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ROUTES TO IFA MEMBERSHIP VIA IFA DIRECT
• Studying on IFA Direct is ideal if you are looking for a route to membership, gaining a practising certificate or want to invest in relevant continuing professional development.
• You will develop your knowledge and skills and gain a broader and deeper understanding of key subjects relevant to accountants and tax advisers in, or supporting, small businesses.
14 units, three routes to membership
Follow either of the following two routes to be eligible for IFA membership as an Associate or a Tax Adviser and, there’s the opportunity for UK-based members to gain an IFA practising certificate.
Intermediate Financial Accountant IFA AIPA Route
Associate AFA/MIPA Route
Tax Adviser ATA/AIPA Route
Exemptions
If you already hold an accounting or associated degree or master’s degree or have completed or part-completed a professional accounting qualification you may not be required to undertake all the units.
The units you need to complete to achieve Intermediate, Associate or Associate Tax Adviser status will be dependent on the units that form part of your previous qualifications. 
Exemptions will be awarded based upon previous relevant qualifications i.e. if you have part-qualified with a professional body such as ACCA or AAT or have taken modules within a bachelor’s or master’s degree which are equivalent to the units provided within IFA Direct.
A route tailored for you
Once we receive your application form together with your certified qualification transcripts and certificates, we will provide you with a tailored route to membership based upon your requirements and advise you of any exemptions you are eligible for.
Credit value*
This is the number of credits that will be awarded to a learner who has achieved each unit. The credits that you achieve accumulate and can be used towards completion of the full ATHE accountancy qualifications or can be transferred towards additional study for example a top-up degree.
Guided learning hours (GLH)**
This is an estimate of the amount of time, on average, required to achieve a unit to the appropriate standard.
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