ACA | Business Strategy module syllabus 2012 | ICAEW

PROFESSIONAL STAGEAimThe Professional Stage of the ACA qualification forms the first stage of formal learning andassessment for the ACA and, as such, aims to provide students with the technical skills andunderpinning knowledge to perform their work as trainee chartered accountants in a variety ofenvironments.The Professional Stage syllabus has been constructed with the following aims:• to ensure that the required technical knowledge and skills can be learnt and assessed in acomprehensive and rigorous manner• to allow the timing of exam study to be aligned with the knowledge and skills needed in thework place• to enable appropriate educational progression and reinforcement during the study andassessment process.Structure and progressionThere are twelve modules in total. Six ‘Knowledge’ modules focus on the introduction anddevelopment of core knowledge and skills. The other six ‘Application’ modules further develop theknowledge and skills and assess practical technical application.The Professional Stage as a whole forms the foundation of technical knowledge that is furtherdeveloped and integrated at the Advanced Stage.SyllabusThis document presents the learning outcomes for the twelve Professional Stage modules. Thelearning outcomes in each module should be read in conjunction with the relevant knowledgetables in Appendix 1.AssessmentThe six ‘Knowledge’ modules will be examined using computer based assessments. Eachcomputer based assessment will be 1.5 hours in length.The six ‘Application’ modules will be examined using traditional paper based assessments. Eachpaper based exam will be 2.5 hours in length.The AAT Top Up paper in Financial Accounting will be 1 hour in length.FlexibilityThere will be no regulations stipulating the order in which students must attempt the ProfessionalStage modules, allowing employers to design training programmes according to business needs.Students will be permitted a maximum of four attempts at each module.Credit for prior learningStudents with accounting and business related qualifications should visit the ICAEW website forfurther information on applying for credit against one or more of the ACA modules.ACA Business Strategy syllabus 2012 V2 3Copyright © ICAEW 2006 - 2011