Members of other professional bodies can fast-track to CIPFA membership

Gaining the CIPFA chartered accountancy qualification after your AAT certification builds on your skills, improves your knowledge and makes you more marketable as an employee. With CIPFA, you improve your earning potential and career prospects. The AAT will reduce your full membership subscription by over 50% during your CIPFA studies.

Of all UK accountancy bodies, CIPFA is the quickest route to becoming a Chartered Public Finance Accountant. AAT members save up to £400 as CIPFA is the only UK accountancy body to give exemptions to AAT members at no cost.

Exams and exemptions

As a member of AAT you are entitled to exemptions from Financial Accounting and Management Accounting and from Audit and Assurance - provided you have successfully completed both Accounting Systems and Controls (core) and External Audit (optional).

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Study options

If you are a member of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka you are eligible to apply for membership of CIPFA. Being a member of CIPFA will increase your current professional status, respecting the relationship you have with your own professional accountancy body and provide additional services and support your work in the public services and pave the way for strong public financial management in Sri Lanka.

Eligibility for CIPFA membership

To apply you must be a member of CMA Sri Lanka through examination, in good standing and with relevant work experience in the public sector:

• five or more years post-qualification public sector experience: Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA)
• fewer than five years post-qualification public sector experience: Affiliate member of CIPFA (CIPFA Affil)*

Those with fewer than five years public sector experience can study for the following CIPFA International Public Financial Management (IPFM) modules and examinations to qualify to become eligible for full CPFA membership:

• Audit and Assurance
• Public Sector Financial Reporting
• Strategic Public Finance

Student members who have passed all foundation- and operational-level exams, and have at least five years of public sector experience, can apply for affiliate membership.

* If you are awarded CIPFA Affiliate membership, or are a CMA Sri Lanka member working in non-public sector, you can gain CPFA status by successfully completing exams from the CIPFA qualification.

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If you are a graduate of the Bachelor of Public Finance and Accountancy (BPFA) degree course from the University of Papua New Guinea, you are eligible to apply for membership of CIPFA. Being a member of CIPFA will increase your professional status, provide additional services and support for your work and can enhance your career prospects in public financial management around the world.

Eligibility for CIPFA membership

To apply you must have successfully completed the Bachelor of Public Finance and Accountancy degree and have relevant work experience in the public sector:

• five or more years post-graduation experience in the public sector: Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA)
• fewer than five years post-graduation experience in the public sector: Affiliate member of CIPFA (CIPFA Affil); once five years relevant experience has been achieved, you can request your membership to be upgraded to full CPFA membership

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If you are a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) there are various entry routes to becoming dual qualified with CIPFA. CIPFA membership gives you access to the global CIPFA network of public finance experts and adds real direction to your career. By adding a CIPFA designation to your ACCA qualification you immediately improve your career prospects and professional standing within public finance.

Part-qualified with ACCA

If you have taken some ICAS exams but are looking to switch to CIPFA you will be entitled to some exemptions.

Eligibility for CIPFA membership

As a member of ACCA you will be entitled to exemptions, the amount depends on your relevant professional experience in the public sector.

Five or more years post-qualification public sector experience

Full exemptions from all 12 modules, leaving no exams to become a Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA).

Fewer than five years post-qualification public sector experience

Take our six-month fast-track route to become a fully qualified Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA).

Alternatively, ACCA members with less than five years post-qualification public sector experience may be eligible to apply for CIPFA Affiliate membership (CIPFA Affil).

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If you are a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka you are eligible to apply for membership of CIPFA. Being a member of CIPFA will increase your current professional status, respecting the relationship you have with your own professional accountancy body and provide additional services and support your work in the public services and pave the way for strong public financial management in Sri Lanka.

Please note: We only accept your primary professional body attained through examination.

Eligibility for CIPFA membership

To apply you must be a member of CA Sri Lanka, in good standing and with relevant work experience in the public sector:

• five or more years post-qualification public sector experience: Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA)
• fewer than five years post-qualification public sector experience: Affiliate member of CIPFA (CIPFA Affil)*
• members of CA Sri Lanka public sector wing: Affiliate member of CIPFA (CIPFA Affil)

* If you are awarded CIPFA Affiliate membership, or are a CA Sri Lanka member working in non-public sector, you can gain CPFA status by successfully completing exams from the CIPFA qualification

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If you are a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) there are various entry routes to becoming dual qualified with CIPFA.

