Caed CA Student Guide 9th Ed

8/14/2019 Caed CA Student Guide 9th Ed

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THECA STUDENT

GUIDE

9thEdition


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THE CA STUDENT GUIDEwww.icas.org.uk

1

S E C T I O N 1

FOREWORD

Introduction

The ninth edition of The CA Student Guide has been updated to reflect all changes to theeducation system implemented during 2006.

Callum McKenzieDirector of Student TrainingCA Education

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of ScotlandCA House21 Haymarket YardsEDINBURGH EH12 [email protected]

How To Use The CA Student GuideThe CA Student Guide comprises:-

(1) Guidance notes, intended to clarify and interpret the Rules and Bye-Laws;

(2) the Standards of CA Student Training, which have to be satisfied by Organisationswishing to train CA Students; and

(3) the Rules and Bye-Lawsgoverning CA Student training.

For ease of reference, sections 2, 3, 4 and 5 have been cross referenced to the appropriateRule and Bye-Law and similarly, the Rules and Bye-Laws have been cross referenced to theappropriate section(s).

References used are as follows:-ATO = Authorised Training Offices (Section 2)TC = Training Contracts (Section 3)E = Examinations (Section 4)

WE = Work Experience (Section 5)R = Rules (Section 7)B-L = Student Education and Training Bye-Laws (Section 8)

The guidance notes in Sections 2, 3, 4 and 5, are intended to clarify matters relating to theauthorisation of training offices, Training Contracts, examinations and work experience. Itis stressed that these chapters do not contain information on the procedures involved, forexample, in enrolling students. This information can be obtained from CA Education.

Where appropriate references to the masculine gender shall include the feminine and viceversa.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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DEFINITIONS

EXTRACTS FROM THE RULES AND BYE-LAWS

OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF SCOTLAND

Approved Service means service approved by the Council and obtained (save asotherwise provided in these Rules or in the Bye-Laws) by a CA Student after attaining theage of seventeen years under a registered Training Contract at an Authorised TrainingOffice.

Authorised Training Office (ATO) means an office which is for the time beingauthorised in accordance with Bye-Laws made under these Rules to train CA Students.

CA Studentmeans a person who is serving under a registered Training Contract or who

has completed the period of service required under such a contract and who remains eligibleeither to sit for the Institutes Examination or, having successfully sat that examination, toapply for membership of the Institute. For the purpose of this definition, no decision ofthe Discipline Committee under Rule 60(3)(B) other than a decision under subparagraph (i)of that Rule shall cause a person to cease to be a CA Student.

Registered Training Contractmeans a Training Contract in a form prescribed by theCouncil and registered with the Institute in accordance with these Rules and Bye-Lawsmade hereunder, made between the candidate for membership on the one hand and theperson, firm, body or undertaking at whose Authorised Training Office the candidate is tobe trained.

Organisation: a firm, body or undertaking within or outwith public practice having anoffice or offices authorised as Training Offices (ATO) under the Rules. An Organisationmay consist of one or several ATOs.

Training Principal: a person with sufficient seniority within the firm, body orundertaking to ensure implementation of and adherence to the Councils training policy

within the Training Office. The Training Principal is primarily responsible for theorganisation of CA Student training.

Counselling Member: a Member of the Institute who has been qualified as a Chartered

Accountant for at least three years and who is nominated to be responsible for ensuring thecounselling of CA Students. He must ensure that the training and experience given to eachCA Student allocated to him is of sufficient quality and of a nature that fulfils the Institutesrequirements.


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S E C T I O N 2

AUTHORISED TRAINING OFFICES (ATOs)

Requirements of an Authorised Training Office

Introduction2.1 The objective of Council is to ensure that CA Student training is conducted

effectively and in a suitable environment.

2.2 Terms used throughout this Section are as defined in the Rules and Bye-Laws(Sections 7 and 8).

2.3 The keystone of preparation for Institute membership is the provision of training byMembers during the period of Approved Service in accordance with the Standardsof CA Student Training given in Section 6. The Standards of CA Student Training

set out the criteria used in assessing an offices suitability for the training of CAStudents.

2.4 It should be noted that an office will not be excluded from training CA Students onthe grounds of size alone; the decision to authorise rests on the ability of an officeto meet the Standards of CA Student Training, as assessed by Area TrainingCommittees.

R 26B-L26

Eligibility2.5 An ATO must comply with the requirements of Bye-Law 26.

2.6 A distinguishing feature of CA training is the involvement of Institute Members. Itis therefore a fundamental requirement that a Member of the Institute who has beenqualified for at least three years is employed by or is a partner in an office seekingstatus as an ATO and will become the Counselling Member.

R 27B-L33

Counselling Member2.7 Training Standard 1 sets out the requirements for a Counselling Member. The

Counselling Member is responsible for ensuring that each CA Student is giventraining and experience of a sufficient quality and of a nature that fulfils the Instituterequirements.

2.8 An ATO must nominate Chartered Accountants with sufficient experience andstanding within the ATO to be responsible for administering the procedures foradvising and counselling CA Students on both personal and professionaldevelopment. The Counselling Member must:-

(a) ensure that the CA Student is being provided with appropriate practicalinstruction;

(b) ensure that the CA Student is receiving experience, both in technical andmanagement skills, of a reasonable variety. Where experience is not available

within the ATO, the Counselling Member should initiate an exchange or

secondment;


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(c) ensure that the work experience is providing the CA Student with sufficientcontact with client staff if in public practice or personnel in other acceptableareas if outwith public practice;

(d) ensure that the work experience is providing the CA Student with appropriatecareer progression;

(e) be responsible for the supervision of work undertaken by CA Students;(f) monitor the CA Students progress in his studies; and

(g) sign off the required sections of the Achievement Log. Where it is not possiblefor the Counselling Member to review and sign off the Achievement Logannually, he must ensure that this is carried out by the Training Principal;

(h) identify and define, where necessary, suitable alternative competencies relevantto the CA Students particular work environment. It is the responsibility of theCounselling Member to satisfy the Institute of the suitability of the proposedcompetencies;

(i) identify and define specialist competencies the CA Student is expected toachieve (as (h) above).

2.9 In addition to the formal annual reviews which must be held, the CounsellingMember should organise informal counselling sessions, if the need arises.

Therefore, the ratio of CA Students to Counselling Members should be low enough

to allow the Counselling Member to devote sufficient resource to this role, bearingin mind his other responsibilities within the ATO. It will be for the ATO tosatisfy the Area Training Committee that there is in place an appropriate frameworkfor the supervision of the training of CA Students.

2.10 Other tasks for the Counselling Member if the Training Principal is not a Memberof the Institute are:-

(a) to ensure that members of staff who normally work with CA Students arefamiliar with the Standards and understand their obligations to CA Students;and

(b) to explain or to arrange to have explained to all CA Students the InstitutesProfessional Conduct for Members.

2.11 Counselling Members must be familiar with requirements for application formembership of the Institute. In particular, Counselling Members must be aware oftheir responsibility for signing the Final Certificate of Service, thereby attesting thatthe CA Student is fit and proper to be admitted to membership.

2.12 The name of the Counselling Member for each CA Student should be notified to theInstitute when registering the Training Contract. Any subsequent changes should be

registered with the Institute using the Notification of New Counselling Memberform.


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Training Principal2.13 Training Standard 2 sets out the requirements for a Training Principal.

B-L 32 2.14 The Training Principal is primarily responsible for the organisation of CA Studenttraining. In addition to the general matters outlined in Training Standard 2(b), the

Training Principal has a specific responsibility in his ATO to:-

(a) ensure that arrangements are made to apply practical instruction in a systematicfashion;

(b) ensure that there is a system appropriate to the size of the ATO for the reviewof Achievement Logs;

(c) ensure arrangements are in place for the supervision of CA Students;(d) arrange, in the circumstance where there is only one Member in the

Organisation, with another ATO to provide continued supervision of CAStudents in the event of prolonged absence or death of that member;

(e) ensure that clear guidance is given to CA Students on study leave requirementsand arrangements for examination tuition;

(f) monitor the examination success rate of CA Students in the ATO and withinthe profession as a whole and take remedial steps if the former is found to beconsistently poor;

(g) act as representative of the ATO in correspondence with the Institute on

matters affecting CA Students and in authorisation matters eg changes inCounselling Members and Training Principal, changes in Student quotas,arrangements for the supervision of CA Students by non-members,correspondence with the Student Education Committee etc; and

B-L 34 (h) notify the Institute of any material changes in circumstances eg retirement ofMembers of the Institute, mergers, takeovers and other material changes in thebusiness or its structure as they affect the ATO.

