AIA NEWS QUALIFICATIONS
AIAWORLDWIDE.COM | ISSUE 125
AIA Qualification / Designation
Comparable Chinese Qualification Levels1
Comparable Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF) Levels
Comparable QF Emirates Levels
The new AIA professional qualification has been independently assessed by the UK National Information Centre (UK ENIC, formerly NARIC) for global qualifications and skills, ensuring that it remains at the appropriately high specification. AIA first commissioned the independent evaluation and benchmarking of the updated AIA Professional Qualification for assessment in November 2021, in relation to the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in the UK. The overall aim of this benchmarking exercise was to facilitate wider understanding of the comparable educational levels of all three levels of the programme and the AIA International Accountant designation. The report found the following comparability in the context of the UK education system, as show. In 2022, AIA commissioned an additional independent evaluation and benchmarking of the updated AIA Professional Qualification for assessment in relation to four international qualifications frameworks: India, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates and the People’s Republic of China. An in-depth comparison of the AIA Professional Qualification content and assessment was conducted as part of the comparative analysis in the context of the UK system in 2021. The findings and recommended levels of comparability of the AIA Professional Qualification and the three exit qualifications against the RQF in 2021 were used to determine an appropriate range of reference points in the international education systems. A comparative analysis was subsequently conducted against framework level descriptors and qualification levels in China. The report found the following comparability in the above frameworks
Comparable Indian National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) Levels
AIA ENIC international qualification comparison published
Certificate in Accountancy
Junior College (Zhuanke) Graduation Certificate standard
6
5
6
Diploma in Accountancy
Chinese Bachelor degree standard
7
6
7
Advanced Diploma in Accountancy
Chinese Master’s degree standard
9
7
9
International Accountant (IA)
Chinese Master’s degree standard
9
7
9
Professional Qualification for Statutory Auditors
Chinese Master’s degree standard
9
7
9
as shown. The assessment of the qualification used a well-established methodology for benchmarking qualifications to examine each qualification’s entry requirements, duration, structure, content, learning outcomes, modes of learning, assessment and associated outcomes. AIA President Shahram Moallemi said, ‘As part of the AIA’s ongoing qualification evaluation cycle, UK ENIC recently completed an independent review and found the AIA Professional Qualification to be comparable to a Master’s degree or postgraduate diploma across four international jurisdictions. The assessment and findings will help individuals and organisations to accurately assess the AIA Professional Qualification, make further international comparisons and reassure those using the services of AIA members that they can expect the highest standards.’ AIA also maintains its recognition as a for statutory auditors in the
UK, as a Prescribed Body under the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2014 in the Republic of Ireland, and as a supervisory body under the UK and ROI Money Laundering Regulations.
AIA Qualification / Designation
Comparable RQF level
Certificate in Accountancy
6
Diploma in Accountancy
6
Advanced Diploma in Accountancy
7
International Accountant (IA)
7
Recognised Professional Qualification (Qualification as a Statutory Auditor in the United Kingdom)
7
5