Home | Advancing Accountancy Education

Advancing Accountancy Education

Welcome to the IFAC Accountancy Education E-Tool. To learn more about IFAC's approach to accountancy education at the global level, check out this video. To learn how to use this e-tool, check out this video. For a regular update on our activities, sign up for the Accountancy Education eNews.

In the Spotlight

Sustainability Revisions to IES 2, 3 and 4 and Modernization of IES 6 on Assessment

Revisions to IES 2, 3 and 4 for sustainability, and IES 6 to modernize the assessment standard were approved by IFAC Board in February 2025. These updates will become effective from July 1, 2026.

This E-Tool is currently being updated to reflect these revisions - therefore, please refer to the PDF versions of the revisions on IFAC's website, rather than this E-Tool. For the current Handbook, which is effective until June 30, 2026, please access it here.

To support you in implementing these revisions, IFAC has produced a number of resources, which you can access here.

IFAC EdExchange Video Series

The IFAC EdExchange video series presents the sessions and speakers’ discussions to consider the impact for developing skills and competencies, or acquiring knowledge, for the accounting profession.

IFAC EdExchange Video Series - Learn More

Is there a transformation initiative you have undertaken you would like to share?

We have all been faced with the challenge of adapting to change at one time or another. This has been particularly evident over the past year and a half, whether it be moving to online examinations, implementing new digital skills and competencies, or considering how sustainability or ESG initiatives fit into your curricula. With that in mind, we would like to spotlight how your organization has adapted to change by providing some examples of initiatives that you have been able to implement to inspire other organizations on their transformation journeys. We can utilize several different formats to accomplish this. Please send an e-mail to Education@ifac.org with your ideas and we can discuss the most efficient way to highlight your initiatives.

IFAC Accountancy Education E-tool

This e-tool helps accountancy education stakeholders navigate and access key principles of the International Education Standards (IES) and related implementation support.

Entering an accounting education program

IES 1

Entry to a Program

Initial professional development content for aspiring accountants

IES 2

Technical Competence

IES 3

Professional Skills

IES 4

Professional Values, Ethics & Attitudes

Applying and assessing initial professional development for aspiring accountants

IES 5

Practical Experience

IES 6

Assessment

Building and maintaining skills and competence through continuing professional development

IES 7

Continuing Professional Development

IES 8

Audit Engagement Partner Competence

International Education Standards

While this e-tool provides easy access and navigation for the currently effective International Education Standards (IES), the 2019 Handbook of International Education Standards contains the authoritative set of standards, including the revisions that were effective January 1, 2021.

Download the 2019 Handbook

International Panel on Accountancy Education

The Panel is a key feature of IFAC’s approach to advancing accountancy education at the global level and instrumental in advising IFAC on how to assist professional accountancy organizations in preparing future-ready accountants.

IPAE Members

IFAC Member Organizations

IFAC member organizations serve the public interest by, among other actions and responsibilities, supporting international standards' adoption and implementation, including the IES.

Member Responsibilities

See the Status of Adoption of IES

SELF-ASSESSMENT AGAINST IES REQUIREMENTS

Level of Proficiency	Description
Foundation	Typically, learning outcomes in a competence area focus on: Defining, explaining, summarizing, and interpreting the underlying principles and theories of relevant areas of technical competence to complete tasks while working under appropriate supervision; Performing assigned tasks by using the appropriate professional skills; Recognizing the importance of professional values, ethics, and attitudes in performing assigned tasks; Solving simple problems, and referring complex tasks or problems to supervisors or those with specialized expertise; and Providing information and explaining ideas in a clear manner, using oral and written communications. Learning outcomes at the foundation level relate to work environments that are characterized by low levels of ambiguity, complexity, and uncertainty.
Intermediate	Typically, learning outcomes in a competence area focus on: Independently applying, comparing, and analyzing underlying principles and theories from relevant areas of technical competence to complete work assignments and make decisions; Combining technical competence and professional skills to complete work assignments; Applying professional values, ethics, and attitudes to work assignments; and Presenting information and explaining ideas in a clear manner, using oral and written communications, to accounting and non-accounting stakeholders. Learning outcomes at the intermediate level relate to work environments that are characterized by moderate levels of ambiguity, complexity, and uncertainty.
Advanced	Typically, learning outcomes in a competence area focus on: Selecting and integrating principles and theories from different areas of technical competence to manage and lead projects and work assignments, and to make recommendations appropriate to stakeholder needs; Integrating technical competence and professional skills to manage and lead projects and work assignments; Making judgments on appropriate courses of action drawing on professional values, ethics, and attitudes; Assessing, researching, and resolving complex problems with limited supervision; Anticipating, consulting appropriately, and developing solutions to complex problems and issues; and Consistently presenting and explaining relevant information in a persuasive manner to a wide-range of stakeholders. Learning outcomes at the advanced level relate to work environments that are characterized by high levels of ambiguity, complexity, and uncertainty.

Level of Proficiency

Description

Foundation

Typically, learning outcomes in a competence area focus on:

Defining, explaining, summarizing, and interpreting the underlying principles and theories of relevant areas of technical competence to complete tasks while working under appropriate supervision;
Performing assigned tasks by using the appropriate professional skills;
Recognizing the importance of professional values, ethics, and attitudes in performing assigned tasks;
Solving simple problems, and referring complex tasks or problems to supervisors or those with specialized expertise; and
Providing information and explaining ideas in a clear manner, using oral and written communications.

Learning outcomes at the foundation level relate to work environments that are characterized by low levels of ambiguity, complexity, and uncertainty.

Intermediate

Typically, learning outcomes in a competence area focus on:

Independently applying, comparing, and analyzing underlying principles and theories from relevant areas of technical competence to complete work assignments and make decisions;
Combining technical competence and professional skills to complete work assignments;
Applying professional values, ethics, and attitudes to work assignments; and
Presenting information and explaining ideas in a clear manner, using oral and written communications, to accounting and non-accounting stakeholders.

Learning outcomes at the intermediate level relate to work environments that are characterized by moderate levels of ambiguity, complexity, and uncertainty.

Advanced

Typically, learning outcomes in a competence area focus on:

Selecting and integrating principles and theories from different areas of technical competence to manage and lead projects and work assignments, and to make recommendations appropriate to stakeholder needs;
Integrating technical competence and professional skills to manage and lead projects and work assignments;
Making judgments on appropriate courses of action drawing on professional values, ethics, and attitudes;
Assessing, researching, and resolving complex problems with limited supervision;
Anticipating, consulting appropriately, and developing solutions to complex problems and issues; and
Consistently presenting and explaining relevant information in a persuasive manner to a wide-range of stakeholders.

Learning outcomes at the advanced level relate to work environments that are characterized by high levels of ambiguity, complexity, and uncertainty.

Advancing Accountancy Education

In the Spotlight

Sustainability Revisions to IES 2, 3 and 4 and Modernization of IES 6 on Assessment

IFAC EdExchange Video Series

Is there a transformation initiative you have undertaken you would like to share?

IFAC Accountancy Education E-tool

International Education Standards

International Panel on Accountancy Education

IFAC Member Organizations

Menu

IFAC Accountancy Education E-tool

Description of Levels of Proficiency