All of us earn to be professionals having a competency in a chosen field. Those good at numbers look for a profession with an accounting background. It is worth to become a Chartered Accountant and help people and companies manage their wealth. Chartered Accountancy is a highly illustrious, dynamic and rewarding profession.

According to Jaydeep Narendra Shah, president, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, “Chartered Accountancy course is not tough, provided one plans and works effectively towards the achievement of the desired goal.” Shah adds: “Remember, a piece of gold has to pass through intense heat before it can get its shine and sparkle.” He advises students to have confidence in themselves and have a positive approach and not allow negativity to creep-in. Shah’s mantra for success is as follows:
• Plan your studies and study regularly
• Do not resort to selective studies. All topics must be assimilated fully
• Avoid time wasting activities. However,mix recreation in a limited manner to keep mind fresh
• Discuss with your principal, experienced faculties and successful senior students
• Focus your answers to the questions that have been asked. Do not write vague and irrelevant answers.
• While writing answers in the examinations, you must use good language and write legibly
• Success is yours only if you aspire and work for it. In the words of Napoleon Hill “Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.”
The ICAI periodically reviews the scheme of Education and Training to remain in tandem with developments in the field of education and other changes at national and global level. Evolving business also demands newer skills from the
accounting professionals. Accordingly, the existing scheme was revamped and the new scheme was launched on 10th December, 2008.
Different levels of Chartered Accountancy Course
1. Entry Level Test - Common Proficiency Test
2. First Stage of Theoretical Education - Integrated Professional Competence Course
3. Final Stage of Theoretical Education - Final Course
The Entry level test is named as Common Proficiency Test (CPT) which is designed in the pattern of entry level test for engineering, medical and other professional courses. It is a test of four hours duration comprising of two sessions of two hours each, with a break between two sessions. The test comprises of objective type questions only with negative marking for choosing wrong options. This year the CPT is being held on 17 June 2012.
The Common Proficiency Test (CPT) has replaced Professional Education (Course-I)effective from September 13, 2006. The last Professional Education (Examination – I) was held in November, 2007.
The Integrated Professional Competence Course (IPCC) with an upgraded syllabus has replaced the Professional Competence Course (PCC) effective from December 10, 2008. The last PCC examination will be held in November, 2012.
The last leg of the Chartered Accountancy is Final Course, designed to impart expert knowledge in financial reporting, auditing and professional ethics, taxation, corporate laws, system control, strategic finance and advanced management accountancy. The Final (New)Course was launched in February 2007 and the first examination under the new scheme was held in November, 2008. The last Final (Old)Course examination was held in November, 2010.
According to the Institute, “Updated syllabus is benchmarked to Chartered Accountancy courses available around the globe and is fully compliant to International Education Standards issued by the International Federation of Accountants.” Under the present scheme the period of articled training is three years. While, new upgraded 100 Hours of Information Technology Training replaced 250 Hours Compulsory Computer Training in December, 2006.
The present scheme emphasizes on –
• Instituting a uniform entry level test – the Common Proficiency Test for all the students joining IPCC - ATC
• Encouraging young talented students having aptitude for accounting education to make an early entry to the profession
• Complementing theoretical education by appropriate modules of practical training 
• Providing quality classroom education through efficient accredited institutions
• Imparting an upgraded Information Technology Training
• Facilitating additional courses of study during articleship training
• Helping students in acquiring professional ethical values and attitudes
• Inculcating analytical ability among the students through case studies; and
• Globalizing chartered accountancy education through organization of education and training abroad
How to become an Accounting Technician
(i) Enrol with the Institute for Common Proficiency Test (CPT) after passing class X examination conducted by an examining body constituted by law in India or an examination recognized by the Central Government as equivalent thereto.
(ii) Appear in CPT after appearing in the senior secondary examination (10+2 examination)conducted by an examining body constituted by law in India or an examination recognized by the Central Government as equivalent thereto and after completion of specified period (60 days) from the date of registration for CPT with the Board of Studies as on the first day of the month in which examination is to be held, viz., students registered on or before 1st April/1st October will be eligible to appear in June/December examination, as the case may be. However, candidate should pass both CPT and 10+2 before registering for Accounting Technician Course (ATC).
(iii) Enrol for ATC
(iv) Successful completion of nine month study course from the date of ATC registration
(v) Successful completion of Orientation Course of one week spanning 35 hours and covering topics, such as personality development, communication skills, office procedure, business environment, general commercial knowledge, etc.
(vi) Successful completion of 100 hours Information Technology Training (ITT).
(vii) Appear and pass Accounting Technician Examination (ATE) (i.e. Group I of Integrated Professional Competence Examination (IPCE)) comprising of four papers
(viii) Successfully complete one year work experience under a chartered accountant in practice or in industry
(ix) Get Accounting Technician Certificate
(x) Designate as “Accounting Technician” How to become a CA, even after becoming Accounting Technician
(i) Enrol for Group II of Integrated Professional Competence Course (IPCC)
(ii) Register as an Articled Assistant for a period of 3 years
(iii) Appear and pass Group II of Integrated Professional Competence Examination (IPCE) comprising of three papers
(iv) Register for CA Final Course and prepare for CA Final Examination
(v) Undergo General Management and Communication Skills (GMCS) (15 days)course while undergoing Final Course and serving the last 12 months of articled training
(vi) Complete 3 years period of articled training
(vii) Appear in the Final Examination on completion of the practical training or while serving last 6 months of articled training on or before the last day of the month preceding the month in which the examination is to be held.
(viii) Pass final examination and complete GMCS, if not completed earlier.
(ix) Enrol as a member of ICAI and designate as “Chartered Accountant”.
For details contact:
ICAI Bhawan, 11-5-398/C, Red Hills,
Hyderabad-500004
Tel: 23393182, 23317026/ 27/ 28