Don't miss out: Level 5 registration closes soon

The CPAA’s Professional Certification in Public Practice Accountancy has completed its inaugural year. With registration for the 2026 cohort closing on 2nd February, now is the time to secure your place on a programme that has already proven its value to practitioners.

The 2025 cohort demonstrated exceptional engagement, with an impressive 86% of registered candidates sitting the examination. This high attendance rate reflects the genuine commitment of learners. The programme’s rigorous standards meant that candidates who achieved full certification demonstrated real mastery across all subjects.

What’s particularly encouraging is the performance of candidates who engaged with the study materials. Those who utilised the resources provided by CPAA Learn performed notably better, showing that the learning platform genuinely supports success. The pre-recorded lectures, written notes and practice quizzes helped candidates study at their own pace whilst maintaining professional and personal commitments.

BUILT BY PRACTITIONERS, FOR PRACTITIONERS

What sets this qualification apart is its foundation in real-world practice. The CPAA developed the certification through extensive consultation with members and shaped the syllabus around the actual needs of micro and small accountancy practices. The result is a qualification that addresses the precise knowledge gaps practitioners encounter when stepping into principal roles.

The three core domains have proven particularly relevant. Candidates performed strongly in Advanced Ethics and Compliance for Accountancy Practitioners, with 75% passing this component in the August sitting. This reflects the profession’s increasing focus on ethical standards and regulatory compliance.

WHO IS THIS QUALIFICATION FOR?

The average age of candidates in the 2025 cohort was 49 years, which speaks to the qualification’s appeal to experienced practitioners. Many CPAA members come to public practice through substantial practical experience rather than traditional academic routes, and this certification provides formal recognition of that expertise.

The qualification is designed for accountants who have acquired foundational knowledge through qualifications such as AAT Level 4, or who are part-qualified ACA, ACCA or CGMA. It’s also available to Qualified By Experience candidates with at least three years in a relevant role, acknowledging that competence can be demonstrated through workplace experience.

CREDIBILITY AND FLEXIBILITY

The certification is benchmarked against the Qualifications and Credit Framework Level 5, ensuring it meets nationally recognised standards for advanced vocational competence. This benchmarking process involved collaboration with subject matter experts from across the profession – experienced public practitioners and individuals working in academia and professional tuition.

Remote examination proved particularly valuable for the 2025 cohort. The three-hour closed-book exam can be taken anywhere, with remote invigilation provided by Meazure Learn. This removes geographical barriers and allows candidates to sit exams without travel or time away from work.

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

After passing the qualification, learners can use the postnominals Cert.CPAA, demonstrating to clients and fellow professionals that they have mastered a high level of professional skills. This formal recognition signals a strong commitment to standards and ongoing development.

The students from the 2025 cohort who achieved their certification were delighted with their results. Each successful candidate received a special gift box containing an exclusive challenge coin, a copy of their certificate and CPAA stationery – a fitting celebration of their achievement and dedication to professional excellence.

BUILDING ON SUCCESS

Looking ahead to the 2026 course intake, the CPAA has identified areas for enhancement based on first-year feedback. Additional support will be provided to help candidates understand all certification requirements, including the self-reflective piece that forms part of the assessment. Live revision sessions will continue, with particular focus on areas candidates found most challenging.

What emerged clearly from the first year is that this certification serves a real need in the profession. Small and micro practices require principals who possess not just technical knowledge, but the ability to apply that knowledge in practical, ethical ways.

Whether you’re planning to establish your own practice or step into a partnership role, this certification demonstrates you’re ready for that responsibility. The 2025 cohort has shown that with proper engagement and commitment, success is achievable for practitioners at all career stages.

REGISTER NOW

Registration for the 2026 cohort closes on 2nd February. If you’ve been considering taking this step in your professional development, now is the time to act. To register or find out more about the Professional Certification in Public Practice Accountancy, visit the CPAA website or contact the team at: admin@cpaa.co.uk.