Certified Accounting Technician

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The Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) qualification is offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The CAT qualification is internationally recognised and highly regarded and can lead to a challenging and rewarding career. Upon completion of the exams and required practical work experience the CAT graduate will be able to apply to use the letters CAT after his or her name. In addition, they will have the opportunity to join the CAT alumni.

Although CAT can be obtained as a standalone qualification, it is often the case that individuals study for CAT as an introductionary qualification in accountancy prior to training to become a Chartered Certified Accountant through the ACCA Professional Scheme. It usually takes one and a half years to complete the nine CAT exams. However, there is no restriction on the number of papers that can be attempted in each sitting.

Alternatives to the CAT qualification include the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification. ACCA was a sponsor of the AAT before breaking its links in favour of the CAT qualification in the mid 1990s.

The Certified Accounting Technician qualification (CAT) has now been placed on the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) National Qualifications Framework which means that publicly funded educational institutions are now eligible for grants to help them train individuals towards this qualification in the United Kingdom.