Recognised experience is a defined period of professional development, undertaken by a student in an appropriate related environment and is relevant to the work of a professional accountant. The experience should enable the student’s development of professional competence to include professional behaviour and provide a means whereby the student will demonstrate an achievement of the required competencies in the workplace.

The key difference between the Elevation Programme and other routes to becoming a Chartered Accountant is the manner in which relevant recognised experience is gained as there is no training contract in place. The Elevation Programme facilitates:

You choosing the environment in which you wish to gain your experience: Chartered Accountants Ireland will assess the organisation and work experience with you and your mentor when you are seeking to have the experience recognised.

• You choosing the environment in which you wish to gain your experience: Chartered Accountants Ireland will assess the organisation and work experience with you and your mentor when you are seeking to have the experience recognised
• Flexibility to move between employers as your interest and needs change
• Flexibility to complete all your examinations before gaining the required, recognised experience

During the period of recognised experience, you must demonstrate:

• The acquisition of competencies in Financial Accounting
• The adoption of professional values
• An awareness of the practicalities of the business environment

In addition you must demonstrate the development of your personal and interpersonal skills together with an in-depth level of experience in any one area such as Finance, Taxation, Auditing, Organisational and Strategic Business Management and Information Technology as required by Chartered Accountants Ireland at the point of admission to membership. This experience needs to be recorded on a periodic basis in the Chartered Accountants Diary of Professional Development and to be signed off by your Chartered Accountant mentor. This diary is an on-line tool in which all students can record their experience, and is regularly monitored by Chartered Accountants Ireland. Chartered Accountants Ireland’s Training Support Unit will be able to advise you on the acceptability or otherwise of your experience to enable you to apply for membership.

The amount of experience required is dependent on educational background:

• Recognised Masters in Accounting: 3 years
• Undergraduate degree: 3.5 years
• IATI qualification: 4 years

It is possible to claim credit for prior recognised experience up to a maximum of 18 months. Students seeking such recognition must submit details on the application available on our website within 3 months of registering with Chartered Accountants Ireland. You are expected to complete your relevant experience within 8 years from the date at which you first register with us.