The Next Generation ACA CTA Joint Progamme

The ACA qualification has changed. Students registering for the ACA from 1 July 2025 and starting their studies from September 2025 will follow the Next Generation ACA structure.  We’re therefore evolving the Joint Programme to support future learning and development in taxation and align with the proposed new CTA qualification updates and the Next Generation ACA developments. 

The tax-related elements of the Next Generation ACA syllabus have changed, meaning that we needed to re-examine the syllabi of the ACA and CTA side-by-side and look at how we could best deliver an effective Joint Programme for the future.  

Those who enrolled with ICAEW for their ACA studies from 1 July 2025 will join the Next Generation ACA CTA Joint Programme. ICAEW students who have enrolled on or before 30 June will be subject to transitional rules. These are explained in both our FAQs on the Next Generation ACA CTA Joint Programme and in our information on the original ACA CTA Joint Programme. 

By completing the Next Generation ACA CTA Joint Programme, you could become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant (ACA) and a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) around four years, depending on how you pace your studies. You will also need to meet the relevant practical experience requirements for each organisation.  

Benefits of the Next Generation ACA CTA Joint Programme 

• Achieve two prestigious qualifications: the ACA and CTA whilst maintaining rigorous standards of the ICAEW and CIOT 
• Streamlined learning provides an efficient, fast-track route to professional development in taxation and accountancy  
• Greater academic level progression through the introduction of the CTA Tax Knowledge and Skills paper 
• Delivers breadth and depth of tax knowledge plus skills including understanding the tax landscape, ethical practice and impact of technology on the profession.  

Qualification structure 

In total, there are 16 assessments in the NextGeneration ACA CTA Joint programme. All students will be required to undertake the following CTA papers:  

• CTA Professional Responsibilities and Ethics,  
• CTA Tax Knowledge and Skills paper – Direct or Indirect Tax, and  
• one CTA Advanced level paper, being either an Advanced Technical or Application and Professional Skills paper from a selection of papers offered under the Joint Programme.  

Tax specialism 

You’ll have the opportunity to specialise in one of three areas of taxation: 

• Larger Companies and Groups  
• Owner-Managed Businesses  
• Indirect Tax 

How can I find out more about this programme?  

See the ACA CTA Joint Programme Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and find out more about changes to the CTA Joint Programmes