2.15 Other responsibilities for the Training Principal personally, if a Member of theInstitute, or in association with the Counselling Member, are as outlined in

paragraph 2.10.

2.16 In larger organisations, the Training Principal may delegate the responsibility for theday-to-day organisation of the training function to another individual. In doing so,the Training Principal does not abdicate his responsibilities to the Institute forimplementing Councils training policy. Further for administrative purposes allcommunications relating to training will continue to be addressed to the TrainingPrincipal, who must then make provision for forwarding it to appropriateindividuals in the ATO.


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2.17 Arrangements must be made for the Training Principal to receive the necessarytraining and experience to carry out this role. In particular, new Training Principalsmust attend the Institutes annual Briefing Session for New Training Principals,

whilst Training Principals from established ATOs should attend the Briefing

Session at regular intervals to update their knowledge, or when recommended to doso by the Area Training Committee.

Counselling Member/Training Principal Split2.18 It is recommended that, save in the case of sole practitioners, the roles of Training

Principal and Counselling Member are carried out by different individuals.

Effective Training Environment2.19 The factors outlined in paragraphs 2.20-2.34 combine to provide a training

environment which satisfies the Standards.

Establishment of the Organisation and the ATO2.20 The Organisation must be sufficiently well established to guarantee effective training

for the number of CA Students employed by it for the duration of the TrainingContracts. Essentially this means that the Organisation in complying with theStandards of CA Student Training must be able to provide a variety of workexperience for CA Students and must be able to commit adequate resources tosupervising, training and counselling CA Students.

Development of Professional Attitudes2.21 An ATO must provide a working environment which fosters the development of

professional attitudes in CA Students. The Training Principal, if a Member of the

Institute, or if not, the Counselling Member, should ensure that the ProfessionalConduct for Members is explained to all CA Students at an early stage in theiremployment.

2.22 The relevant Acts of Parliament, together with current pronouncements issued bythe ASB/IASB, APB/IAASB and Council must be made available within the ATO.

Provision of Practical Instruction2.23 CA Students must be given sufficient practical instruction to enable them to

perform the tasks required of them within the ATO. This instruction should begiven prior to undertaking any assignment and should give CA Students the

necessary skills and knowledge to enable them to perform the tasks competently.

Provision of Work Experience2.24 An Organisation must be able to provide CA Students with sufficient work

experience, such that they are effectively able to apply knowledge in a variety ofrelevant practical situations. This will be achieved by satisfying the requirements of

Training Standard 4 as given in Section 6.

2.25 As well as providing the CA Student with technical knowledge and skills, the workexperience should also allow the CA Student to develop management skills. This

will be achieved by exposing the CA Student to a variety of clients for those training

in public practice, or to a variety of functions within an Organisation for thosetraining outwith public practice and in both cases, supplemented by secondment

where experience is unavailable within the ATO.


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2.26 The work experience should also provide the CA Student with opportunity forcareer progression by, for example, giving the CA Student responsibility forassignments reporting to Supervisor/Manager/Counselling Member/TrainingPrincipal, depending on the complexity of the assignment and the CA Studentslevel of seniority.

Preparation for Examinations2.27 The purpose of the Institutes examination system is to test, in a variety of practical

situations, the technical knowledge which underpins the practical work experiencegained in the workplace. The Institutes education and training programme is basedon the acquisition of practical work experience, complemented by the acquisition oftechnical knowledge, wherever possible. Therefore, a CA Students workloadshould be planned with the aim of combining the two as effectively as possible,having regard to the commercial requirements of the business.

2.28 Arrangements must be made for tuition and where appropriate (ie, in the case of

Day Release and Block Release) study leave in accordance with the Institutesrequirements as set out in Section 4.

2.29 Arrangements must also be made by the Training Principal for monitoring theprogress of CA Students throughout their studies. Results of home exercises, mockexams and other assessed exercises are reported to Training Principals at regularintervals throughout the course programme. Procedures should be in place toidentify consistently poor performance for discussion with the CA Studentconcerned, implementing remedial action where necessary. In any event,examination results and progress with studies should be discussed at each annualreview. The Counselling Member should make himself available to discuss the CA

Students training, at the latters request.

Effective Supervision during the Training Period2.30 The Training Principal is responsible for ensuring that the mechanics are in place to

ensure the effective supervision of CA Students. This will entail, inter alia, ensuringthat each CA Student is allocated a Counselling Member, that Counselling Membersare committed to CA training, that annual reviews do take place and that

Achievement Logs are reviewed and signed by the Training Principal orCounselling Member at each of those reviews.

2.31 The Counselling Member is responsible for the effective supervision of each CA

Student in ensuring that the CA Student receives relevant and sufficient workexperience, practical instruction and assistance as required with his studies. They arerequired to be aware of Councils requirements on Continuing ProfessionalDevelopment and should ensure that they satisfy their obligations.

2.32 Those responsible for the day-to-day supervision of CA Students are required to betechnically and professionally up-to-date. Depending on the size and structure of theOrganisation, it will not always be practicable for the Counselling Member to havedirect involvement and therefore the supervision of the day-to-day work of the CAStudent will devolve to other suitably experienced members of staff. It is theresponsibility of the Counselling Member to ensure that other supervisors are

technically and professionally up to date.


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2.33 In certain circumstances, CA Students may be seconded to other Organisations orlocations within their own Organisation. Training Principals should ensure thatthere are arrangements in place for the proper and effective supervision of the CAStudent whilst on secondment. Although responsibility for the day-to-daysupervision of the CA Student may devolve to an individual external to the

Organisation, the Training Principal and Counselling Member are not absolved oftheir responsibilities to the CA Student.

2.34 Alternative arrangements for cover should be made in the event of the prolongedabsence of the Counselling Member from the ATO to ensure that the supervisionof the CA Student continues. In the case of sole practitioners or where there is onlyone member in an ATO outwith public practice, a formal arrangement should bemade with another ATO and a letter confirming this arrangement should beforwarded to the CA Education Department.

The Authorisation Process

R26Appraisal and Authorisation2.35 Authority to grant ATO status is delegated by Council to the Student Education

Committee. The Student Education Committee appoints Area TrainingCommittees to carry out authorisation procedures. In carrying out theseprocedures, the Area Training Committees have the power to make such enquiriesas necessary to determine eligibility for, or renewal of, ATO status.

B-L35

Applications2.36 Organisations are required to apply for ATO status:-

(a) when they wish to have CA Students under Training Contract for the first time;or

(b) if they wish to increase the quota of CA Students under Training Contract; or

(c) every four years after initial authorisation; or

(d) if at any time there is a material change in the ATOs ability to meet theStandards of CA Student Training and the Area Training Committee considers itnecessary; or

(d) if a Member of the Institute based at the ATO has had an order made againsthim by the Disciplinary Committee of the Institute and the Student EducationCommittee directs that the Area Training Committee enquires into thecontinuing suitability of the ATO to have charge of CA Students.

2.37 Applications for authorisation are made to the CA Education Department, using astandard questionnaire provided by the CA Education Department. Thequestionnaire is designed to enable the Area Training Committee to assess the abilityof the Organisation to provide effective training for CA Students. Organisationsmaking their first application for authorisation will also be required to complete aSupplementary Questionnaire (public practice only) and a Supplementary Training

Summary (public practice and training outwith public practice), which enables theArea Training Committee to asses whether the office is sufficiently well establishedto undertake CA training.


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2.38 Where ATOs are applying for continuation of their authority to train, theapplication form will be sent automatically to the ATO, approximately six monthsprior to the expiry of the current authorisation, together with:-

(a) a list of CA Students registered at the ATO, annotated to show those for whom

copies of Achievement Logs are required; and

(b) a Record of Training Success, showing the ATOs recent examination resultsand progress to qualification of CA Students registered at the ATO.

