Please note: This Mentored Practical Experience module is delivered in the CA Program's accredited Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting course which is currently in teach out.

Show what you’ve learnt

To become a CA, you must complete the Practical Experience Program to be awarded the designation.

Mentored Practical Experience ensures your learning is applied in a professional context.

You will need to demonstrate competency in at least two of the following technical areas:

• accounting academic
• accounting information systems
• auditing
• external reporting
• financial management
• insolvency and reconstructions
• management accounting
• taxation
• financial advice

You will also need to demonstrate competency in all of the following non-technical areas:

• teamwork
• organisational skills
• research and evaluation
• decision making
• exercising ethical and professional behaviour
• communication and interpersonal skills

You can start your practical experience before commencing any CA Program modules. You can find more information on the competencies and the logbook to record your progress by referring to the related downloads below.

Both your mentor and your manager will provide you with ongoing opportunities to develop and demonstrate your required competencies and help guide and monitor your progress.

Get help and support

Mentored Practical Experience is designed to help strengthen your professional judgement, leadership and teamwork skills.

Your mentor should provide career guidance, support and insights to the accounting profession.

Your progress will be regularly supervised and monitored by a mentor who:

• Shares their knowledge and experience.
• Helps you identify and find ways to fill any gaps in your knowledge.
• Monitors your competency through regular face-to-face meetings.
• Ensures practical experience meets your development needs as well as your employer’s needs.

When you’re ready to apply to become a Chartered Accountant, your Mentor will submit a report confirming your progress and achievements as part of your application.

Working arrangements

You need to be working in a relevant accounting role for at least 17.5 hours per week with a verified approved employer.

There are two types of approved employers:

• An Approved Training Employer (ATE) who offers work experience and training that meets the practical experience requirements for Chartered Accountants.
• A Recognised Training Employer (RTE) who offers an in-house training program that has been approved by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Finding a mentor

You are responsible for finding your own mentor. An experienced Chartered Accountant at your work would be a good place start.

If that isn’t an option, an experienced Chartered Accountant elsewhere is acceptable.

All mentors must be an experienced Chartered Accountant who is a current member of with Chartered Accountants ANZ or a similarly recognised overseas body (a member of the Global Accounting Alliance).

Warning:  This Mentored Practical Experience module is currently in teach out and is not open for new admissions.