About CAT
There are a total of 9 examinable papers split into 3 levels. Topics cover financial and management accounting, IT, audit procedures, tax and finance management. Papers 1 to 4 are computer based exams which can be taken whenever you are ready, whereas the remaining papers are assessed through written exams in June and December each year. Students can sit exams in any order although we do advise to take them in numerical order if possible.
There is no restriction to the number of exams you may attempt, allowing you to choose to sit as many or as few papers as you like at each exam session. You are, however, recommended to attempt a maximum of four papers in each exam sitting.
Pre-requisites
CAT is open to anyone aged 16 years and over. The CAT qualification is awarded by the ACCA and you will therefore need to register as a student member online. No formal academic qualifications are needed to register, although it is recommended that you have a reasonable level of numeracy skills.
Modules and structure
CAT is split into 3 levels – introductory, intermediate and advanced level. Advanced Level exams are of equivalent standard to the first year of a university degree and offer a choice of options to suit your career needs.
Exemptions
There are no formal academic qualifications necessary to register for the CAT qualification. However your previous qualifications may entitle you to exemptions from some of the CAT exams. This means that you will start your studies at the most appropriate level according to your knowledge and skills. ACCA’s website includes an exemptions database where you can find out if you are eligible.
You may also be able to claim exemptions from the introductory papers of the CAT qualification, if you already have one year's relevant practical experience.