Appraisals & Re-appraisals2.39 Each appraisal is conducted by one or two members of the Area Training

Committee responsible for the area in which the Organisation is located.Exceptionally, an Organisation may apply to the Student Education Committee forappraisal by another Area Training Committee. In such a case, the StudentEducation Committee will select the Area Training Committee to undertake the

appraisal and the Organisation will be required to meet any travelling costs andsubsistence involved.

Where an Area Training Committee has insufficient members to carry outauthorisation visits, visits may be undertaken by staff members from the Educationdepartment.

2.40 Re-appraisal is conducted at four yearly intervals by interview. The interview will bebased on information contained in the completed questionnaire and will provide the

Area Training Committee with the opportunity to clarify any ambiguous matterstherein. The Area Training Committee will have particular regard to the type and

volume of work experience to be given to CA Students, whether there is sufficientwork to sustain the quota of CA Students requested, and arrangements for thesupervision of CA Students. The interview will also allow the Area TrainingCommittee to assess whether the environment is one which will foster thedevelopment of professional attitudes by reference to such matters as libraryprovision. It should be noted that the interview is intended to be a constructiveassessment of the applicants ability to train CA Students.

2.41 The Area Training Committees expect the Training Principal, CounsellingMember(s), other senior personnel as appropriate and training staff to attend theappraisal interview. The Area Training Committee may also require to meet with

the CA Students at a mutually convenient time.

2.42 The interview should normally last two hours and it should not exceed three hours.Any problems which cannot be resolved in that time should be referred in the firstinstance to the Area Training Committee. If the matter cannot be resolved by thisCommittee, it should then be referred to the Student Education Committee.

B-L29,30

Consideration by Area Training Committees2.43 Area Training Committees normally meet quarterly. At each meeting the

Committee will consider reports on appraisals undertaken in the period since thelast meeting and will determine whether the ATOs are capable of providing and

sustaining a training environment for CA Students and the number of CA Studentsfor whom effective training can be given.


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Where an authorisation visit has been undertaken by the Education Department, awritten report on the visit will be provided to the Student Education Committee forconsideration and approval.

2.44 The Area Training Committee will decide whether an ATO:-

(a) meets the Standards of CA Student Training and therefore should be grantedauthorisation to train CA Students; or

(b) has difficulty in meeting certain Standards of CA Student Training but, subjectto compliance with certain stated conditions within a specified time, should begranted authorisation to train CA Students; or

(c) does not meet the Standards of CA Student Training to such a material extentthat the matter should be referred to the Student Education Committee. In thecase of a new application, authorisation may be withheld, or in the case of an

application for the continuation to train CA Students, authorisation may bewithdrawn. In this event, the Student Education Committee would attempt tomake the most appropriate arrangements for the continued training of existingCA Students in another ATO, but no guarantee could be given that this wouldbe possible.

B-L 31Determining the Student Quota2.46 The maximum number of CA Students an ATO may be allowed to take into

Training Contract is calculated on the basis of five CA Students for each Memberwho is engaged full-time in the normal professional duties of the ATO and who hasbeen qualified for at least three years. This is subject to the supernumerary

provisions of Bye-Laws 31(b) and (c). For the purposes of quotas, Membersapplies equally to the Institute, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Englandand Wales and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland. However, an Area

Training Committee, subject to Student Education Committee approval, will reducethis entitlement where it considers that the Training Standards could not be met forthe full number of CA Students. In practice, the quota an office requests should bebased on the work experience available and on economic constraints generally. Aconsidered assessment of the projected requirement for CA Students over thesucceeding four years is specifically requested in the application questionnaire toavoid the need for special appraisals for an increase in quota. Experience indicatesthat realistic quotas are generally less than the theoretical maximum.

Note that this quota does not apply to offices that are group authorised.

2.47 The number of Members employed in specialist departments may not be countedfor Student training purposes if their departments work does not contributematerially to the work experience available to CA Students.

Where an ATO also trains Students for professional qualifications other than thoseof the Institute, the Area Training Committee may reduce the Student quota if itappears that such training impairs the capacity of the ATO to comply fully with the

Training Standards and to prepare CA Students for membership of the Institute. It

may, as a condition of authorisation, stipulate that the quota takes account of a givennumber of Students of other bodies and that any increase is to be notified to theInstitute as a change in circumstances.


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Effective Date of Authorisation2.49 Authorisation as an ATO is effective from the date of the Area Training

Committees meeting at which authorisation is granted. In exceptionalcircumstances it may, at the discretion of the Director of Student Training, bepermissible to backdate authorisation to the date of receipt of the application for

authorisation by ICAS. This would allow a prospective CA Student to attend blockor day release classes or an intensive course where there has been a delay inappraising the prospective ATO.

Emergency Action2.50 If undue delay is likely to be detrimental to the interests of the applicant or the

(prospective) CA Student, the Area Training Committee panellist(s) mayrecommend that consideration of its report should not wait until the next meetingof the Area Training Committee. In these circumstances, an emergency meetingshould be convened to be attended by the Convener of the Area TrainingCommittee, the Area Training Committee panellist(s) and at least one other

Committee Member. The preliminary recommendation, whether favourable oradverse, would be reported to the applicant, pending the next full meeting of the

Area Training Committee.

Communication of Decisions2.51 The CA Education Department will inform all applicants in writing of the decisions

taken.

Appeal Panel2.52 Where authorisation is withheld or withdrawn, an Organisation may appeal against

the decision, by writing to the Secretary of the Institute within 21 days of receiving

notification of the decision. The President, or his nominee, would appoint anAppeal Panel, comprising three Members of the Institute.

2.53 The hearing of the Appeal will take place at the Institute and may be attended by:-

(a) a spokesman for the Area Training Committee;

(b) the Convener of the Student Education Committee, or nominee; and

(c) a maximum of three members from the Organisation making the appeal.

The decision of the Appeal Panel will be final and will be given to the Organisationin writing. It will also be reported to the next meeting of Council.

2.54 The original decision to withhold or withdraw authorisation will be held in abeyanceuntil the Appeal Panel has reached its decision.

Organisations - More than One Partnership2.55 In the case of more than one partnership operating from a particular office, separate

authorisation may be required for each partnership. The Area Training Committeewill determine which is more appropriate by reference to such factors as:-

(a) all partnerships being formed by the same Members;(b) one partnership including non-Members; and(c) one partnership being devoted to specialist work.


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Organisations - More than One Office2.56 Offices with at least one resident Member may be considered for authorisation.

There may be circumstances in which a small Organisation could only be regardedas a viable ATO, or qualify for the quota it seeks, if one or more other satelliteoffices of the Organisation are taken into consideration. Area Training Committees

will exercise their discretion in determining what authorisation to grant in suchcases. It is emphasised that CA Students may not be recruited for, or basedpermanently at, a satellite office.

2.57 If an office has a resident Member it must apply for authorisation in its own right inthe first instance. Only if it is found to be unable to meet the Standards of CAStudent Training on its own, may such an office be considered as a satellite office.

2.58 Authorisation will be limited to the office identified by the Organisation in theApplication for Authorisation to Train form provided that CA Students will bespending two years or more of a three year Training Contract (and three years or

more of a four year Training Contract) in that office.

2.59 In instances where CA Students will be spending more than fifty two weeks duringthe training contract in any other office of the Organisation and where theOrganisation does not have group authorisation, that other office must apply forauthority to train in its own right.

