a statutory auditor, making it quicker to qualify, more accessible and affordable.

The new study material is available now. 

AIA's new online learning platform was designed in conjunction with BPP Learning Media, and utilises a range of teaching and learning tools that align teaching to the qualification and assessments. You will benefit from the guidance and experience of subject experts and have access to extensive, relevant support with exam relevant workbooks, questions, lectures and study guidance. 

Find out more