Share Article
We find out when people qualify and what study support they get
📄 ACA
🕐 Range 22 – 27 years old
🕕 Median age – 24 years old
ACAs generally take 3-5 years to qualify depending on if they are on a graduate or school leaver scheme.
📄 CIMA
🕐 Range 23 – 40 years old
🕕 Median age – 29 years old
82% were qualified by the age of 30.
📄 ACCA
🕐 Range 23 – 34 years old
🕕 Median – 27 years old
Key Facts
📃 CIMA is the most studied qualification
💸 28% Self fund their studies
💼 Of those supported, just 17% go to a classroom to study
👩🎓 On average (median), ACAs qualify at 24, ACCA at 27 an CIMA at 29.
ACCA/CIMA generally take longer to complete as they are taken at their own pace and may be self funded. One of the reasons we find ACCA is completed earlier is that some candidates have more exemptions for ACCA and as such, less exams to actually take. The key thing here is not to rush it and in reality, it does not matter when you qualify, there just tends to be less life distractions earlier on in your career!
You may also be interested in…
Salary Survey Q4 2025
SALARY SURVEY Q4 2025 Counted are carrying out a quarterly survey of the salaries earned by accountants in the West Midlands. Here is our latest!
State of the Market Report Q2 2025
How busy is the market?
This report tells you.
15 Listed Companies for Accountants to target in the Midlands
Want to work for a listed entity? There are plenty in the Midlands!
