A respected route into professional accountancy and business leadership
The ACA develops technical knowledge, commercial awareness, ethical judgement and the ability to communicate clear recommendations in real business scenarios.
ACA and Next Generation ACA
Modern ACA preparation for computer-based exams
Prepare for ICAEW ACA and BICA-style Case Study assessments through structured revision, realistic online mocks, spreadsheet practice, word-processing answers, exhibit review and tutor feedback.
Practice that feels closer to the real exam
Students work with source documents, advance information, requirements, spreadsheet calculations and written answers in one exam-style workspace.
The ACA levels
From foundation knowledge to professional judgement
SoftDayta's course support is designed around the progression in the ICAEW Next Generation ACA syllabus: core technical knowledge, applied professional scenarios and advanced case-study judgement.
Next Generation ACA Certificate
Six foundation exams covering accounting, assurance, business, law, sustainability, ethics and tax. These build the base for later scenario-based work.
Next Generation ACA Professional
Six applied exams that move students from knowledge recall to real-life business, audit, reporting, strategy, finance and tax judgement.
ACA Advanced
Two open-book case studies where students analyse complex business information, write recommendations and demonstrate senior-level judgement.
Based on the ICAEW Next Generation ACA Syllabus Handbook for exams in 2025-2026.
View official syllabus handbook
Exam resource library
Build resources around each ACA exam
Each paper below can become its own resource hub with tutor notes, question practice, mock exams, debrief recordings, formula sheets, source documents and marked-script examples.
Certificate Level
Foundation exams
Designed to introduce the fundamentals of business, finance and accountancy. Certificate exams have a 55% pass mark and can be attempted throughout the year.
Accounting Fundamentals
Core bookkeeping, accounting records, financial statements and the logic behind accounting information.
Resource slots
- Topic notes and worked examples
- Objective-test question bank
- Mini mock and feedback
Assurance and Risk Fundamentals
Assurance concepts, risk, controls, evidence and the mindset needed for audit and assurance work.
Resource slots
- Assurance process guide
- Controls and evidence drills
- Scenario practice
Business Insight and Performance
Business performance, data interpretation, commercial awareness and management information for decision making.
Resource slots
- Ratio and KPI pack
- Spreadsheet practice
- Business scenario questions
Business Law
Legal principles relevant to business, organisations, contracts, employment, insolvency and professional obligations.
Resource slots
- Law summary sheets
- Case-style examples
- Revision flashcards
Sustainability and Ethics
Sustainability, ethical frameworks, professional behaviour and the judgement expected from future accountants.
Resource slots
- Ethics decision framework
- Sustainability examples
- Short-form practice
Tax Fundamentals
Tax principles, compliance basics and the building blocks needed before more advanced tax planning work.
Resource slots
- Tax rates and rules sheet
- Calculation workbook
- Timed objective practice
Professional Level
Applied exams
Professional Level exams test technical knowledge in realistic scenarios. Most are 2.5 hours, with Assurance, Risk and Reporting plus Tax Compliance and Planning at 3 hours.
Fundamental Case Study
An open-book bridge from Certificate knowledge to applied professional judgement, communication and business analysis.
Resource slots
- Advance information pack
- Requirement planning templates
- Marked scripts and debrief
Assurance, Risk and Reporting
Audit, assurance, risk management and reporting issues in connected business scenarios.
Resource slots
- Audit risk workbook
- Reporting issue drills
- Integrated mock
Business and Digital Strategy
Strategy, digital change, technology, markets, value creation and business decision making.
Resource slots
- Strategic models guide
- Digital transformation cases
- Recommendation writing practice
Corporate Financial Strategy
Financing, valuation, investment appraisal, risk and financial strategy in corporate decision making.
Resource slots
- Formula and calculator pack
- Spreadsheet models
- Scenario question set
- Common question attempt guidance
Corporate Reporting, Data and Assurance
Corporate reporting, data analysis and assurance judgement using technical knowledge in connected scenarios.
Resource slots
- Reporting standards map
- Data table practice
- Marked long-form answers
Tax Compliance and Planning
Tax compliance and planning in business and personal scenarios, including calculations and advice.
Resource slots
- Tax planning workbook
- Compliance checklist
- Timed mock and review
Advanced Level
Senior-level case studies
Advanced exams are open book and focus on problem solving, critical thinking, ethical implications and clear business recommendations.
Technical Case Study
Advanced technical application, analysis and professional judgement using detailed business information.
Resource slots
- Advance information resource room
- Requirement-specific spreadsheet packs
- Mock, marking and debrief
Strategic Case Study
Strategic decision making, senior-level communication and recommendations from complex case evidence.
Resource slots
- Strategic issue tracker
- Executive-summary practice
- Marked scripts and tutor notes
Case Study workspace support
SoftDayta can host advance information, exhibits, spreadsheet workings, written attempts, tutor marking and debrief links.
Resource slots
- Upload source documents
- Add tutor references per requirement
- Publish student mock attempts
Practice platform
Support for realistic exam preparation
The platform focuses on the skills students actually need in modern computer-based exams: analysis, calculation, writing, judgement and review.
Realistic mocksTimed practice with documents, exhibits, spreadsheet work and written responses.
Case Study focusAdvance information, requirement planning, judgement and recommendation writing.
Tutor feedbackMarked scripts, debriefs and targeted improvement points after each attempt.
Next generation skillsApplied analysis, communication, ethics, digital confidence and exam technique.
Ready to practise?
Book a mock or register interest in ACA tuition.
Use the online mock workspace or contact SoftDayta to discuss the next ACA / BICA Case Study cohort.
SoftDayta Learning is an independent tuition and exam-practice platform. ICAEW, ACA and BICA are referenced only to identify qualification routes. SoftDayta is not endorsed by or affiliated with ICAEW or BICA unless expressly stated.