Extension of 'out of approved service' time and working part-time
In these times of economic uncertainty, candidates may find themselves out of approved employment or working part-time for a period of time whilst they are completing their Chartered Accountants Program.

To assist them to continue with their program studies, the Institute has recently extended the allowable out of approved service period from 1 module (16 weeks) to 2 modules (28 weeks). During this 'out of service' employment, candidates are required to nominate a CA mentor who they can refer to for support/queries relating to their module studies.

Current regulations also recognise candidates who work at least 17.5hpw to be in approved service and they can still study the modules and count all part-time experience towards their 3 year requirement for membership (on a pro-rata basis).

External and GAA mentoring options for candidates
To assist candidates who are ‘out of service’ or working for an organisaton where there are no Australian qualified CAs, continue with their program studies, the Institute does approve the following mentoring arrangements

• Mentoring can be undertaken by a member of any of the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA) bodies
• Mentoring can be undertaken by an external Australian CA or GAA member, where there is agreement by all parties including the external mentor, the candidate and the employing organisation.

Updated Practical Experience Logbook and Completion Guide
In response to customer feedback and to assist CA candidates meet the practical experience requirements, a revised logbook and completion guide has been posted on myCA. 

Whilst there are no changes to the actual competencies listed, this revised logbook and guide provides  further clarification on competency requirements and allows entries at either competency or indicator level.

The Activity Log Completion Guide (.doc) and sample of the updated logbook format is available on the Institute website, with the full version of the logbook available for download from myCA.

All queries relating to the Institute’s practical experience requirements should be directed to the Institute’s Practical Experience team via practicalexperience@charteredaccountants.com.au