Group Authorisation2.60 Where an Organisation applies for authorisation of its offices on a group basis:

(a) it will be for the Organisation to nominate the main office within the group.This will normally be the office carrying out the administrative and personnelfunction;

(b) the main office will undergo initial authorisation and if the Area TrainingCommittee is satisfied that a consistent training system is in place throughoutthe group such that:(i) training in all offices is consistent;(ii) all offices throughout the group liaise with the main office to ensure

compliance with the groups internal training criteria;(iii) there is one Training Principal responsible for communication of

training matters throughout the group;

(iv) it is possible for a CA Student to work in any office throughout thegroup;then the Organisation will obtain group authorisation for an initial four-yearperiod;

(c) it will be at the discretion of the Area Training Committee to visit any or all ofthe offices for which group authorisation is being sought;

(d) the four-year appraisals will continue, with other offices being visited on arotational basis to ensure continued consistency of the training system. At these

visits, the Organisation may be required to give such information on a selectionof their offices as the ATC deem necessary to maintain group authorisationincluding the following:


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examination results

the instances of CA Students leaving the employment of the Organisation

the number and type of clients

the breadth of work experience available.

Disciplinary Matters2.61 An ATO may be referred for re-appraisal, under the Student Education and

Training Bye-Laws, if a Member based in it has had an order made against them bythe Disciplinary Committee of the Institute. Equally, an ATO may be referred if aperson based in it, who is not a Member of the Institute, has been the subject of anorder made by the equivalent Committee of that persons professional body.

2.62 The Student Education Committee is advised by the Disciplinary Committee if aMember based at an ATO is the subject of an order. The Committee will decide

whether the matter appears sufficiently serious to affect the training environmentwithin the ATO. If so, the local Area Training Committee will be requested toconduct a special appraisal, in the light of which the authorisation may be amendedor, exceptionally, withdrawn. In making its decision, the Area Training Committee

will carefully consider the standing of the disciplined Member within the ATO.Account will also be taken of any time which has elapsed since the offence wascommitted, and the standard of training within the ATO during that period.

2.63 If information on an order made by another professional body becomes known toan Area Training Committee, it will be referred to the Student EducationCommittee for guidance.

Complaints2.64 In the event of a complaint being made against the ATO regarding the sufficiency

or quality of CA training, or the training environment generally, by a CA Student,by ICAS Regulation and Compliance activity, or any other interested party, suchadverse comment must be given to the Area Training Committee. On receipt ofsuch information, the Area Training Committee may decide:

(a) that it is sufficiently serious to warrant re-appraisal; or(b) that it should be noted for consideration at the next routine appraisal, and the

Training Principal of that ATO so informed.

If the Student Education Committee considers that the complaint is unfounded ordoes not reveal a serious shortcoming, the Training Principal will also be informed.

B-L 34Notification of Changes in Circumstances2.65 A Training Principal must notify CA Education in writing of any material change in

the ability of the ATO to meet the Standards of CA Student Training.

Confidentiality2.66 All information given by an office is kept confidential to the relevant Institute

Committees. The process of appraisal and authorisation is designed to assess thetraining environment and to calculate a student quota, not to operate a peerreview.


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S E C T I O N 3

TRAINING CONTRACTS

Purpose3.1 The Training Contract governs the training to be provided to each CA Student

within an ATO. The purpose of the training is to provide the CA Student with thetechnical knowledge, work experience and professional attitudes necessary foradmission to the Institute.

3.2 The Training Contract is a tripartite agreement between the ATO, the CA Studentand the Institute. By entering into a Training Contract, the ATO undertakes toprovide the CA Student with an effective training in accordance with the Standardsof CA Student Training as governed by the Institute, whilst the CA Studentundertakes to make a proper contribution to the work of the ATO. The Institutes

responsibilities are referred to in Sections 2, 4 and 5.

Contract of Employment3.3 In addition to the Training Contract, there is a separate, statutory requirement that

employees are provided with a Contract of Employment. The Contract ofEmployment sets out the terms and conditions of the individuals employment withan ATO. Certain terms and conditions are governed by statute eg The EmploymentRights (Disputes resolution) Act 1998 and subsequent regulation.

B-L 9 3.4 The Institute recommends that in the case of CA Students, the Training Principalshould ensure that the mandatory statutory terms and conditions are supplemented by

additional clauses governed by the provisions of the Training Contract, namely:-

(1) leave of absence for attendance at Institute classes leading to InstituteExaminations;

(2) study leave in accordance with Institute requirements;

(3) leave of absence to sit the Institutes Examinations;

(4) the ATOs contribution towards the cost of:-

(a) Registration Fees;

(b) Course Fees;

(c) Books;

(d) Examination Fees; and

(e) Admission to Membership Fees;

(5) the number of attempts to be allowed at each of the Institutes Examinations;

and

(6) conditions on which assignation to another ATO may take place.


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It is strongly recommended that contingent clauses, particularly those in respect ofclawback of training expenses, should not be included in the Contract ofEmployment. It is, however, open to the ATO to decide what they would wish toput in the Contract of Employment, provided the overall terms and conditions arejustified, and disclosed at the outset of the training period.

B-L 9 3.5 Prospective CA Students must be shown the terms and conditions of employmentprior to their joining an Organisation.

3.6 Normally, the employer named in the terms and conditions of employment will be thesame legal entity named in the Training Contract, but exceptionally may be a differentlegal entity.

R 20(1)B-L4A

Eligibility3.7 In order to be eligible to commence a Training Contract, prospective CA Students

must have attained certain educational qualifications, known as preliminary

qualifications for entry. These are set out at Bye-Law 4A.

B-L4B 3.8 In certain circumstances, exemption may be granted from whole or part of the normalpreliminary qualification requirements, as set out in Bye-Law 4B.

3.9 Applications for entry into a CA Training Contract using the mature entry routeshould be made to the Student Education Committee by submitting a detailed CV ofthe relevant work experience and a letter of recommendation from a Member of theInstitute.

R 22B-L5

Period of Approved Service

3.10 The period of Approved Service will depend on the educational background of theCA Student. Requirements are set out in Bye-Law 5.

3.11 The length of period of employment, as set out in the terms and conditions ofemployment, should be at least the same duration as the Training Contract. There aredetailed statutory requirements regarding the period of employment. Organisationsshould refer to their legal advisers for further information, if required.

3.12 The Institutes work experience requirements are set out in Section 5. It should alsobe noted that the Training Contract will require to be extended if the Institutes workexperience requirements have not been satisfied within the Training Contract period.

Conversely, CA Students who do satisfy the work experience requirements prior tothe end of the Training Contract period must nonetheless serve the balance of the

Training Contract before they are eligible to be admitted to membership of theInstitute.

R 23(1)B-L 6,7

Registration of Training Contract3.13 A Training Contract must be executed and registered with the Institute within six

months of the date of commencement of the period under contract.


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R 23(2)B-L 6,7

3.14 Each application to execute a training contract must be accompanied by formalconfirmation of a CA Students attainment of the educational qualification providingeligibility to train. Unless agreed otherwise this will take the form of a copy of the CAStudents degree certificate, certified by the Training Principal as being a true copy ofthe original, or any other evidence of educational qualifications as may be required by

the Student Education Committee.

3.15 ATOs will automatically be invoiced by the Institute for the registration of TrainingContract fees.

3.16 Failure to register the Training Contract within the six month period may result in theimposition of a financial penalty of 100, where the ATO is responsible for notmeeting the deadline.

R 25(1)

B-L 11

Assignation of Training Contract3.17 CA Education, with the authority of the Student Education Committee, may approve

the assignation of a training contract where the other parties are in agreement . Inthese circumstances, a Training Contract may be assigned to an ATO of anotherOrganisation. The assignation should be registered with the Institute, using the

Assignation of Training Contract form available from the CA Education Department,within one calendar month of the CA Student commencing employment with the newOrganisation.

B-L 10 3.18 Providing the CA Students written agreement is obtained, the ATO specified in theTraining Contract may be changed to another ATO within the same Organisation. Inthis circumstance, the Student Education Committees approval is not required. Thechange in ATO must, however, be notified in writing to the Institute within one

calendar month of the change taking place.

B-L12Cancellation of Training Contract3.19 Bye-Law 12 specifies the circumstances in which a Training Contract shall be

cancelled.

B-L 15 3.20 Where a Training Contract is cancelled by mutual agreement (Bye-Law 12(a)), the CAStudent may apply to the Student Education Committee for permission to enter into anew Training Contract. In approving a new Training Contract, the Student EducationCommittee may impose such terms and conditions as it thinks appropriate to the CAStudents circumstances. The Committee will normally look for a two-year period to

have elapsed between the cancellation of the first Training Contract and theapplication for permission to enter into a second Training Contract.

