Exemptions

There are various routes to entry to the CPA qualification and you do not need a business related degree to follow a career in accountancy.

Holders of recognised qualifications (post grad, honours degree, ordinary degree, certificate, accounting technician etc.) may be entitled to various exemptions from the CPA exams.

The CPA programme comprises 15 examinations, made up of a formation level and a professional level, and a fully integrated practical experience requirement. Your entry point into CPA Program will be determined by an individual assessment of your prior education and experience.

All exemptions are granted on a subject-by-subject basis to students. A pass mark of 50% must be achieved in the relevant subjects to be eligible for exemptions. A summary of exemptions may be found by clicking the relevant colleges below.

• American College, Dublin

• Athlone IT

• Blanchardstown IT

• Cork IT

• Carlow IT

• DCU

• DBS

• DIT

• Dundalk IT

• GMIT

• Griffith College

• IMI

• IPA

• Letterkenny IT

• Limerick IT

• NCI

• NUI Galway

• NUI Maynooth

• Portobello

• IT Sligo

• IT Tallaght

• Tipperary Institute

• IT Tralee

• Trinity College Dublin

• UCC

• UCD

• UL

• UU

• Waterford IT

Professional Bodies

• ACCA

• CIMA

• ICAI

• AITI

Route to Entry for Leaving Certificate Students

For more information click here.

For a summary of exemptions awarded to those holding Accounting Technician qualifications click here.

To confirm your exemption entitlements you must send your exam result transcripts to Lisa Feery  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact our Education & Training Department on +353 1 425 1024. Exemptions can only be confirmed and granted upon receipt of original transcripts from your college.  Transcripts can be faxed to +353 1 425 1001

For further information about exemptions, or if your qualification is not listed above, please contact Ciara Murphy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01 4251000.