If you're in school, you may be wondering if a career in Chartered Accountancy is for you. Chartered Accountancy offers a varied and rewarding career, allowing you to work in any sector across the globe. Many students interested in Chartered Accountancy study a business degree at university and then apply for a graduate programme in an accountancy firm or a business in a sector they're interested in. 

Study direct out of school

If you’re not sure university is for your or you're just keen to get your career started straight after school, the direct entry school leaver pathway offers an alternative to college or university. In your first year, you would be studying with our partner body, Accounting Technicians Ireland, and there are various ways you can progress.

Apprenticeship route

Most popular with school leavers, this route is a work-based programme which means you earn while you learn. Over 2 years, you work 4 days a week with an approved ATI employer, and attend college 1 day a week. You then transition into the Chartered Accountants Ireland programme and potentially benefit from CAP1 exemptions (subject to results).

Traditional route

The ATI programme can be completed on a part time basis. You work full time and undertake the ATI study in the evenings.

The Traditional path offers two options;
1. Gain a merit grade in the ATI first year exams (and meet certain Leaving Cert/GCSE or A Level requirements). You can then move on to studying our first year exams, CAP1.
2. Study with ATI for two years to gain the Accounting Technician qualification before joining us for further study (potential to obtain CAP1 exemptions).

Republic of Ireland
Students must get a minimum of 360 points in the Leaving Certificate out of 6 subjects (this must include English and Mathematics at Higher Level Grade D or better, or Ordinary Level Grade C or better)

From 2017 onwards: students must pass 6 subjects in their Leaving Certificate in one sitting only, students must achieve at least H6 or O5 in both English and Mathematics, and students must secure at least 356 points from any combination of six subjects in one sitting.

Northern Ireland
Students must have 3 GCSE Advanced Level subjects at Grade C or better with GCSE Ordinary Level English and Mathematics at Grade B or better. Students must then secure a merit pass in Accounting Technicians Ireland First Year examinations.