IFA Direct

ATHE and IFA offer IFA Direct pathway to professional membership for accountants.

Take the ATHE IFA Direct route to achieve professional membership for accountants:

  • achieving IFA membership
  • gaining an IFA practising certificate (UK members only)
  • investing in professional development

IFA membership

The IFA is a full member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) the global accounting standard-setter and regulator. Membership delivers enhanced professional recognition and career prospects and in addition, you will receive dual membership of the Institute of Public Accountants (Australia) and be able to use the designatory letters IFA AIPA or AFA MIPA dependent upon your eligibility.

To visit the IFA Direct website, click the button below.

Gain an IFA practising certificate (UK members only)

For UK-based members holding an IFA practising certificate means you can offer accountancy services to the general public and can do more than with many other associations and professional bodies. You’ll also be able to undertake charity independent examinations and be eligible to apply for a CAA ATOL licence

Invest in continuing professional development

Investing in relevant and regular CPD is an important way to stay abreast of new developments and best practice in a fast-changing environment. It can boost your motivation and improve the quality of your work and the service you provide.

  • Accessible – experience flexible but structured learning that you can plan around your life wherever you are in the world
  • Relevant – enjoy a programme tailored for accountants working in or supporting SMEs or SMPs
  • Recognised – gain verifiable CPD and transferable credits from a global awarding organisation recognised by Ofqual
  • Affordable – Each unit costs £300* with a one-off learner membership fee of £50* (*exc VAT)
  • ATHE one-time registration fees of £245 for the course also has to be paid. This will be for assessment, verification and certification.

Minimum requirements for study

Before you apply to study please ensure you meet our eligibility criteria.

  • 2 A level passes PLUS 5 GCSEs/vocational GCSEs/GCE/O level passes (grades 9-4/A-C) in five separate subjects including mathematics and English or equivalent; and/or
  • Level 3 book-keeping or accounting qualification which includes the ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.
  • Learners must also have an appropriate standard of English to enable them to access relevant resources and complete the unit assignments.

Digital literacy

All study is online and requires a basic level of digital literacy in the following areas:

  • using the internet
  • using Microsoft Word and Excel
  • using the centre’s online portal
  • unzipping documents

It is important that you understand these areas to be able to study effectively and gain the maximum benefits from the programme.

Unit and Assessment

14 units, three routes to membership. Click on Routes to IFA Membership & Units below to read more.