Universities and professional bodies, such as the UK Chartered Accountancy Bodies, offer career progression and subject (exam) exemptions to holders of IAB qualifications.

Progression to professional bodies

Many of the IAB examinations can lead to qualification and membership of a professional body, and the status conferred by the IAB designatory titles and letters. Not only are holders of IAB qualifications able to progress to become an IAB Registered Bookkeeper but they can use their IAB qualifications to gain credits or exemptions towards the qualifications from the following UK professional bodies:

• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
• Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants (CIPFA)
• Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA)
• Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
• Institute of Payroll Professionals (IPP)

"The IAB is one of a number of important routes into the accountancy profession for those considering a career in finance and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales is keen to encourage all those who gain valuable qualifications and experience through these routes to consider going on to study for an ACA."

A current list of credits/exemptions granted by the Chartered accountancy and other professional bodies to holders of IAB qualifications can be viewed by clicking here.

Progression to Universities

IAB qualifications are increasingly being accepted for entry to UK university programmes. The University of Northampton has confirmed that it will accept those students that hold both the IAB level 3 Diploma in Accounting and Advanced Book-keeping and the IAB level 3 Certificate in Cost and Management Accounting on to the BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance programme. For more information about the course please click here.

For its BA (Hons) Accountancy degree programme, the University of Bolton has also confirmed its acceptance of IAB qualifications. Applicants must have successfully completed all three IAB Diplomas at level 3 – the Diplomas in Cost and Management Accounting, Accounting and Advanced Bookkeeping and Business Law onto the first year of our BA (Hons) Accountancy programme. The University also grants 'exemptions' to holders of IAB level 4 qualifications with those applicants who have successfully completed the level four Diplomas in Financial Information for Managers and Accounting to International Standards (in addition to the three level three Diplomas) being awarded exemptions from modules ACC1006 and ACC1007 on the degree programme. These exemptions demonstrate the comparability in terms of both the level and quality of IAB qualifications against university modules of a similar level. Additionally all applicants for whom English is not the first language will be required to provide proof of English Language and Communication ability where appropriate (usually at academic IELTS level 6 in all aspects).

In general terms, for UK university entry, the IAB level 3 qualifications is considered to be comparable in level to English Advanced ('A') levels. As such, admissions tutors at other UK universities may consider accepting holders of IAB level qualifications but generally only where the holder also has achieved comparable qualifications to UK level 3 during their education in their 'home' country.

UK Immigration

IAB qualifications are also recognised for points within the Points-based Immigration System of the UK Border Agency.