Education & Training - Key Developments
Author:
Ronan O'Loughlin
CONSULTATION
At the end of July the ICAI Education and Training Department (ETD) released a consultation paper on a proposed new education and assessment structure. The paper proposed a number of major changes to the existing system and series of new developments in the professional education of accountants in Ireland. The closing date for comments was 28th October.
Comments were received from a wide variety of stakeholders: training firms - small, medium and large, trainers outside practice, trainees, student societies, universities, institutes of technology, individual members, ICAI lecturers, examiners, moderators, ICAI committees, network groups,district societies and staff.
In August 2004 the ICAI Education and Training Committee (ETC) approved the move to competency based education and training. The recent consultation proposals attempt to reflect this decision in the education and assessment system just as competency led training is now reflected in the CA Diary of Professional Development which is to replace the current, time based, Training Record (see Accountancy Ireland, October 2005, pp 85-86).
ETD is now in the process of analysing and assessing the views of commentators in order to finalise a new education and assessment structure. This will be done with the approval of the ETC.
Readers will be kept informed of the outcome of the consultation.
For further details, please contact Ronan O'Loughlin, Education and Training Director ICAI at ronan.oloughlin@icai.ie or 01 637 7329
SYLLABUS 2005/06
The syllabus for the 2006 examinations in respect of Prof Two/ Prof Three and FAE is being distributed to students at lectures. Copies are also available from the Examination Dept. (Tel 637 7220)
EXAMINATION ENTRY FORMS 2006
Examination entry forms for 2006 are being circulated to students with this issue of Accountancy Ireland. Students/firms may obtain directly from Ann-Marie O'Sullivan in the Examination Department (Tel: (01) 637 7220) or from the Belfast Office (Tel: (028) 90 321600). The closing date for receipt of entries for the Summer 2006 Session (Professional Two and Three) is Tuesday 28th February. Entry forms will be accepted after the closing date on payment of an additional fee.
EXAM INFORMATION
The following items are accessible in the exams section of the Student page of the website, www.icai.ie
- Examination entry form
- Examination syllabus
- Examination regulations
PRE-CONTRACT REGISTRATION
The recently launched Pre-Contract route which allows students to choose when to enter into their training contract has proved to be an attractive option for students enrolling for 2005/2006. This exciting new route means Professional Two and Professional Three examinations may be taken while outside of a contract. However, in order to sit the Final Admitting Exam, students must have entered into a training contract. The initial success of this route will be built upon for enrolment next year. An information brochure is available in the Student Registration area of the website.
CENTRE OF ACCOUNTING STUDIES (CAS) COURSE
From October 2005, trainee accountants can avail of Chartered Accountancy courses in Sligo Institute of Technology and Athlone Institute of Technology. Professional Two is also added to the ACA programme in Cork. This brings to 9 the number of centres operated by the Institute. These courses, run by the CAS, offer the most modern, dynamic accountancy education leading to Ireland's most prestigious qualification.
COMPANY LAW ASSESSMENT
The 2006 main sessions will be held as follows:
Thursday 25th May .
2.30 pm to 4.00 pm
Thursday 14th September
2.30 pm to 4.00 pm
The following study material is on sale from the Institute:
N.I. study manual ……..£ 21
ROI study manual…..€ 30
Combined Companies
Acts (ROI) €175
(Plus €8.50 postage)
STUDENT MEETINGS
I am conscious that students may wish to meet with me from time to time. Please feel free to contact me to make an appointment by phone or at ronan.oloughlin@icai.ie