Certified Public Accountant

1. Principles of Financial Accounting : Introduces accounting concepts, accounting terminology, the accounting equation, double-entry bookkeeping, journals, ledgers, trial balances, adjustments and the preparation of basic financial statements.

2. Financial Statements and Accounting Records : Develops knowledge of income statements, statements of financial position, cash-flow information, accruals, prepayments, depreciation, provisions, inventory records and the preparation and interpretation of basic accounting records.

3. Management Accounting and Business Costing : Covers cost classification, cost behaviour, budgeting, break-even analysis, contribution, pricing information, variance awareness, management reports and the use of accounting information to support operational business decisions.

4. Taxation Principles and Business Finance : Introduces fundamental taxation concepts, taxable income, indirect and direct taxes, basic tax computations, compliance awareness, business finance, sources of finance, interest, cash management and the financial implications of business decisions.

5. Auditing, Internal Controls and Financial Risk : Develops understanding of the purpose of auditing, internal controls, control environments, audit evidence, financial risks, fraud awareness, basic audit procedures, documentation and the responsibilities of accounting personnel in maintaining reliable financial information.

6. Accounting Information Systems and Digital Finance : Examines accounting software, digital bookkeeping, accounting databases, electronic records, transaction processing, financial reporting systems, data accuracy, cybersecurity awareness and the use of technology to improve accounting efficiency and information quality.

7. Professional Ethics, Communication and Accountancy Practice : Covers professional integrity, confidentiality, professional behaviour, ethical decision-making, objectivity, professional scepticism, communication with stakeholders, responsible handling of financial information and the importance of public-interest considerations in accountancy practice. IFAC's current IES 4 specifically addresses professional values, ethics and attitudes, including professional judgement, scepticism and acting in the public interest.

8. Applied Accounting Practice and Professional Accountant Project : Requires learners to integrate their accounting knowledge through an applied project involving accounting records, financial-statement preparation, management information, basic tax considerations, internal controls, financial analysis and professional recommendations.

• Develops a strong foundation in financial accounting and bookkeeping.

• Builds financial-statement preparation and analysis skills.

• Develops management-accounting and costing knowledge.

• Introduces taxation and business-finance principles.

• Builds understanding of auditing and internal controls.

• Develops digital accounting and financial-information-system skills.

• Strengthens professional ethics and responsible accountancy practice.

• Develops practical financial analysis and accounting-reporting capability.

• Provides a foundation for progression into higher-level accounting and professional accountancy education.

The qualification is suitable for:

• Learners beginning a career in accounting and finance.

• Junior accounting assistants and finance administrators.

• Bookkeeping and accounts personnel seeking structured professional development.

• Business employees responsible for basic financial records and reporting.

• Learners preparing for further study in accounting, finance or professional accountancy.

• Individuals seeking foundational knowledge before progressing into a recognised professional accountancy pathway.

Assessment Format: Written accounting examination, financial-statement preparation, numerical accounting exercises, case studies, short assignments and an applied accounting project.

Total Questions: 60 questions, consisting of multiple-choice, short-answer, numerical and scenario-based questions, supported by practical accounting evidence and project work.

Passing Score: Minimum 50% in the written examination and successful completion of all mandatory unit assessments and the applied accounting project.

Duration: 150 minutes for the written examination, with additional assessment time allocated to accounting exercises, assignments and project work.

Certification: Certified Public Accountant

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

Successful learners who achieve the Certified Public Accountant qualification may progress to:

• HiQual UK Level 4 qualifications in Accounting, Finance, Financial Management or Business Management.

• Further professional accountancy education aligned with IFAC International Education Standards, subject to the entry requirements of the relevant professional body.

• Professional and specialist development in financial reporting, taxation, audit, management accounting, financial analysis and accounting information systems.

• Employment or career development in roles including Accounts Assistant, Junior Accountant, Bookkeeper, Finance Assistant, Accounts Payable/Receivable Officer and Accounting Administrator.

• Continuing professional development toward higher-level accounting qualifications and recognised professional accountancy pathways, subject to the requirements of the relevant jurisdiction and professional body.

The qualification can form part of a learning pathway, but it should not be presented as satisfying the full education, examination, practical-experience and licensing requirements for a statutory CPA designation. IFAC notes that professional competence develops through technical competence, professional skills, professional values and ethics, practical experience and formal assessment.