[2] It was the first to adopt the designation "Chartered Accountant" and the designatory letters "CA" are still an exclusive privilege in the UK for ICAS members.

It generally takes 3 years to qualify as a CA during which students will combine structured work experience with classroom-based study of relevant education syllabus.

The training programme enables students to develop the professional knowledge, skills and attributes essential to qualify as a CA.

In order to be eligible to enter training to become a chartered accountant, prospective CA students must hold a UK degree (or overseas equivalent).

ICAS is a Designated Professional Body under the Financial Services and Markets Act, licensing firms of CAs to conduct a range of incidental investment business activities.

ICAS is able to authorise members to conduct audit, insolvency and investment business work in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and Luxembourg.

It creates a community of hundreds of thousands of chartered accountants and students who share a commitment to the highest standards of professional and ethical practice.