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CIPFA (The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy)

The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is a UK professional accountancy body, which speacialises in the public sector. CIPFA is responsible for the education and training of professional accountants and for their regulation through the setting and monitoring of professional standards.

Uniquely among the professional accountancy bodies in the UK, CIPFA has responsibility for setting accounting standards for local government.

CIPFA also provides a range of advisory, information and training and consultancy services to public service organisations.

What does studying for the CIPFA Professional Qualification involve?

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The CIPFA Professional Qualification involves three stages:

  • The first stage, the certificate level, involves 4 modules.
  • The second stage, the diploma level, involves 5 modules and 2 half modules.

On completing each of these stages you will have attained a recognised qualification.

  • The third stage, the Final Test of Competence (FTC) involves 2 modules one of which is a case study.

Each full module will be assessed by a 3 hour exam, the half modules by a 2 hour exam and the case study will be a 7 hour exam. Upon registering for CIPFA you will also undertake the Initial Professional Development Scheme (IPDS), which gives you the practical experience to complete your studies. On completing the FTC and the IPDS students will be eligible to apply for full CIPFA membership and be able to use the letters 'CPFA' after your name.