Explanation of AQ PC RI

ACCA has made changes to the process in which members apply for a practising certificate (PC) and audit qualification (AQ).

With effect from 1 January 2025, ACCA has:

de-coupled the PC from the AQ in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and Dependencies and the Isle of Man and Zimbabwe; and
established a separate status of ‘Responsible Individual’ in the UK and Ireland.

As a result an AQ can be awarded separately from the PC, giving greater flexibility to applicants to allow them to apply for the AQ at the point at which they have achieved the required relevant audit experience and technical audit competences, be it as part of their student training or following membership. The AQ does not confer the right to be a statutory auditor. [Also relevant to point 6]

A member then can apply for a PC when required by them in order to carry out public practice. This includes demonstrating competence in a number of both technical and non-technical (practice related) competences relevant to their work. [relevant to point 7]

ACCA has also established a separate status of ‘Responsible Individual’ (RI). Members can apply for this approval when they intend to become statutory auditors. The applicant will need to have obtained their AQ and PC prior in order to be eligible for RI status. The RI status connects the member to an ACCA audit firm and establishes them as a statutory auditor. [relevant to point 8]

You do not need to apply for a practising certificate if you are engaged in public practice outside of the above territories or in a territory where there is no local requirement for you to hold an ACCA practising certificate but you must notify ACCA and apply to be placed on ACCA’s register of practitioners.