CIPFA membership gives you access to the global CIPFA network of public finance experts and adds real direction to your career. By adding a CIPFA designation to your CIMA qualification you immediately improve your career prospects and professional standing within public finance.

Part-qualified with CIMA

If you have taken some ICAS exams but are looking to switch to CIPFA you will be entitled to some exemptions.

Eligibility for CIPFA membership

As a member of CIMA you will be entitled to exemptions, the amount depends on your relevant professional experience in the public sector.

Five or more years post-qualification public sector experience

Full exemptions from all 12 modules, leaving no exams to become a Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA).

Fewer than five years post-qualification public sector experience

CIMA members with less than five years post-qualification public sector experience may be eligible to apply for CIPFA Affiliate membership (CIPFA Affil).

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As members of HFMA, exam-qualified finance professionals can join CIPFA, and gain CPFA (Chartered Public Finance Accountant) status, without having to sit any further exams.

Please note: We only accept your primary professional body attained through examination.

Eligibility for CIPFA membership

To apply you must have at least five years of relevant post qualification experience in the public sector and a good standing current membership with an accountancy body comparable to the standards of CIPFA e.g. CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW, or any other member of CCAB.

Please note: this must be maintained alongside your CIPFA membership.

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If you are a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) you are eligible to apply for membership of CIPFA. Being a member of CIPFA will increase your current professional status, respecting the relationship you have with your own professional accountancy body and provide additional services and support your work in the public services and pave the way for strong public financial management in Bangladesh.

Please note: We only accept applications where your ICAB membership was attained through examination.

• five or more years post-qualification public sector experience: Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA)
• fewer than five years post-qualification public sector experience: Affiliate member of CIPFA (CIPFA Affil)*

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If you are a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) there are various entry routes to becoming dual qualified with CIPFA.

CIPFA membership gives you access to the global CIPFA network of public finance experts and adds real direction to your career. By adding a CIPFA designation to your ICAEW qualification you immediately improve your career prospects and professional standing within public finance.

If you are interested in finding out more about the new CIPFA/ICAEW dual membership, then please complete our expression of interest form.

Eligibility for CIPFA membership

Fewer than five years post-qualification public sector experience

ICAEW members with less than five years’ experience will need to complete and pass the CIPFA Public Sector Financial Reporting module and examination and complete a statement of intent to enable them to apply to become a CIPFA member and use the CPFA designation, alongside the ACA designation – and vice versa for CIPFA members who would need to pass the ICAEW Corporate Reporting module.

Five or more years post-qualification public sector experience

ICAEW members who have more than five years’ experience will not be required to take the additional module as they are able to become a CIPFA member based on their professional experience through the existing CIPFA pathways option. 

 

Full exemptions from all 12 modules, leaving no exams to become a Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA).

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If you are a member of the ICAG you are eligible to apply for membership of CIPFA. Being a member of CIPFA will increase your current professional status, respecting the relationship you have with your own professional accountancy body and provide additional services and support specifically for your work in the public services.

As a CIPFA member you will join a network of key decision-makers and senior finance professionals across global public services and support our mission to advance public financial management on a global basis.

Please note: We only accept your primary professional body attained through examination.

Eligibility for Affiliate membership of CIPFA

To apply you must be a member of ICAG in good standing and with relevant work experience in the public sector:

• five or more years post-qualification public sector experience: Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA)
• fewer than five years post-qualification public sector experience: Affiliate member of CIPFA (CIPFA Affil)*

* If you are awarded CIPFA Affiliate membership, or are an ICAG member working in non-public sector, you can gain CPFA status by successfully completing exams from the CIPFA qualification. 

 ICAG members taking these exams pay no exemption fees and are exempt from our workplace practical experience requirements.

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If you are a member of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) you are eligible to apply for membership of CIPFA. Being a member of CIPFA will increase your current professional status, respecting the relationship you have with your own professional accountancy body and provide additional services and support your work in the public services and pave the way for strong public financial management in India.

