Qualifications / Accounting and Finance
Level 6 Diploma in Professional Accountancy (2026 exams onwards)
The KPA Level 6 Diploma in Professional Accountancy is a professional development qualification, providing an in-depth understanding of accountancy, finance and business. It helps candidates build the technical knowledge, professional skills and practical experience required to progress to the Advanced level of the ICAEW/AQA qualification.
The six mandatory units within this qualification are designed to complement practical work experience, making it the ideal choice for working finance professionals.
The content of this qualification can be delivered from September 2025, however, the first exam sittings will be in 2026 as follows:
- Fundamental Case Study: 1st May 2026
- Assurance, Risk and Reporting: 1st May 2026
- Business and Digital Strategy: 19th May 2026
- Corporate Reporting, Data and Assurance: 23rd July 2026
- Tax Compliance and Planning: 23rd July 2026
- Corporate Financial Strategy: No sitting until 2027
Fee (does not include a course or training)
£1,320 (£220/unit)
Qualification overview
The KPA Level 6 Diploma in Professional Accountancy is a professional development programme, providing a comprehensive understanding of accountancy, finance and business. This helps the candidate to build the technical knowledge, professional skills, and practical experience needed to progress to the advanced level of the ICAEW/ACA qualification. Upon successful completion, candidates will achieve a nationally recognised KPA Level 6 Diploma in Professional Accountancy qualification.
Who is this qualification for?
This qualification is the perfect choice for individuals who are pursuing or progressing a career in professional accountancy. Candidates who have completed the ICAEW/ACA certificate level (CFAB) will be equipped with the technical knowledge and application skills necessary to tackle the KPA level 6 Diploma in Professional Accountancy.
Progression opportunities
The KPA Level 6 Diploma in Professional Accountancy provides Credits for Prior Learning (CPL) for the ICAEW/ACA Professional level, subject to application to ICAEW. Candidates will be able to progress to study the ICAEW/ACA advanced level qualification, which will, subject to other ICAEW criteria, allow a successful candidate to qualify as a Chartered Accountant with the ICAEW.
Entry requirements
Candidates must demonstrate completion of the ACA certificate level (CFAB) or exemptions from the ACA certificate level (CFAB) granted by the ICAEW.
Exemptions and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
KPA will recognise prior learning of ICAEW professional level subjects where assessments have been completed.
Delivery languages
This qualification is available in English only at this time.
In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, it is preferable to have proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent).
Support and recognition
The KPA Level 6 Diploma in Professional Accountancy (RQF) qualification has industry support from:
Structure and assessment
This qualification is composed of six units, which are listed in the qualification structure below. The candidate must successfully complete all required assessments to obtain the qualification certification. The total qualification time for this qualification is 370 hours, which includes 304 hours of guided learning and 16 hours for assessment.
Qualification structure
| Unit title | Assessment method | Level | GLH | TQT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fundamental Case Study | A single multi-disciplinary business scenario, with supporting requirements (2.5 hours) | 6 | 26.5 | 32.5 |
| Assurance, Risk and Reporting | Externally set and marked computer-based exam (3 hours). Permitted text allowed. | 6 | 57 | 69 |
| Corporate Reporting, Data and Assurance | Externally set and marked computer-based exam (2.5 hours). Permitted text allowed. | 6 | 56.5 | 68.5 |
| Business and Digital Strategy | Externally set and marked computer-based exam (2.5 hours). No permitted texts. | 6 | 38.5 | 50.5 |
| Corporate Financial Strategy | Externally set and marked computer-based exam (2.5 hours). No permitted texts. | 6 | 50.5 | 62.5 |
| Tax Compliance and Planning | Externally set and marked computer-based exam (3 hours). Permitted text allowed. | 6 | 75 | 87 |
Assessment method
Each unit will be assessed by a computer-based examination. Each examination has a pass mark of 55%. Students will be permitted a maximum of four attempts at each unit.
What will your computer-based exams look like?
For computer-based examinations, KPA designs and administers examinations using RM's Assessment Master digital test platform. This intuitive, cloud-based platform allows us to provide:
- assistive technologies to improve the accessibility of your exam, such as changes to background and font size
- quality-assured marking, combining human expertise and technically enabled computer marking
- better data security as exam papers, candidate details and results are digitally stored with access restricted to the appropriate people
For further details, download the full specification found in the 'Documents and specification' section.
Training centres
This qualification is only available through KPA recognised training centres. Please contact the centre directly to find out if they are currently offering your chosen qualification.
Centres approved to run this qualification
| Training centre | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Kaplan Financial | Multiple locations | More info |
Becoming a KPA approved centre
To become a KPA approved centre you will need to meet general and specific requirements to ensure the standard and quality of the qualification delivery is maintained year on year.
Our dedicated support team will guide you through the application process and help to ensure you have all the information you need to deliver the qualification and assessment in the most effective way for your candidates.
All approved centres will be subject to ongoing regulatory processes, including centre visits, which will focus on the internal quality assurance process, management of the qualification delivery and the service provided to the candidate.
To learn more about becoming a KPA centre or working in partnership with a KPA centre, please contact us.
Documents and specification
Find documents below pertaining to this qualification, including the full specification, examiners reports and the permitted text for use during the exam:
Schedule of Key Dates
TBC
Qualification specification
TBC
Support documents
TBC
Examiners Reports
We will publish Examiner’s Reports after the first exam sitting.
Candidate support
It’s imperative to us that qualifications and assessments are accessible to all candidates. If you have any special needs, disabilities, temporary injuries or commitments that might impact upon your daily activities, for example pregnancy, breastfeeding or daily prayer, please notify us on registration so that we can ensure your needs are met.
KPA complies with the Equality Act 2010 and Ofqual general conditions of recognition regarding fair assessment. Our Access Arrangments policy aims to remove any unnecessary barriers to assessment that may prevent you from effectively demonstrating your competence.
You can apply for access arrangements by contacting our team to request an application form. Applications must meet the deadlines set out in the policy. If you are granted access arrangements, please inform us immediately if the circumstances related to your access arrangements change prior to your examination date.