Unit levels and syllabus aims
14 units, three routes to membership
About IFA Direct unit levels
For more information on units at level 4, 5 and 7 download the full syllabus on the links below.
Our unit levels at 4, 5 and 7 vary according to the skills and knowledge required for accounting professionals.
The syllabuses for each of the units have been updated. If you started your study prior to July 1 2024 please note that your syllabus will not change
Level 4
Equivalent to First year undergraduate level
Units at this level develop the relevant knowledge, skills and awareness needed in the accountancy and tax regulatory environment. You will also study the operational requirements for the accounting and finance function and learn what is expected of a professional accountant.
These units are suitable for those who:
- are entering the profession
- are wanting to build on their experience by undertaking a formal study pathway to membership of the IFA
- are wanting to progress to study Level 5 units
Level 5
Equivalent to second year undegraduate, Foundation degree or Higher National Diploma
These units have been designed to develop the understanding and skills of the regulatory requirements for tax and accountancy and how these frameworks are applied in the workplace.
Learners completing these units will build on their understanding of what is expected from a professional accountant at work and be able to produce and interpret a full range of financial information and accounts.
These units are suitable for those who:
- have completed an accountancy qualification at Level 4 or the IFA Direct Level 4 units
- are part-qualified leaners seeking a pathway to membership of the IFA
Level 7
Equivalent to postgraduate/Masters level
These units have been designed to provide the advanced knowledge and skills required by senior finance professionals.
These units are suitable for those who:
- have completed an accountancy qualification at Level 5 or 6 or the IFA Direct Level 5 units
- are part-qualified learners seeking a pathway to membership of the IFA
| IFA Direct Units | Unit level | Credit value | GLH |
Intermediate Financial Accountant IFA AIPA route |
Associate Tax Adviser ATA route UK only |
Associate Financial Accountant AFA MIPA route |
| Financial Accounting 1 | 4 | 15 | 60 |  |
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| Financial Accounting 2 | 4 | 15 | 60 | |
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| Budgetary Control | 4 | 15 | 60 | |
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| Cost and Management Accounting | 4 | 15 | 60 | |
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| Personal Taxation | 4 | 15 | 60 | |
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| Business Environment | 4 | 15 | 60 | |
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| Law for Accounting | 4 | 15 | 60 | |
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| Financial Reporting | 5 | 30 | 120 | |
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| Financial Management | 5 | 30 | 120 | |
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| Financial and Management Control | 5 | 30 | 120 | |
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| Business Taxation | 5 | 15 | 60 | |
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| Assurance | 5 | 15 | 60 | |
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| Corporate Reporting for Strategic Business - Advanced | 7 | 20 | 60 | |
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| Taxation for Business and Individuals | 7 | 20 | 60 | |
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Credit value
This is the number of credits that will be awarded to a learner who has achieved each unit. The credits that you achieve accumulate and can be used towards completion of the full ATHE accountancy qualifications or can be transferred towards additional study for example a top-up degree.
Guided learning hours (GLH)
This is an estimate of the amount of time, on average, required to achieve a unit to the appropriate standard.