Please note: We only accept your primary professional qualification attained through examination.

Eligibility for CIPFA membership 

To apply you must be a member of ICMAI, in good standing and with relevant work experience in the public sector:

• five or more years post-qualification public sector experience: Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA) 
• Fewer than five years post-qualification public sector experience: Affiliate member of CIPFA (CIPFA Affil)*

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If you are a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ireland (ICAI) there are various entry routes to becoming dual qualified with CIPFA. CIPFA membership gives you access to the global CIPFA network of public finance experts and adds real direction to your career. By adding a CIPFA designation to your ICAI qualification you immediately improve your career prospects and professional standing within public finance.

Part-qualified with ICAI

If you have taken some ICAS exams but are looking to switch to CIPFA you will be entitled to some exemptions.

Eligibility for CIPFA membership

As a member of ICAI you will be entitled to exemptions, the amount depends on your relevant professional experience in the public sector.

Five or more years post-qualification public sector experience

Full exemptions from all 12 modules, leaving no exams to become a Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA).

Fewer than five years post-qualification public sector experience

Take our six-month fast-track route to become a fully qualified Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA).

Alternatively, ICAI members with less than five years post-qualification public sector experience may be eligible to apply for CIPFA Affiliate membership (CIPFA Affil).

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If you are a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) you are eligible to apply for membership of CIPFA. Being a member of CIPFA will increase your current professional status, respecting the relationship you have with your own professional accountancy body and provide additional services and support your work in the public services and pave the way for strong public financial management in Nigeria.

Please note: We only accept your primary professional body attained through examination.

Eligibility for CIPFA membership

To apply you must be a member of ICAN, in good standing and with relevant work experience in the public sector, as outlined below:

• five or more years post-qualification public sector experience: Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA)
• fewer than five years post-qualification public sector experience: Affiliate member of CIPFA (CIPFA Affil)*

*If you are awarded CIPFA Affiliate membership, or are an ICAN member working in non-public sector, you can gain CPFA status by successfully completing exams from the CIPFA qualification

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If you are a member, or registered auditor of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN Nepal) you are eligible to apply for membership of CIPFA. Being a member of CIPFA will increase your current professional status, respecting the relationship you have with your own professional accountancy body and provide additional services and support your work in the public services and pave the way for strong public financial management in Nepal.

Please note: We only accept your primary professional qualification attained through examination.

Eligibility for CIPFA membership

To apply you must be a member, or a registered auditor of ICAN Nepal, in good standing and with relevant work experience in the public sector:

• five or more years post-qualification public sector experience: Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA)
• fewer than five years post-qualification public sector experience: Affiliate member of CIPFA (CIPFA Affil)*
• registered Auditors of ICAN Nepal in good standing with 10 years or more public sector experience defined as Category B and C by ICAN Nepal licensed under the enactment of ICAN Nepal Act in 1997

*If you are awarded CIPFA Affiliate membership, or are an ICAN Nepal member working in non-public sector, you can gain CPFA status by successfully completing exams from the CIPFA qualification. ICAN Nepal members taking examinations pay no application or exemption fees and are exempt from our workplace practical experience requirements.

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If you are a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) you are eligible to apply for membership of CIPFA. Being a member of CIPFA will increase your current professional status, respecting the relationship you have with your own professional accountancy body and provide additional services and support your work in the public services and pave the way for strong public financial management in Pakistan.

Please note: We only accept your primary professional body attained through examination.

Eligibility for CIPFA membership 

To apply you must be a member of ICAP, in good standing and with relevant work experience in the public sector:

• five or more years post-qualification public sector experience: Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA)
• fewer than five years post-qualification public sector experience: Affiliate member of CIPFA (CIPFA Affil)*

*If you are awarded CIPFA Affiliate membership, or are an ICAP member working in non-public sector, you can gain CPFA status by successfully completing exams from the CIPFA qualification

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If you are a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) there are various entry routes to becoming dual qualified with CIPFA.

CIPFA membership gives you access to the global CIPFA network of public finance experts and adds real direction to your career. By adding a CIPFA designation to your ICAI qualification you immediately improve your career prospects and professional standing within public finance.

