IAB Qualifications · Level 4 accounting

IAB Accounting Qualifications

Two regulated Level 4 qualifications for learners moving beyond bookkeeping: a broad professional qualification for people working in finance, and a certificate in international accounting standards and IFRS.

Compare the qualifications Which one is right for me?

Regulated qualifications. Both are on the Ofqual and CCEA Register of Regulated Qualifications.

Ratio analysisLevel 4 territory. Illustrative figures.

Ratio	Result
Gross profit margin	42.0%
Operating profit margin	18.6%
Current ratio	1.8 : 1
Gearing	27.5%
Return on capital employed	14.2%

✓ Interpreted

2Level 4 qualifications

110 to 700Guided learning hours per qualification

7Units across the two qualifications

GradedMerit and distinction grades available

Find your starting point

Which qualification is right for you?

Both sit at Level 4 but serve different learners. Pick the one that sounds most like you.

Already working in finance

Level 4 Certified International Accounting Professional

For learners working in the financial sector, including accounts professionals, management accountants, finance professionals and managers.

See the CIAP

Moving on from Level 3

Level 4 Certificate in International Accounting Standards and IFRS

For holders of a bookkeeping qualification ready for advanced study, senior accounting professionals, and learners working towards chartered-level qualifications.

See the certificate

The qualifications

Two routes at Level 4

Every unit is mandatory, and each qualification is assessed by one final online examination. Download the qualification specification for the full learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

Level 4Bookkeeping to computerised accounting in one qualification

Level 4

IAB Level 4 Certified International Accounting Professional

Ideal for finance professionals and managers

Designed to give learners a comprehensive overview of business bookkeeping and accounting practices, from the fundamentals through to regulatory compliance and computerised accounting.

Unit 1 Fundamentals of bookkeeping and accounting130 GLH
Unit 2 Advanced accounting practices200 GLH
Unit 3 Cost accounting and management accounting30 GLH
Unit 4 Regulatory compliance110 GLH
Unit 5 Computerised accounting200 GLH
Unit 6 Human resource skills and personal development30 GLH

Qualification number 610/4745/4

Qualification specification (PDF)

At a glance

Guided learning: 700 hours
Total qualification time: 1,400 hours
Assessment: One final online examination (2 hours)
Grading: Pass 50% to 64%, Merit 65% to 79%, Distinction 80% and above
Entry: No formal requirements. Relevant bookkeeping and accounting experience is an advantage.

Level 4Limited company and group financial statements

Level 4

IAB Level 4 Certificate in International Accounting Standards and IFRS

Ideal for Level 3 holders and senior accounting staff

Learners demonstrate a sound knowledge of the regulatory and conceptual frameworks behind the preparation of financial statements for limited companies, prepare consolidated statements, and calculate and interpret accounting ratios.

Unit 1 Prepare and appraise financial statements110 GLH · examination, 2 hrs

Qualification number 603/3017/X

Qualification specification (PDF)

At a glance

Guided learning: 110 hours
Total qualification time: 330 hours
Assessment: One online examination (2 hours)
Grading: Pass, Merit, Distinction
Entry: Ideally the IAB Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping and Accounting, or an equivalent regulated qualification, first.

Side by side

Compare the accounting qualifications

The key numbers from each specification in one table.

	Certified International Accounting Professional	Certificate in IAS and IFRS
Level	4	4
Guided learning hours	700	110
Total qualification time	1,400 hours	330 hours
Units	6	1
Assessment	One 2-hour online examination	One 2-hour online examination
Pass mark	50%	60%
Grades	Pass, Merit, Distinction	Pass, Merit, Distinction
Recommended starting point	Relevant work experience is an advantage	IAB Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping and Accounting or equivalent

Progression

Where these qualifications fit

Start from Level 3 bookkeeping and accounting, then choose the Level 4 route that fits your role.

3Level 3 CertificateBookkeeping and Accounting, the recommended preparationSee Level 3
4Certificate in IAS and IFRSLimited company and group financial statementsSee the certificate
4Certified International Accounting ProfessionalA broad qualification for finance professionalsSee the CIAP

Foundations firstNeed the groundwork? Bookkeeping qualifications and Computerised Bookkeeping qualifications run at Levels 1, 2 and 3.

The wider portfolio

Explore other IAB qualifications

BookkeepingLevels 1 to 3Explore Computerised BookkeepingLevels 1 to 3Explore Payroll for BusinessLevels 1 and 2Explore Computerised PayrollLevels 1 to 3Explore LCCI QualificationsLevels 1 to 3Explore

FAQs

Accounting qualification questions

Do I need any qualifications to start?

The Certified International Accounting Professional has no formal entry requirements, although relevant bookkeeping and accounting experience is an advantage. For the Certificate in International Accounting Standards and IFRS, learners should ideally complete the IAB Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping and Accounting, or an equivalent regulated qualification, first.

How are the qualifications assessed?

Each qualification is assessed by one final online examination lasting 2 hours. There is no separate examination for each unit.

How are the qualifications graded?

The Certified International Accounting Professional is graded Pass (50% to 64%), Merit (65% to 79%) or Distinction (80% and above). The Certificate in IAS and IFRS is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction.

How long does each qualification take?

The Certified International Accounting Professional has 700 guided learning hours and 1,400 hours of total qualification time. The Certificate in IAS and IFRS has 110 guided learning hours and 330 hours of total qualification time.

Which qualification should I choose?

The Certified International Accounting Professional gives a broad overview of bookkeeping and accounting practice for people working in finance. The Certificate in IAS and IFRS focuses on limited company and group financial statements and suits learners moving on from Level 3 or working towards chartered-level study.

Are these qualifications regulated?

Yes. Both are vocationally-related qualifications on the Ofqual and CCEA Register of Regulated Qualifications.