R 24B-L 14

3.21 The cancellation of Training Contract should be registered with the Institute, usingthe Cancellation of Training Contract form available from the CA EducationDepartment, within one calendar month of the cancellation. The registration of the

Training Contract will be withdrawn from the date of cancellation.

B-L13Termination of Training Contract3.22 Bye-Law 13 specifies the circumstances in which a Training Contract shall be

terminated.

3.23 Where a Training Contract has been terminated, the CA Student will not normally begranted permission to commence a new Training Contract.


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R 24B-L 14

3.24 The termination should be registered with the Institute, using the Termination ofTraining Contract form available from the CA Education Department, within onecalendar month of the termination. The registration of Training Contract will be

withdrawn from the date of termination as notified to the Institute.

B-L23Suspension of Training Contract3.25 (1) Where circumstances such as illness or maternity leave cause a CA Student to be

absent from employment for a continuous period of more than one calendar month,the ATO must inform the Institute of this absence, and the Training Contract willbe suspended and the training contract extended accordingly.

Where the purpose of the suspension is to allow the CA Student to secure anassignation of Training Contract, CA Education may grant an extension of the one-month period to a period of three months. Requests may be made to extend the 3month period on expiry of each 3 month period within the framework of theguidance below.

CA Students will be able to have a suspension period of up to 12 months withouteither additional time being added to the Training Contract,or an increase in the

Achievement Log requirements provided the student has served at least 6 monthsof their training contract. For suspension periods between 12 and 24 months,additional time would require to be added to the Training Contract and

Achievement Log requirements. Where applicable, CA Students will be informedof these additional requirements by ICAS.

Although CA Students may be working towards competencies recorded in theAchievement Log outside of a registered Training Contract, these are not

permitted to be signed off.

All CA Students who are otherwise eligible, will be able to attend any ICAS class(TC, TPS and TPE) and to sit TC and TPS examinations whilst a TrainingContract is suspended. However, CA Students would not be permitted to sit the

TPE examination without having an active registered Training Contract. Pleasenote that attendance at classes will be subject to availability andpayment of thenecessary fees for classes, examinations and books. If the CA Student hascompleted a course or is resitting an examination, they must continue to presentthemselves at examination diets and examination attempts will continue to count.

The CA Student will be required to make a written request to CA Education,outlining the reason for the suspension and noting positive action taken to securean assignation of Training Contract. The Achievement Log completed and signedoff up to the date of suspension along with the Training Contract must besubmitted to CA Education with the written request for suspension. Applicationsfor suspension and for subsequent extension should be made, in the first instance,to the Administrative Assistant (Authorisation), CA Education.

In addition, for any suspension period of over 24 months, CA students mustrequest permission from the Student Education Committee to enter a new

Training Contract.

.


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(2) CA Students following a conditional contract route will be able to have a suspensionperiod of up to 16 months without additional time being added to either the TrainingContract, or to the Achievement Log requirements. For suspension periods between16 and 24 months, additional time would require to be added to the Training Contractand Achievement Log requirements.

It is anticipated that CA Students following a conditional contract route will notnormally resit ICAS examinations during the placement period. CA Studentsexamination attempts will be suspended until they commence the final period of theirtraining contract. Where there is a gap of 12 months between the first attempt atexaminations and the subsequent resits, CA Students will be required to reattendclasses. With the agreement of the Training Principal, it will, however, be possible forCA Students to apply to the Secretary of the Student Education Committee to resitICAS examinations during the placement period. Such applications will be dealt withon a case by case basis.

Entry Into Second Training Contract3.26 Applications may be made to the Student Education Committee for permission to

commence a second Training Contract. In approving such applications, the StudentEducation Committee may attach such conditions to the registration of the TrainingContract it deems appropriate to the circumstances.

B-L 16 3.27 Permission to commence a second Training Contract will not normally be given to aCA Student:-

(1) who has completed a Training Contract but who has not progressed tomembership of the Institute; or

(2) whose previous Training Contract has been terminated.

B-L 25Disputes and Other Matters connected with the Training Contract3.28 Any dispute arising between parties to a Training Contract may be referred to the

Institute. In the first instance, it may be appropriate to contact the Director ofStudent Training to discuss the matter informally. However, Training Principals andCA Students should be aware that an arbitration service is available. In thesecircumstances, the matter should be referred to the Secretary of the Institute. ThePresident may then refer the matter to a specially convened Committee or suitablyqualified person for enquiry and decision. Any decision reached will be final and

binding.

Redundancy3.29 Where a CA Student is made redundant at any time during the period of the Training

Contract, the Training Contract will be held in abeyance for a period of up to sixmonths to allow the CA Student time to find employment with another ATO. TheCA Student may attempt any examinations which he would have been otherwiseeligible to sit during this period of abeyance. Notice of any such redundancy shouldbe lodged with the Institute within three weeks of the date on which the redundancybecomes effective.


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R7B-L

Admission to Membership3.30 In order to become eligible for membership, a CA Student must have:-

46,47 (a) established a preliminary qualification for registration as a CA Student, asreferred to in paragraph 3.8;

(b) served under a registered Training Contract for the prescribed period,determined by the individuals educational background;

(c) attended the Institutes classes and have passed the requisite examinations; and

(d) satisfied the Institutes minimum work experience requirements.

3.31 Candidates should apply to Council for admission to membership within one year ofthe later of:

(a) passing the TPE Examination (deemed to be the date of the appropriate meetingof the Examining Board); or

(b) completion of service under the Training Contract.

3.32 Application for admission as a Member of the Institute must be made using theApplication for Admission to Membership form, which is automatically sent to allCA Students on passing TPE. The form should be accompanied by a chequerepresenting the entry fee and, where appropriate, the annual subscription.

3.33 The Final Certificate of Service must be registered with the Institute within one

month of the completion of the Training Contract.

3.34 The Final Certificate of Service, must be signed by the Training Principal and theCounselling Member, and testifies that the CA Student is fit and proper to beadmitted to membership of the Institute.

3.35 Should the Member believe that the Student is not fit and proper, the Membershould refer the matter, stating reasons for this opinion, to the Student EducationCommittee. It is not acceptable to amend the Certificate of Service to indicate thatthe CA Student is not fit and proper to be admitted to membership.

3.36 If it appears that there is reason why an application for membership should not berecommended, then Council may refer the matter to the Investigation Committee.


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S E C T I O N 4

EXAMINATIONS

Introduction

4.1 As well as acquiring the requisite work experience over the Training Contract period,CA Students are required to attend the requisite classes, complete the requisite OpenLearning, become exam eligible and pass the Institutes Examinations andassessment in Business Ethics (BE) to progress to membership of the Institute

There are three sets of examinations, namely:-

The Test of Competence (TC)The Test of Professional Skills (TPS)The Test of Professional Expertise (TPE)

4.2 Most entrants to CA training will hold a university degree. The Institute

distinguishes between two types of degree, namely the ICAS accredited degree andthe qualifying degree.

4.3 The ICAS accredited degree is a degree which has been formally accredited by theInstitute and contains an accountancy core and with the appropriate module choicesattracts up to a maximum of five exemptions from the Test of Competence courseand examinations, provided the degree was obtained within the last three years.

4.4 All other degrees are qualifying degrees. Holders of a qualifying degree will berequired to take the TC Course and Examination. Exemptions will be given forindividual examination subjects accredited within the degree, provided the degree

was obtained within the last three years.

4.5 Holders of the AAT qualification can be exempt from two out of the five TCcourses and examinations, being Business Management and Financial Accounting,provided the relevant AAT papers are selected and passed.

4.6 For details of exemptions awarded in respect of other qualifications, please contactthe CA Education Department.

4.7 A CA Student may not enrol onto classes which would require the CA Student totake time off from these classes to sit an examination in another subject.

