How to Become a Member
Routes to membership
The Institute recognises there are many ways of acquiring knowledge and proving competence which may be proven in different ways. As a consequence IFA provides three flexible routes to membership:
· By IFA qualification
· By exemption, where recognition is given to other relevant qualifications already held
· By accreditation of prior learning, where workplace experience is evaluated (available in the UK only).
IFA Qualification route to membership
IFA provides three qualifications. Dependent upon prior education or experience and where in their career they are individuals may follow one of the following:
· Financial Accountant Diploma
· Professional Financial Accountant qualification
· Evidence of Professional Competence.
Progression routes are available from the Diploma onto the Professional qualification, and then Evidence of Professional Competence. Progressing through the various levels of IFA membership.
Check the Students section to find out about IFA Qualifications.
Exemption route to membership
Holders of relevant higher level qualifications from recognised professional accountancy bodies and education institutions may be eligible for exemption from some or all of the Institute’s modules. As a general rule those with:
Level 4, AAT members, HNC Business & Finance graduates with the relevant ‘pathway’ or experience may be eligible for IFA Financial Accounting Executive membership.
Level 5, graduates of recognised degree programmes in a relevant discipline or other accounting professional bodies may be entitled to enter as IFA Associates.
Certain recognised honours degrees and post graduate programmes may provide a pathway towards Fellow level.
If the exemption route applies to you please download the Initial Membership Pack on the right hand side of this page, complete this form and return it to the Customer Services Team at Burford house.
Accreditation of prior learning route to membership
Recognising workplace competence and experience applicants can apply for this route if they have a minimum of five years experience to date in finance or accounting role and are based in the UK.
If the APL route applies to you please download the Initial APL Membership Pack on the right hand side of this page, complete this form and return it to the Customer Services Team at Burford house.
What are you exempt form?
If you would like to know your exemption entitlement please download the intial exemption form on the right hand side and return this to Burford House.
