Are the education standards in each Institute comparative?
The establishment of IAASA provided a common standard for the education of accountants in Ireland.  Both CPA Ireland and Chartered Accountants Ireland have been overseen by IAASA for the best part of two decades and are required to meet the same educational standards. Both bodies are engaging with QQI on the proposed Listed Awards Body process which envisages both qualifications being aligned at Level 9 (post graduate level).
 
How will you ensure the quality of education standards after amalgamation?
Both Institutes have recently jointly reviewed the examination syllabi and have identified significant commonality. Both Institutes are satisfied that both bodies are aligned on the educational standards demanded of our student members. Significant syllabus research has recently been concluded on the future skills of accountants and this will inform future syllabus development.
 
What Designation will be adopted?
The Chartered Accountants Ireland qualification will be adopted, however there will be dual designation with members able to use ACA/FCA and CPA/FCPA designations. Dual designation will increase member access to global markets, benefitting members and students.
 
How will education be delivered? 
Each Institute uses a specific model of delivery. Chartered Accountants Ireland has its own online delivery, supplemented by limited face to face teaching. CPA Ireland partner with leading educators such as MTU and Griffith College to deliver its educational programme. If members approve the amalgamation, the CPA Ireland Strategic Level arrangement will continue for a period of three years. CPA Ireland Foundation and Professional Level students will be enabled to convert to the Chartered programme in a timely manner with the aim of making this transition as smooth as possible.
 
How will exams be delivered?
Both Institutes use the same examination platform, Cirrus, with an agreed development pathway.  This should make the process of amalgamation easier.
 
Final Year Students - how will they be designated?
Existing CPA Strategic Level students sitting their final exam, will be allowed see out their studies within the existing curricula and receive ACA and CPA upon completion of their studies.
 
What will be the training duration requirements?
There are no plans to shorten the current 3.5 year training duration requirement for students to qualify as chartered accountants. Currently CPA Ireland graduates typically apply for membership after a period of at least 3.5 years.
 
What training documentation will be required?
Both Chartered Accountants Ireland and CPA Ireland require students to document their training experience and achievement of the required competencies. This will continue for students. Opportunities to streamline and simplify these requirements will be progressed over time.
 
What impact will this have on students currently studying?
Existing CPA Strategic Level students sitting their strategic exam will be allowed see out their studies within the existing CPA Ireland curricula and exams. (A three-year window is envisaged to allow CPA Ireland students to complete their studies.)
 
All new and existing CPA students at Foundation and Professional levels will transition to the chartered education programme.
 
What does this mean for ATI (Accounting Technicians Ireland)?
The amalgamation will strengthen the relationship with ATI, notably increasing awareness of the profession at school-level and encouraging increased diversity of intake into the profession in particular via the apprenticeship route.