R 29B-L 39

Examination Subjects4.8 The table below sets out the examination subjects:-EXAMINATION

TCSUBJECTSFinancial AccountingBusiness LawBusiness ManagementPrinciples of Auditing and ReportingFinance

TPS Financial ReportingAssurance and Business Systems

TaxationAdvanced Finance

TPE Multi discipline Case Study


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There are five subjects at TC and four subjects at TPS. A CA Student may studytowards and attempt one or more subjects at any given exam diets. CA Studentsmay also attempt a TPS subject without first having passed all or any TC subjects.

4.9 There are five TC examinations, each of which will be marked out of 100 and will be

two hours long. All papers will contain a section of compulsory multiple-choicequestions and a section comprising two compulsory questions or a case study.

4.10 The TPS Examination comprises, in each subject, two papers each being two hourslong The morning paper will contain a long 40 mark question and a shorter 10 markquestion. The afternoon paper will contain two 25 mark questions. Both papersinclude an additional 15 minutes for reading time.

4.11 The TPE Examination is a five and a half hour multi-discipline case study with abreak for lunch.

Examination Progression4.12 Candidates attempt the Test of Professional Expertise during the final year of the

Training Contract. In exceptional circumstances the Executive Director, Educationmay allow earlier sitting.

There is no stipulated order in which the CA Student must attempt the TC and TPSclasses and examinations. The order in which the TC and TPS classes andexaminations are attempted must, however, be approved by the CA Students

Training Principal.

Class Venues and Examination Centres

4.13 Classes and examinations for all levels will be held in a number of locationsthroughout the UK, according to student numbers in particular areas. Specificenquiries should be made to CA Education for all classes and TC and TPSexaminations. Enquiries related to TPE should be directed to the TPE ExaminationsManager.

Study Leave4.14 Education for all three levels is provided by CA Education in the form of block

release, or intensive classes. Attendance at classes is compulsory and employersmust provide CA Students with paid leave to attend classes, as well as the requiredpaid study leave in the case of block release.. At TPS study leave is normally taken

immediately prior to the examinations.


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4.15 The table below sets out the Institutes compulsory requirements for block release,day release, intensive and study leave:-

EXAMINATION STUDY LEAVE

TC None

TPS Block Eight working days prior to the first attempt

Day release Study leave for further attempt is at the discretion ofthe Training Principal.*

TPS Intensive NoneTPE Five working days prior to the first attempt.

Study leave for further attempts is at the discretion of

the Training Principal.*

* Note that although paid study leave for the second and subsequent attempts at both TPSand TPE is at the discretion of the Training Principal, the Institute recommends that half ofthe study leave which is required for the first attempt at that examination is awarded at thesecond attempt. The Institute recommends one days study leave for each subject.

4.16 In addition, employers are required to give CA Students leave of absence for theperiod of the enrolled examinations. Again this must be paid for by the Employerfor the first attempt. Payment for subsequent attempts is at the discretion of theEmployer.

4.17 As stated in paragraph 4.14, attendance at TC, TPS,TPE and BE courses iscompulsory. However, Council at its discretion may waive this requirement in thecase of a CA Student who can show good reason why it is impossible to attend sucha course. In these circumstances, Council may attach conditions to the waiver. Itshould be noted that completion of a contractual period of service and cessation ofemployment are not sufficient grounds to merit a waiver.

4.18 Where a CA Student ceases attendance at classes, it is at the discretion of CAEducation as to whether a refund will be made subject to 4.19 below, or re enrolledonto future classes.

4.19 Courses will be invoiced by subject module. Where a subject module hascommenced there will be no refund.

For continuous courses exceeding 3 weeks in length containing a mix of subjectsleading towards an examination diet, an amount of 30% of the total fee will berepayable up to the midpoint of the course.

Eligibility to Attend Classes4.20 CA Students must satisfy certain criteria if they are to be enrolled on any of the

Institutes courses. These are as follows:-


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TC and TPSA candidate may commence TC and TPS provided they have commencedemployment in an ATO and intend registering a Training Contract in due course.

TPE

A candidate must have passed the TC (or been exempt from that subject) and theTPS examinations.

4.21 CA Students must successfully complete the TC (or have been exempt from thatsubject) and the TPS courses within the Training Contract period and commencethe TPE course no later than the first course following completion of the trainingcontract.

R 29Eligibility to Sit Examinations4.22 The table below sets out the eligibility requirements and time limits for each

examination:-

TC TPS TPE(1) A candidate who hasenrolled for and attended the

TC course.

(1) A candidate must beexam eligible (see paragraph4.25) in respect of the TPScourse.

(1) A candidate must beexam eligible (see paragraph4.25) in respect of the TPEcourse; and

(2) A candidate will beallowed four attempts at the

TC Examination. In the caseof resits, the candidateshould present himself at the

next diet. To opt out of aresit exam diet within 10

weeks of the result date, thestudent must have the

written agreement of theirTraining Principal and adviseICAS by the date stipulated

with the result notice.


TPS Examination. In thecase of resits, the candidateshould present himself at the




with the result notice.


TPE Examination. In thecase of resits, the candidateshould present himself at the




with the result notice.TPE.

Should the situation arisewhere the candidate is

unable to sit the examinationat the next attempt, due to acommitment to attempt anexamination of anotherprofessional Institute on thesame day, or in the same

week, they may defer theirattempt until the nextavailable sitting. This willnot be counted as an attemptin respect of the maximum

number of attemptspermitted.

(3) Where attendance at theTPS course has been waived

by Council, the candidatemust have satisfied anyconditions imposed inconnection with the waiver.

(3) Where attendance at theTPE course has been waived

by Council, the candidatemust have satisfied anyconditions imposed inconnection with the waiver;and(4) Unless the TrainingContract has expired, acandidate must be servingunder a registered TrainingContract to be eligible to sit

TPE.


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R 29 4.23 Candidates must attempt the examination after attending the corresponding course.

4.24 A CA Student may withdraw from the TC, TPS and TPE courses up to two weeksbefore the end of the course and in so doing will not become exam eligible (seeparagraph 4.25). In the event that withdrawal falls after the due date for payment of

exam fee invoices, the exam fee will be refunded. Any subsequent exam diets willnot count as an exam attempt until the CA Student resumes course classes. Onceclasses are resumed, the earliest exam diet will be the first attempt.

4.25 To be exam eligible a candidate must have:-

(a) satisfactorily maintained an Achievement Log; and(b) paid the appropriate entry and class fees by the due date.

In addition, the CA Education Department reserves the right to withhold exameligibility from a candidate who has not shown evidence of reasonable endeavour

and satisfactory performance throughout the course.

Where a CA Students training contract has been suspended for maternity leave, theCA Student will not be considered to be exam eligible.

4.26 A candidate who fails to obtain exam eligibility in respect of a TC, TPS or TPEcourse may be required to re-attend all or part of the course.

4.27 Absence from the ATO for the purpose of compulsory re-attendance will not counttowards Approved Service under the Training Contract, thereby necessitating anextension to the Training Contract.

4.28 A second failure to attain exam eligibility status may render the candidateineligible to qualify for membership of the Institute.

R29 4.29 In special circumstances and cases, the time limits may be waived at Councilsdiscretion. This is explained in full in paragraphs 4.36 and 4.37.

R 29Credit Retention4.30 A credit retention system will operate and any student passing at the pass mark in any

of the nine TC and TPS subjects will retain that pass throughout the remainder oftheir period of TC and TPS eligibility.

4.31 Candidates must have passed all TC (or have been exempt from that subject) andTPS subjects before sitting the TPE exam.

B-L 45Entry Fees4.32 Entries for part of an examination will be offered automatically by the Institute,

however, it will be the responsibility of the Training Principal to ensure that:(a) an entry has been made for all relevant students; and

(b) the entry fee is paid by the due date, either:(i) by the ATO in the case of the main diet; and

(ii) by the CA Student/ATO in the case of the resit diet, as directed by theTraining Principal.


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4.33 If an examination fee is unpaid by the due date on the invoice, the examination entrymay be cancelled. This will in no way prejudice the Institutes right to recover the

whole or any portion of the outstanding fee.

4.34 The Institute may at its discretion refund, less an administration fee, any examination

fee where:-

(a) a medical certificate, covering any absence from an examination, is lodged withCA Education (TC and TPS) or the TPE Examination Manager within 7 days ofthe conclusion of the relevant examination diet; or

(b) a candidate lodges with CA Education (TC and TPS) or the TPE ExaminationManager of the Institute notice of withdrawal.

