Icpa | notice on global reform and restructuring of the iaap icpa qualification examination

Notice on Global Reform and Restructuring of the IAAP ICPA Qualification Examination

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To address the profound transformation of the accounting profession driven by the digitalization of the global economy, corporate sustainability imperatives, and the expansion of multinational operations — and to continuously enhance the international authority and global credibility of the IAAP International Certified Public Accountant (ICPA) qualification — the IAB Group has decided to undertake a comprehensive reform and restructuring to the ICPA curriculum structure and examination system administered by its member organization, the International Association of Accounting Professionals (IAAP).

This reform will take effect after the first global examination in 2026 to ensure that the ICPA qualification consistently upholds the highest global professional standards.

Curriculum Reform

The reform ICPA curriculum is structured into three phases, comprising a total of 12 courses:

Phase I: Core Competencies (Courses 1–4)

  1. International Auditing
  2. International Accounting
  3. Management Accounting
  4. International Financial Reporting Standards

Phase II: Comprehensive Applications (Courses 5–8)

  1. International Tax Management
  2. Internal Control and Risk Prevention
  3. Application of Digitalization in Financial Management
  4. Global Business Rules and Compliance Risks

Phase III: Strategic Vision (Courses 9–12)

  1. Cross-border Investment and Financing Strategies
  2. Corporate Governance and Strategic Business Analysis
  3. Strategic Financial Management
  4. Sustainable Development and ESG Strategy 

Certification Examination Reform

The reformed certification examination will comprise three comprehensive examinations, each encompassing four subjects.

  • Examinations I and II: Duration of 90 minutes each
  • Examination III (Strategic Vision): Duration of 210 minutes

Candidates who have already completed part of the existing examination series prior to this adjustment will be allowed to finish their remaining subjects according to the original examination structure.

Purpose and Significance

  1. Strategic Modernization:
    This decision reflects IAB Group’s in-depth research into global accounting trends and its precise understanding of the evolving professional requirements for high-level international accounting talent. The reform aims to ensure that ICPA charterholders maintain enduring authority and professional excellence within the international accounting community, while nurturing a new generation of globally competent professionals with both comprehensive knowledge and advanced practical capability.
  2. Quality Enhancement:
    The new structure will strengthen the overall quality management of the global ICPA examination by optimizing the knowledge system and competency framework, aligning them with the elevated expectations of the digital economy era.
  3. Global Credibility:
    The introduction of more rigorous and scientifically designed certification standards will reinforce the systematic nature of the curriculum and the depth of practical application, enabling ICPA holders to gain stronger recognition from multinational corporations, regulatory institutions, and global capital markets.
  4. Talent Development and Sustainability:

The reform emphasizes cultivating internationally minded, multidisciplinary professionals by assessing candidates’ mastery of frontier knowledge and ensuring course content reflects current international business and regulatory contexts. This will further strengthen the ICPA’s credibility and recognition worldwide and support the sustainable development of international accounting professionals.