Skip to content
Qualifications

Four routes. One system for all of them.

ACCA, ICAN, ACCA professional certificates and HPS Executive Certifications are taught with the same discipline: practitioner lecturers, structured lessons, timed practice and a personal study plan. Choose the route, then see exactly what sits between you and the letters after your name.
Find my qualification path
Compare ACCA and ICAN
Routes HPS teaches4 routes
ACCAThe global chartered route3 levels · 15 examsICANChartered accountancy in Nigeria3 levels · 15 papersACCA CertificatesSpecialist certificates1 level · 6 programmesExecutiveExecutive certifications1 level · 7 programmes
The index
Each entry shows the structure as currently published. Syllabus versions are recorded against every paper and re-checked before each session.
01ACCAThe global chartered route3 levels15 examsAssociation of Chartered Certified AccountantsVerifiedThirteen exams across three levels, an ethics module and 36 months of practical experience. Four exam sessions a year, with on-demand computer-based exams for the first four papers.For: Graduates and professionals who want an internationally portable qualification, and ICAN members adding a second designation.Applied Knowledge · 3Applied Skills · 6Strategic Professional · 602ICANChartered accountancy in Nigeria3 levels15 papersInstitute of Chartered Accountants of NigeriaVerifiedFifteen papers across Foundation, Skills and Professional levels, with a compulsory Case Study. Two diets a year, in May and November.For: Students who intend to practise in Nigeria, work in the public sector or need the ACA for statutory roles.Foundation · 4Skills · 6Professional · 503ACCA CertificatesSpecialist certificates1 level6 programmesAssociation of Chartered Certified AccountantsVerifiedShort ACCA certificates in data analytics, sustainability, IFRS, international auditing, IPSAS and public financial management, delivered in cohorts of 5 days to 16 weeks.For: Qualified accountants and finance professionals adding a verified specialism to an existing qualification.Online certificates · 604ExecutiveExecutive certifications1 level7 programmesHedge Professional ServicesVerifiedHPS's own five-day and weekend programmes for finance leaders and teams: taxation, Excel modelling, project management, internal audit and risk-based oversight.For: Managers, directors and teams who need practical capability fast, usually through the Corporate Academy.Executive · 7
Pathways
Select a paper to see its format, timing and the HPS course that prepares you for it.

Select a paper to see its format, timing and the HPS course that prepares you for it.

Applied KnowledgeApplied SkillsStrategic ProfessionalEthics and Professional Skills Module runs alongsideChoose two options
Member
Lit: the route from FR to ACCA member

Formats and durations as ACCA publishes them for 2026/27. June 2027 is the last sitting of the current Applied Skills and Strategic Professional exams; ACCA's new qualification starts in September 2027. The Ethics and Professional Skills Module and 36 months of practical experience are also required.

How to choose
01

Where will you work?

If your career is in Nigeria, especially public sector or statutory roles, ICAN is the natural first designation. If it may cross borders, ACCA travels better. Many professionals hold both.

02

How much time can you protect each week?

ACCA's four sessions a year and on-demand papers suit people who want to sit one or two exams at a time around work. ICAN's two diets suit a steadier cadence of two to three papers a diet.

03

Do you already hold a qualification?

Degrees and professional bodies can earn exemptions. The rules are set by ACCA and ICAN, not by HPS, so treat any exemption estimate as indicative until confirmed with the body.

Compare routes side by side Moving between ICAN and ACCA

Specialist certificates

  • Certificate cohorts will be listed here as they open.
See the ACCA certificates