Conduct of Institute Examinations4.35 CA Students are advised that the Examining Panels and Board have issued

regulations governing the conduct of the Institutes examinations and will appointpersons to invigilate the examinations. CA Students are required to comply withthese regulations and with instructions and rulings issued by the invigilators.

Failure to comply with the regulations, instructions and rulings will result in a reportbeing submitted to the Examining Panels and Board which have the authority todisqualify a candidate and to refer the matter to the Investigations Committee.

R 32Concessionary Treatment4.36 In special circumstances and cases, the requirements relating to eligibility and time

limits for examination outlined in paragraph 4.22 may be altered by the Student

Education Committee. Applications for concessionary treatment must be notifiedto CA Education following receipt of the results relating to the fourth and finalattempt and this notification must be made within 28 days of the receipt of thoseresults. The application will then be considered at the next available meeting of theStudent Education Committee. CA Students are advised that in granting a requestfor concessionary treatment, the Student Education Committee will determine thetiming of the attempt and may impose such conditions as it thinks appropriate to thecircumstances eg re-attendance at the Institutes classes.

4.37 When considering an application for concessionary treatment, the Student EducationCommittee will use the following guidelines and principles in determining whether an

application should be granted:-

(a) The time limits as set out for each diet are reasonable. Therefore, only amaterial interruption will be granted as consideration for granting an extensionof time.

(b) the Student Education Committee may exercise its discretion in favour of a CAStudent where the interruption of the time limits was caused by:-

(i) illness or other medical reasons; or

(ii) by personal or domestic problems of a severe nature.


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(c) the Student Education Committee will not exercise its discretion in favour of aCA Student where the sole ground of application is an improvement inexamination performance.

(d) the Student Education Committee will not exercise its discretion in favour of a

CA Student where a material interruption of the time limits cannot be proved.

(e) All applications for concessionary treatment must be supported by:-

(i) a statement of the special circumstances which led to the materialinterruption in the time limits;

(ii) a statement from the Training Principal corroborating the facts as set out inthe applicants statement and indicating, with reasons, whether or not theapplication is supported. The statement should also comment on theapplicants employment record; and

(iii)a medical certificate, or any other form of third party evidence whereappropriate. The medical certificates must be dated at the time of illnessand submitted to the Institute within 7 days of the conclusion of therelevant examination diet.

Disability and Language Concessions4.38 (a) Dyslexia or other conditions should be brought to the attention of the Disability

Officer as adjustments may be appropriate to the conduct of examinations.

(b) The Institute has issued a Disability Statement and will take measures to ensure

that no CA Student is put at a disadvantage when taking their examinations. If acandidate has special needs which they consider may directly affect theirperformance during the classes or the examinations they should contactDisability Officer.

(c) The Institute has codified the competency level required for entry to ICAStraining. ICAS requires a competency level of English language skills equivalentto the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Band 6. Thedescriptive statement of Band 6 is as follows:

6 Competent User

Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies andmisunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiarsituations.

Therefore no concessionary treatment will be available to those candidates whohave English as a second language.

All candidates are permitted to bring in a dictionary and those with English as asecond language can also bring in a mother tongue translation dictionary. Notechnical dictionaries are permitted.


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S E C T I O N 5

WORK EXPERIENCE

5.1 The aim of Training Standard 4, as set out in Section 6, it to ensure that CA Students

receive sufficient work experience to enable them effectively to apply knowledge in avariety of relevant, practical situations. CA Students may receive that work experiencein a variety of Organisations, either within or outside public practice.

5.2 In addition to passing the Institutes Examinations, prospective Members are requiredto satisfy certain work experience requirements as prescribed in the Bye-Laws prior totheir admission to membership.

B-L 19

RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE

5.3 The Institute recognises that the type of work experience available to CA Students will

vary, depending on the size and type of office where they work. Because of thediversity of the work experience, it is impractical to be prescriptive in determining thetype and amount of work experience CA Students should gain.

5.4 The Institutes Achievement Log sets out the requirements for attainment ofcompetencies in relation to becoming eligible for membership.

5.5 The table below sets out the minimum relevant work experience requirements:-

Type of Relevant

Training Contract Work Experience

Three year 450 days

Conditional *500 days

*It is anticipated that 300 days of this be attained in the final period of the trainingcontract.

For CA Students following a conditional contract route, normally work experiencegained in the placement period will only count as relevant work experience if the CA

Student returns to complete the Training Contract with the original authorisedtraining office.

5.6 The minimum relevant work experience requirements exclude time spent on in-housetraining courses, CA Education classes, holidays, illness, and general administrationand therefore include purely practical work experience.

B-L 23 5.7 For the purposes of the minimum relevant work experience requirements, only thatwork experience acquired whilst serving under a registered Training Contract willcount.


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B-L20 5.8 Failure to satisfy the minimum relevant work experience requirements within theprescribed Training Contract period will result in the ATO having to extend the

Training Contract for the CA Student to make good the shortfall. As a consequence,any CA Student in this situation will be unable to apply for membership of theInstitute until the relevant experience requirements have been satisfied.

Audit Qualification5.9 All CA Students must keep a record in their Achievement Log of their auditing

experience towards the Companies Act requirement to obtain the audit qualification.

Training Principals should make it clear to prospective CA Students, before theTraining Contract is signed by the parties thereto, whether the expectation is thatsufficient audit experience for audit qualification purposes will be gained during theperiod of the Training Contract.

B-L21(b)

Working Outwith the ATO

5.10 Relevant work experience acquired from service on the business of the ATO willcount towards the minimum work experience requirements provided that provision ismade for adequate supervision of the training of the CA Student during that period.

B-L21(b)

Secondments5.11 Occasionally, an ATO may be unable to provide the CA Student with the requisite

experience to satisfy the Institutes requirements, or may wish specifically to providethe CA Student with work experience which would complement the internal workprogramme. In these circumstances, providing the Training Principal has agreed toand approved the proposed programme, the CA Student may be seconded to anotherOrganisation. The Counselling Member or Training Principal should continue to

monitor the quality of the work experience

5.12 The period(s) of secondment should not exceed 52 weeks. For all other CA Studentscompleting a Training Contract of duration other than three years, the length ofsecondment must be approved by the Student Education Committee.

5.13 It is recommended that where a CA Student is to be sent to work outwith the ATOunder circumstances described in either 5.10 or 5.11 above, a settling in period of onemonth is given prior to this. On commencement of a Training Contract, therefore, aCA Student should have spent at least one month working from within the ATObefore being sent on secondment or to work outwith the ATO.

R 27(d)Achievement Log5.14 CA Students are required to maintain an Achievement Log, detailing the work

experience acquired during the Training Contract to:-

(a) demonstrate that they have acquired sufficient work experience when applyingfor membership to the Institute; and

(b) demonstrate that they have achieved the relevant competencies when applyingfor membership to the Institute; and

(c) enable the Counselling Member to regularly review and monitor the Studentswork experience.


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5.15 In accordance with Section 7 of the Training Contract, it is the CA Studentsresponsibility to maintain the Achievement Log, which should be an accurate andcomplete reflection of the work experience acquired.

Monitoring Arrangements

5.16 Training Standard 4 states that the Training Principal must ensure there is a systemappropriate to the size of the ATO for the supervision and review of CA Students

work experience, based on the supervision and review of CA Students AchievementLogs. The system should be designed to ensure that all CA Students in the ATO gainthe relevant experience.

5.17 It is the responsibility of the Counselling Member to ensure that the training andexperience given to each CA Student allocated to him is of sufficient quality and of anature that fulfils the Institutes requirements. Therefore the Counselling Membershould ensure that procedures are in place and operating with regard to staffappraisals and that those procedures will identify any deficiency in the quality of the

training and experience. The Counselling Member should be in a position to:

(a) ensure that the Achievement Log is an accurate summary of the work experienceacquired; and

(b) identify any gaps in training or experience. Where such gaps are identified,remedial action should be taken and noted in the summary and review of theyear section of the Achievement Log.

