Through its partnership with the UK’s largest professional education provider BPP, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has expanded access to its Accounting and Business Professional (ABP) qualification south of the border.

Eligible for Level 4 apprenticeship funding, the programme offers employers a cost-effective way to strengthen finance teams, build wider business capability, and develop talent with minimal disruption to day-to-day operations. For learners, it provides a flexible route to enhance their careers either by upskilling or formalising existing expertise, while gaining a professional designation from a globally respected body.

The ABP qualification uniquely combines the ICAS Certificate in Accounting and Business (CAB) with relevant practical experience, creating a professional development pathway that blends foundational accounting knowledge with broader business skills and real-world application.

Building on a training partnership spanning more than two decades, BPP will deliver the qualification in England through a mix of in-person and online learning. The programme, which typically takes 12-15 months to complete, provides a recognised standalone qualification, with the option to progress to Chartered Accountant (CA) status through exemptions from the first level of the CA syllabus.

Gail Boag, ICAS CEO, said: “Organisations are increasingly looking to build workforces with the accounting and business expertise required to succeed in today’s economy. The ICAS ABP addresses this need by combining technical knowledge, commercial awareness and real-world experience in a practical, accessible qualification. Crucially, it also opens a new pathway to Chartered Accountant status.

“Expanding the delivery of this qualification into England with BPP reflects our commitment to widening access to the profession and strengthening the long-term CA talent pipeline across the UK and beyond.”

Jo Preston-Taylor CA, chief financial officer at BPP and ICAS member, added: “The introduction of the ICAS ABP in England marks an important step in expanding access to professional qualifications and an exciting new chapter in our long-standing partnership.

“For more than 25 years, we have worked with ICAS to prepare learners in practice. This launch builds on that delivery experience, enabling more individuals and organisations to benefit from a flexible route, while maintaining the quality and rigour that are fundamental to ICAS qualifications.”