The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has teamed up with UK-based professional education provider BPP to make its Accounting and Business Professional (ABP) qualification available in England.
The move opens up a new professional development pathway for employers and individuals “south of the border”, the ICAS said in a statement.
The programme is eligible for Level 4 apprenticeship funding, offering employers a cost-effective way to strengthen finance teams, it added. The move will also broaden business capability for employers and develop staff with limited disruption to day-to-day operations.
Meanwhile, the launch offers a flexible route for learners, supporting both upskilling and the formal recognition of existing experience.
BPP chief financial officer and ICAS member Jo Preston-Taylor said: “The introduction of the ICAS ABP in England marks an important step in expanding access to professional qualifications and an exciting new chapter in our long-standing partnership.
“This launch builds on that delivery experience, enabling more individuals and organisations to benefit from a flexible route, while maintaining the quality and rigour that are fundamental to ICAS qualifications.”
The ABP combines the ICAS Certificate in Accounting and Business with relevant practical experience. BPP will deliver the qualification in England through a blend of in-person and online teaching.
The programme usually takes between 12 and 15 months to complete and provides a stand-alone, recognised qualification.
Participants can also continue on to chartered accountant (CA) status, with exemptions from the first level of the CA syllabus.
ICAS CEO Gail Boag said: “Organisations are increasingly looking to build workforces with the accounting and business expertise required to succeed in today’s economy.
“The ICAS ABP addresses this need by combining technical knowledge, commercial awareness and real-world experience in a practical, accessible qualification. Crucially, it also opens a new pathway to Chartered Accountant status.”