The Counselling Member or Training Principal must regularly review and monitor theCA Students work experience. The Counselling Member or Training Principal

should sign the Achievement Log as evidence of competency achievement.

5.18 In addition to the Counselling Member review, the Achievement Logs should also beregularly reviewed by a Supervisor, normally a qualified member of staff, who has day-to-day responsibility for supervising the work of CA Students (ie if the CounsellingMember is doing the annual review, the Training Principal does not need to do so as

well, but he should be monitoring the Log on a weekly/monthly basis).

5.19 On completion of the Training Contract, the Achievement Logs of all CA Studentswill be reviewed by Institute staff to ensure that the Institutes work experiencerequirements have been satisfied. All final year Achievement Logs must be submitted

to the Institute for review within one month of the expiry of the Training Contract.Failure to do so may result in the imposition of a fine on the CA Student.

5.20 Additionally, all Achievement Logs for CA Students at the end of the second year oftraining will be reviewed by Institute staff for each year to ensure that both CAStudents and ATOs are fulfilling their obligations in ensuring the regular maintenanceof Achievement Logs. The Institute will undertake a sample review of AchievementLogs for CA Students at the end of the first year of training.


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S E C T I O N 6

STANDARDS OF CA STUDENT TRAINING

Introduction

1. The CA Education and Training Bye-Laws govern the appraisal and authorisation ofan office as an ATO. Responsibility for appraisal and authorisation is that of theStudent Education Committee, or under its direction, the Area Training Committees.

These Committees are also responsible for providing the ATO, so far as they are able,with advice and assistance on all matters of CA Student training.

2. These Standards are the criteria which are applied when individual, or groups ofoffices in which training procedures are shared, are appraised. Guidance on theirapplication and the procedures to be followed will be found in Section 2.

The Standards themselves cover:-

(1) The establishment of the Organisation and the ATO.

(2) The organisation of training.

(3) The arrangements for practical instruction.

(4) The work experience to be provided.

(5) The quality and continuity of supervision available.

(6) Development of professional and ethical attitudes.

(7) The arrangements for tuition in the examination syllabus.

(8) The recruitment and selection policy.

(9) The terms and conditions of employment.(10) The establishment of an appropriate quota.

3. If an ATO is unable to comply fully with all the Standards, help and advice will begiven by the Area Training Committee or the Education Staff of the Institute, to

enable it to meet the requirements.

4. The Standards reflect best practice in all sizes of Organisations over a period of someyears; they should be able to be met by any ATO in which Members of the Institutehave the best interests of their profession and of their Organisation at heart. Inparticular, it should be emphasised that the training of CA Students can be carried outin all sizes of ATO, to the mutual benefit of the business and of the CA Student.

5. For the purpose of these Standards, the word qualified means holding themembership of one of the following professional bodies:

ICAS - The Institute of Chartered Accountants of ScotlandICAEW- The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and WalesICAI - The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland


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TRAINING STANDARD 1:

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ORGANISATION AND THE ATO

Aim

To ensure that the Organisation and the individual office are sufficiently well established toundertake the responsibility for the training of CA Students and that they are likely tocontinue to be sufficiently well established for the foreseeable future. To ensure that at alltimes CA Students are trained and supervised according to the Rules and Bye-Laws of theInstitute.

The Standarda. The ATO must include at least one Member of the Institute who will become the

Counselling Member and who has been qualified as a Chartered Accountant for atleast three years.

b. At the time of appraisal by an Area Training Committee, any Member having theintention of retiring from the ATO within the next four year period and who is not tobe replaced, will not be counted as contributing towards the establishment of the

ATO.

c. Members of the Institute must be responsible for the supervision of CA Students.Only in exceptional circumstances may responsibility be delegated to non members ofthe Institute.

d. In an ATO where there is only one Member of the Institute, the Training Principalmust make arrangements to ensure continued supervision of CA Students in the event

of prolonged absence or death of the Member.

e. The training of Students for other professional qualifications must not impair theability of the ATO to comply fully with these Standards and to prepare CA Studentsfor membership of the Institute.


THE ORGANISATION OF TRAINING

Aim

To ensure that CA Student training is properly organised.

The Standarda. Training Principal

The CA Education and Training Bye-Laws require that a person with sufficientseniority within the Organisation must be made responsible for the organisation ofCA Student training in every ATO. Such a person should have sufficient seniority toensure implementation of the Councils training policy within the ATO.

b. Training proceduresThe Training Principal should be aware of the current Council policy for Education

and Training and its requirements covering, in particular, training records, theTraining Contract, mandatory clauses in the statement of terms and conditions ofemployment, examination and membership application procedures.


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THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PRACTICAL INSTRUCTION

Aim

To ensure that all CA Students receive, in the manner most appropriate to the nature of theATO, the practical instruction to enable them to carry out the work to which they areassigned.

The Standarda. The Counselling Member must ensure that CA Students are provided with practical

instruction in the application of theoretical knowledge to work, so that they may,throughout the Training Contract:

(1) contribute at the appropriate level of responsibility to the work of the ATO;(2) develop their understanding of the work on which they are employed; and

(3) develop sound professional attitudes.

b. Such practical instruction should be applied principally on-the-job and may besupplemented by in-house, group training or other courses. The Training Principalmust ensure that arrangements are made to apply such practical instruction in asystematic fashion.

c. In the case of on-the-job instruction, clear guidance must be given to the member ofstaff carrying out the instruction, as to its objectives.


THE WORK EXPERIENCE TO BE PROVIDED

AimTo ensure that CA Students receive, during their Approved Service, sufficient workexperience to enable them effectively to apply knowledge in a variety of relevant, practicalsituations.

The Standarda. Availability

The ATO must have sufficient work to provide all those CA Students, for whom they

have authority to train, with experience, both in technical and management skills, of areasonable variety. The Counselling Member must identify instances where the ATOis unable itself to provide such experience, and liaise with the Training Principal whois responsible for initiating exchange arrangements or a secondment with another

ATO, whether in public practice, industry or commerce provided that structured andsupervised experience can be provided.

b. Contact with Clients/PersonnelThe Counselling Member must ensure that there is sufficient contact with clients ofan ATO in public practice or personnel in other acceptable areas of an Organisationoutwith public practice at appropriate stages of Approved Service to provide for the

development of CA Students technical and management skills, including in particularthe ability to communicate effectively.


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c. Career ProgressionThe Counselling Members in an ATO should be responsible for appropriate CAStudent career progression. CA Students should be responsible in the course of their

Training Contracts for assignments or complete sections of assignments toSupervisor/Manager (or equivalent description)/Counselling Member/Training

Principal. CA Students should also be given the opportunity, wherever possible, tosupervise junior staff.

d. Monitoring(1) The Training Principal must ensure there is a system appropriate to the size of

the ATO for the supervision and review of CA Students work experience, basedon the supervision and review of CA Students Achievement Logs.

(2) This system should be designed to ensure that all CA Students in the ATO gainthe relevant experience.


THE QUALITY AND CONTINUITY OF SUPERVISION AVAILABLEAimTo ensure that the CA Students are supervised by qualified staff or staff experienced andcommitted to the task.

The Standarda. The Training Principal or Counselling Member must ensure that members of the

staff who normally work with CA Students are familiar with the Standards andunderstand that they have an obligation to assist CA Students at all times, and to the

best of their ability, with advice and instruction.

b. Responsibility for the arrangements for supervision of CA Students rests with theTraining Principal. The Counselling Member is ultimately responsible for thesupervision of work undertaken by the CA Student, in assessing its adequacy andrelevance. Depending on the size and organisation of the ATO, detailed supervisionmay be delegated to other suitably experienced staff.

c. Supervision should be readily available whether the CA Students are working in oraway from the ATO.

d. In order to ensure that those who supervise are themselves up-to-date, all Membersand/or professional staff in the ATO must be aware of the Councils requirements onContinuing Education and be given the opportunity to meet their obligations. The

ATO itself should either provide appropriate Continuing Professional Developmentfor Members and qualified staff, or arrange for its provision (eg through externalcourses).

Documents

Caed CA Student Guide 9th Ed