Part-qualified with ICAS

If you have taken some ICAS exams but are looking to switch to CIPFA you will be entitled to some exemptions.

Eligibility for CIPFA membership

As a member of ICAS you will be entitled to exemptions, the amount depends on your relevant professional experience in the public sector.

Five or more years post-qualification public sector experience

Full exemptions from all 12 modules, leaving no exams to become a Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA).

Fewer than five years post-qualification public sector experience

Take our six-month fast-track route to become a fully qualified Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA).

Alternatively, ICAS members with less than five years post-qualification public sector experience may be eligible to apply for CIPFA Affiliate membership (CIPFA Affil).

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If you are a member of the Institute of Municipal Finance Officers you are eligible to apply for membership of CIPFA. Being a member of CIPFA will increase your current professional status, respecting the relationship you have with your own professional accountancy body and provide additional services and support your work in the public services and pave the way for strong public financial management in South Africa.

Please note: We only accept your primary professional body attained through examination.

Exams and exemptions

To apply for membership you must be a member of IMFO, in good standing with relevant post-qualification public sector experience:

• a professional accountancy qualification (e.g. SAICA) recognised by CIPFA and five or more years post-qualification public sector experience: Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA)
• fewer than five years post-qualification public sector experience: Affiliate member of CIPFA (CIPFA Affil)

Members and students of IMFO are welcome to apply.

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If you are a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) and the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) you are eligible to apply for membership of CIPFA. Being a member of CIPFA will increase your current professional status, respecting the relationship you have with your own professional accountancy body and provide additional services and support your work in the public services and pave the way for strong public financial management in Malaysia.

Please note: We only accept your primary professional body attained through examination.

Eligibility for CIPFA membership

To apply you must be a member of MIA or MICPA, in good standing and with relevant work experience in the public sector, as outlined below:

• five or more years post-qualification public sector experience: Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA)
• fewer than five years post-qualification public sector experience: Affiliate member of CIPFA (CIPFA Affil)*

*If you are awarded CIPFA Affiliate membership, or are an MIA/MICPA member working in non-public sector, you can gain CPFA status by successfully completing exams from the CIPFA qualification

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If you are a member of the PIPFA you are eligible to apply for Affiliate membership of CIPFA. Being a member of CIPFA will increase your current professional status, respecting the relationship you have with your own professional accountancy body and provide additional services and support specifically for your work in the public services. As a CIPFA member you will join a network of key decision-makers and senior finance professionals across global public services and support our mission to advance public financial management on a global basis.

Eligibility for membership of CIPFA

PIPFA members in good standing, working in the public sector are invited to apply for membership of CIPFA. Once we receive your completed application we will assess your submission and confirm your membership status.

If you are a member of ICAP in good standing and working in the public sector you can apply for full CIPFA membership through our direct membership route which we have agreed with ICAP.

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If you are an SAAA CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CA (Chartered Accountant) member, you may be eligible to apply for CIPFA membership. Being a member of CIPFA will increase your current professional status, respecting the relationship you have with your own professional accountancy body and provide additional services and support specifically for your work in the public services. As a CIPFA member you will join a network of key decision-makers and senior finance professionals across global public services and support our mission to advance public financial management on a global basis.

Please note: We only accept your primary professional body attained through examination.

Eligibility for CIPFA membership

Full membership (CPFA)

1. CPA member with five years or more post-qualification experience in public sector and in good standing with SAAA
2. CPA member with less than five years of post-qualification experience in public sector: take the two prerequisite CIPFA exams for full CIPFA membership (or avail of the public sector experience route)
3. Any other membership grade of SAAA (Accountant, or Chartered Accountant): take additional SAAA exams to become CPA and then avail of steps (1) or (2)

Affiliate membership (CIPFA (Affil))

1. CPA member: all CPA members in good standing with SAAA
2. CA (Chartered Accountant): five years or more of post-qualification experience in public sector and in good standing with SAAA
3. Any other membership grade of SAAA (Accountant): study to SAAA CA or CPA level and convert via BL5 and then avail of steps (1) or (2)

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