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Is IAB a not-for-profit organisation and how does it operate?
As a non-profit membership organisation, our organisation is dedicated to supporting finance professionals throughout their careers. We focus on providing education, resources, and guidance to ensure our members remain informed, capable, and well-equipped to succeed in the finance and business sectors.
How Do I Apply for Membership?
To register for membership, please complete the application form on the IAB Website here.
Who can become a member of the IAB?
IAB-UK membership is available to residents of England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Overseas residents are eligible to join with IAB-Overseas membership
What is IAB Professional Membership and what does it cost?
Professional membership is available for those who have gained a relevant accounting and bookkeeping qualification from IAB or another awarding body.
Alternatively, you can also become a member of the IAB by assessment, in a short knowledge test if you have no relevant qualifications. The cost to complete the test is £95.00 (£105 if you take it independently, outside of the IAB)
Professional membership provides access to IAB services, resources and many exclusive benefits. Members are entitled to use the designatory letters: AIAB, MIAB or FIAB.
Membership Levels and fees effective are as follows:
AIAB - Associate £105 per year
MIAB – Membership £135 per year
FIAB – Fellow £155 per year
Alumni – For those who are no longer practising but still wish to keep in touch and up-to-date. £225 for 3 years
To ensure all our members meet the same high standards, we require proof of an annual basic DBS check, dated less than 6 months old, on application or renewal of membership.
To undertake the knowledge test, please complete the test Here
To register for membership, please complete the application form on the IAB Website Here.
What is IAB Professional Membership? How is IAB involved with government and standard setting bodies to promote the professional integrity of bookkeepers?
The IAB works with government as well as standard-setting bodies to promote the professional integrity of accountants & bookkeepers.
IAB is connected at the national level and represents its members and students' professional needs.
Including, for example:
• UK National Risk Assessment (Publication)
• Sector Guidance – Information Sharing Expert Working Group)
• AML Supervisors Form
• AASG (Accountancy AML Supervisors Group)
• Treasury Employment & Payroll Group
• Agent Support Group
• Companies House Accountancy Round Table
• AML Supervision Ministerial Round Table
What qualifications do I need for professional membership?
Membership is available for those who have gained a relevant accounting or bookkeeping qualification at a minimum, Level 2 from IAB or another awarding body.
Alternatively, for those who are skilled in accounting or bookkeeping but do not yet hold a formal qualification we offer a route to membership by undertaking an industry standard online knowledge test.
To undertake the knowledge test, please access the test Here.
To register for membership, please complete the application form on the IAB Website Here.
I am a skilled accountant/bookkeeper but without formal qualifications can I still be a member of IAB?
Yes, you can. IAB recognise that many practitioners may have experience and training without having obtained a formal qualification. We provide a route to membership using a professional and widely recognised online test provider.
You can take a test to demonstrate your knowledge and qualify for IAB Membership.
To undertake the knowledge test, access the test Here.
What are the different grades of professional membership?
The IAB offers 3 three levels of professional membership:
Associate (AIAB)
Member (MIAB)
Fellow ( FIAB)
We also offer Alumni – for those who are not practising anymore but still want to keep in touch and up-to-date.
When does my membership start and when will I need to renew?
IAB membership commences from the month your application is accepted, upon receipt of your membership fee and proof of a basic DBS check, which is dated within the past 6 months.
Membership is renewable by subscription every twelve months. You will receive reminders, commencing 6 weeks prior to your expiry date, to ensure you do not allow your membership to lapse.
You will also be required to provide an annual DBS check, dated within the past 6 months, upon renewal.
What are the benefits of IAB membership?
Access to the Croner-I exclusive package containing free CPD, tax advice and resources including a free helpline, webinars, Use of designatory letters.
Access to a wide range of support, resources, and discounts on professional products.
Receive all the latest industry updates and news from the IAB through our monthly e-newsletter and quarterly magazine iabConnect
Opportunity to join one of our UK-based Ambassador networking groups where you can share your experience and gain valuable support from your fellow members.
