Introducing our updated Professional Accountancy Qualification
At the heart of CIPFA's mission to build trust by strengthening public financial management is our professional qualification. As we look to the future, we want to ensure that our qualification continues to support and upskill the public finance professionals of tomorrow. With that in mind, we are launching a fresh, updated syllabus: the CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification, or CIPFA PAQ.
What's different?
The CIPFA qualification has always offered the best foundation for developing the next generation of public finance professionals and leaders. The new PAQ includes an updated qualification structure, a greater emphasis on sustainability, ethics and data, and a renewed focus on developing real-world, work-ready skills.
To enhance the overall learning experience for all of our students, in 2022 we are introducing a new e-assessment platform and virtual learning environment — making studying for the CIPFA qualification more flexible than ever.
We also now offer access to trained mental health first aiders and an online wellbeing hub that is accessible to all students, as well as trainers and CIPFA staff, offering immediate and direct support when you need it most.
- Find out more about the key changes
- Download CIPFA Futures brochure (UK version)
- Download CIPFA Futures brochure (International version)
What about current PQ and IPFM students?
We are taking all possible steps to ensure that your studies continue smoothly: you will not be required to transition to the updated syllabus, nor will you have to complete any additional modules.
The pre-2022 Professional Qualification (PQ) and International Public Financial Management (IPFM) programmes will run alongside the new PAQ until all students have completed their studies. If you began studying the PQ or the IPFM before 2022, you will stay on this programme. However, you will need to make sure that you register in time for your final unit terms and exams.
Find out what the new syllabus means for you
Contact us
If you have any questions about the introduction of the new syllabus, please contact us at hello@cipfa.org.