Fast-track route to IFA membership
If learners already hold an accounting or associated degree or have completed or part-completed a professional accounting qualification, they may not need to study all the units required to gain IFA membership (see Routes to Membership below). The units needed to achieve Associate or Associate Tax Adviser status will depend on the course content of their degree or accountancy qualification.
Exemptions
Exemptions will be awarded based upon previous relevant qualifications, i.e., if learners are part-qualified with a professional body such as ACCA, CIMA or AAT, or have taken modules within a degree course that are equivalent to the units required for the IFA Direct route, then exemptions may apply.
Gain a practicing certificate (UK Members Only)
For UK-based members, holding an IFA practising certificate means they can offer accountancy services to the general public, with a greater range of activities than many other associations and professional bodies enable. They will also be able to undertake charity independent examinations and ATOL/Civil Aviation Authority work.
Continuing professional development
Investing in relevant and regular CPD is an important way to stay abreast of new developments and best practice in a fast-changing environment. It can boost motivation and improve the quality of members’ work and the services they provide.
Seamless learning
The units within the ATHE qualifications provide challenging and relevant learning, with flexible delivery of assessment allowing tutors to select the most appropriate method for their learners.
Each unit is studied one at a time over a 4-6 week period and as they run continuously learners can roll off one unit straight on to another, meaning they never have to wait before starting a new subject. The whole programme can be undertaken in as little as 18 months or should learners decide they want to take a study break this can be easily arranged with the ATHE centre.
Support throughout studies
IFA Direct is designed so learners can easily study around other commitments. The programme provides the full support of an expert academic adviser and online materials which are available 24/7. Learners’ chosen ATHE centre will provide a bespoke learning plan along with support and guidance throughout their studies.
Tutorial support
Leaners will receive online tutorial support from their selected ATHE centre. The number of hours of tuition is dependent upon the credit value and guided learning hours (GLH) for each individual unit (see tables below).
Each unit incorporates:
Independent learning
Throughout each unit learners will also need to undertake some independent study. The number of hours devoted to self-study is dependent on the credit value of each individual unit – on average leaners need to devote 7-14 hours per week. As everyone learns at a different rate there may be a variation in the actual time taken to complete a unit and the number of hours detailed per unit is only a guide.
Ethical practice
Ethics is embedded within the syllabus to develop the high ethical standards intrinsic to IFA membership.
Access to IFA resources
Learners will also have access to:
14 units, two routes to membership
Learners can follow either of the two routes shown below to be eligible for IFA membership as an Associate Financial Accountant or a Tax Adviser. There is also the opportunity for UK-based members to gain an IFA practicing certificate.
| Level | Unit | Credit value | GLH |
|
ATHE Level 4 | Financial Accounting 1 | 15 | 60 |
| Financial Accounting 2 | 15 | 60 | |
| Budgetary Control | 15 | 60 | |
| Cost and Management Accounting | 15 | 60 | |
| Personal Taxation | 15 | 60 | |
| Business Environment | 15 | 60 | |
| Law for Accounting | 15 | 60 | |
|
ATHE Level 5 | Financial Reporting | 30 | 120 |
| Financial Management | 30 | 120 | |
| Financial and Management Control | 30 | 120 | |
| Business Taxation | 15 | 60 | |
| Assurance | 15 | 60 | |
| ATHE Level 7
| Corporate Reporting for Strategic Business – Advanced | 20 | 60 |
| UK Taxation for Business and Individuals | 20 | 60 |
| Level | Unit | Credit value | GLH |
|
ATHE Level 4 | Financial Accounting 1 | 15 | 60 |
| Financial Accounting 2 | 15 | 60 | |
| Personal Taxation | 15 | 60 | |
| Business Environment | 15 | 60 | |
| Law for Accounting | 15 | 60 | |
|
ATHE Level 5
|
Business Taxation |
15 |
60 |
|
ATHE Level 7
|
UK Taxation for Business and Individuals |
20 |
60 |
Credit value
This is the number of credits that will be awarded to a learner who has achieved each unit. The credits that learners achieve accumulate and can be used towards completion of the full ATHE Accounting qualifications or can be transferred towards additional study, for example a top-up degree.
Guided learning hours (GLH)
This is an estimate of the amount of guided learning, on average, required to achieve a unit to the appropriate standard.
Applying for the IFA Direct programme
Individuals not currently enrolled with an ATHE recognised centre should download and complete the IFA Direct application form and send with copies of all relevant education transcripts and certificates to the education team at education@ifa.org.uk. The team will assess the documents and be in touch with a recommended route tailored to individual requirements and advise on any exemptions that apply.
Learners currently enrolled with ATHE recognised centres who wish to progress to IFA membership should discuss this in the first instance with their centre contact, who may refer to the relevant ATHE Accounting qualifications page or contact info@athe.co.uk.