Attend our monthly virtual coffee mornings with guest speakers on a live Q&A call, where we provide industry-related information, which count towards your CPD points
Resources, Webinars, templates, and guidance notes
IAB Business Member Benefits: Exclusive discounts
Social Media and Facebook Groups
Utilise our Practice Scalability Framework to deliver growth and efficiency to your business
Does IAB provide ‘Anti Money Laundering Supervision’ for my practice?
Yes, the IAB is an approved statutory AML supervisor and has the authority to supervise its professional members operating in the UK.
Since 2007, any person offering services for bookkeeping, accounting or payroll administration must have a valid licence issued by a Professional body Supervisor, such as IAB.
If you require Anti-Money Laundering supervision with the IAB, you will need to hold Professional membership at either Member (MIAB) or Fellow (FIAB) status.
AML Supervision Fees
- Practices up to 2 employees £195
- Practices with 3+ employees £225
Once registered for AML supervision with the IAB, you are then able to provide services to the public.
IAB Supervision provides:
• Certificate of AML Supervision for your business practice.
• Access to best practice and up-to-date legislative guidelines.
• Guidance and access to training in relation to the Anti Money Laundering Regulations.
• Oversight to check that your practice is compliant and to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
In turn, as part of supervised practice, you must establish the necessary procedures to deter money laundering and terrorist financing and comply with the relevant regulations.
For further information on AML Supervision, please take a look at the IAB website here.
For further assistance, please contact the Membership Team on +44 (0) 20 8187 8888 or membership@iab.org.uk.
Is AML Supervision included within my IAB Membership?
No, separate registration for AML supervision is necessary. There is an application process, and you will need to prepare so that your business practice is compliant with AML Regulations.
For further information on AML Supervision, please take a look at the IAB website here.
What are DBS checks and why are they necessary?
Integrity is a key issue across the financial services sector and IAB requires evidence of a DBS check to approve your membership application, which is dated within the past 6 months. The IAB will require proof of an DBS check annually, dated within the past 6 months, upon renewal of your membership.
DBS checks are a government service that confirms there are no convictions for a ‘relevant offence’ under the AML Regulations.
(Relevant convictions would also legally prohibit registration for AML Supervision)
There are different levels for DBS checks. IAB require only the ‘Basic’ version. These are arranged by the individual direct with the DBS service who will provide them with a certificate (or similar electronic version) which the individual then forwards to IAB.
All DBS check information provided to IAB is treated carefully and confidentially.
This UK government site provides information and guidance about DBS checks:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/basic-dbs-checks-guidance
IAB recommends that members use one of the three UK devolved Government DBS.
England & Wales : https://www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record?
Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/accessni-criminal-record-checks?
Scotland: https://www.mygov.scot/disclosure-types/?
The IAB will only accept a DBS certificate from the Gov.uk site or one of the following recommended Government Responsible Organisations.
Responsible Organisations - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Note: Proof of your DBS certificate will only be accepted if it is dated within the past 6 months, upon application or renewal of your membership.
For more information regarding DBS Checks, please take a look at the IAB Website here.
How long does it take to for membership application to be approved?
We usually estimate about 2/3 days, depending on the information provided, and if further information is required.
How long does it take for AML Supervision to be approved?
This is subject to the information provided circa 5/6 weeks.
What is CPD and how many points do we need for membership renewal?
CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. All members of the IAB are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours CPD (10 x verified/20 x non-verified) each 12 months to coincide with their certificated membership year. 1 hour = 1 point. CPD records should be maintained individually and uploaded annually with your membership renewal application.
What is the difference between verified and non-verified points?
Verified CPD is learning directly related to your professional work, gained through planned activities like courses or events, and linked to a specific development need.
Non-verified CPD refers to informal learning, such as reading or research, that helps you stay up-to-date on topics related to your work.
Learn more by logging into the IAB members' area and viewing the CPD and Compliance Information.
Why do we need to do CPD each year?
CPD is the ongoing process of learning and improving skills to stay current with industry developments. For finance professionals, it helps maintain knowledge, enhances technical and management skills, and supports long-term career growth. The IAB requests members maintain CPD annually as a reflection of professional standards.
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