Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland (CPA Ireland)

There are a number of different routes into the CPA qualification. Many students complete their Leaving Certificate and go on to do a degree in Accounting and Finance or Business Studies in college and then study for their professional accountancy qualification.

But what if you don’t want to go to college? You can start the CPA qualification when you complete the Leaving Certificate. Other students join us from international accountancy bodies with which we are associated, or from other professional accountancy organisations.

You do not need any previous experience in accountancy to begin your CPA studies.

Have you been to college and now want to make the move into the world of accountancy? Graduates from related degrees, such as accountancy, business or finance, can avail of generous exemptions when studying CPA. Non relevant degree holders are also eligible and depending on the degree, may be entitled to exemptions.

WHY CPA?

• CPA Ireland is one of the leading Irish accountancy bodies, with 5,000 members and students worldwide.

• We provide flexible study options including part-time, weekend and e-learning in approved educators around the country.

• We have over 160 employers in our Approved Employer Programme, including companies like Microsoft, Dell Ireland, Apple, EMC, HedgeServ and Glanbia.

• CPA Ireland has international agreements with accountancy bodies in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and India, so our members’ qualifications travel with them.

• CPA Ireland is one of the first accountancy bodies in Europe on track to achieve gender parity.

• CPA Ireland was the first accountancy body to introduce mandatory Continuing Professional Development, to ensure our members are always at the peak of their profession.

• Over 1 million qualified accountants worldwide classify themselves as CPAs

There are four stages of exams with CPA Ireland; Formation 1 and 2 and Professional 1 and 2. Choose a level below to access syllabus content, examinable material, past exam papers with suggested solutions and related articles:

• Formation 1
• Formation 2
• Professional 1
• Professional 2

THE EXAMINATION SYSTEM

Exams are an essential element of student assessment. Exams are held twice a year, at the end of April and end of August. Results are issued to students within 6 weeks of the final exam being held.

• To be eligible to sit an exam in April, a candidate must register as a student with CPA Ireland by 1st December and submit an exam registration form by 1st March.
• To be eligible to sit an exam in August, a candidate must register as a student with the Institute by 1st June and submit an exam registration form by 1st August.