The Audit Qualification (AQ) is awarded, on application, to Institute members who have met the eligibility criteria, including demonstrating that they have attained requisite knowledge and supervised experience in audit, through examination and work experience/practical training gained within an Institute Recognised Training Firm.  The eligibility criteria are set out in the Institute’s Training Regulations, and you can find out more here.

Whether a member wishes to apply for the AQ, or is awarded the AQ or not, does not in any way impact on their qualification as an ACA or FCA. The AQ is a separate post membership award.

Confirmation that a member has met the Educational Requirements for the Audit Qualification can only be issued by a Recognised Accountancy Body (RAB) in Ireland and a Recognised Qualifying Body (RQB) in the UK, and in accordance with the law of the relevant jurisdiction. The Institute is a RAB and an RQB. For Institute members, having completed the courses of study, examinations and training required by the Institute, the Institute is the appropriate RAB/RQB to issue such confirmation.  Information on becoming a student of the Institute is available here.

Confirmation that a member meets the Educational Requirements for the Audit Qualification however does not mean that individuals are registered by the Institute to undertake audit work. Such a member must subsequently apply formally for audit registration, and be registered, if he or she is to undertake audit work. Professional Standards Department This involves a separate application which is dealt with by the  of the Institute.