Diploma in Accounting with Xero

The Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) program is a professional pathway offered by the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). It is designed to build real world skills in accounting, bookkeeping, public practice readiness, ethics, and practice management so you can support clients and employers with confidence.

The CAT program is made up of beginner friendly, practical modules that you complete online at your own pace. The structured modules cover:

• Professional ethics and compliance
• Digital business and cybersecurity
• Client and stakeholder management
• Practice and workflow management
• Advisory skills and sustainability

All learning material is provided through an easy to use online platform. Each module includes topic content, examples, and a summary or review section. The final module is an online assessment that you must pass with a mark of at least 50 percent.

Completing the CAT program:

• Strengthens your accounting and bookkeeping skills
• Boosts your CV with a recognised professional credential
• Helps you build confidence in ethics, compliance, cybersecurity, advisory work, practice management, workflow, and digital business
• Supports your progression into higher level bookkeeping and accounting pathways

The CAT designation is well regarded by employers and industry professionals.

You do not have to complete the CAT program to work as a bookkeeper, however it is highly valued by employers. The program gives you structured, practice ready learning and membership that connects you with industry professionals, which can make you more competitive when applying for bookkeeping and accounting support roles.

The CAT program includes Business Activity Statement (BAS) content that is specific to Australia. If you are in New Zealand, you will cover the required New Zealand tax content through your program with The Career Academy. You will still need to complete the BAS component through IPA to gain the full CAT certification.

Once you complete your qualification with The Career Academy and confirm that you want to join the CAT program, we will pass your details to IPA. IPA will then email you your login details for the online platform.

If you do not receive your login email, please contact our team so we can follow up with IPA.

IPA student membership is free for eligible students and includes one attempt at the CAT program and assessment.

If you choose to withdraw from the CAT program, you can do so, however any fees paid to IPA cannot be transferred or refunded.

You have six months from the date your IPA login email is sent to complete all CAT modules and the final assessment. You can complete the program sooner if you wish.

Extensions are not available, so it is important to plan your study time carefully.

All content for the CAT program is delivered online through the IPA platform. IPA provides learning and technical support while you are working through the CAT modules and assessment.

The Career Academy can help you with questions before you gain access to the IPA platform, such as eligibility and how to register your interest.

The CAT assessment is an online open book assessment, but time is limited, so good preparation is essential.

• The assessment consists of 26 questions, including multiple choice and sequencing questions
• You have two hours to complete the assessment and the timer cannot be paused
• A desktop or laptop computer with reliable internet is strongly recommended
• If you lose internet connection, the timer continues and you may need to use your one re sit attempt
• You can move back and forth between questions and review your answers before submitting
• The required passing mark is 50 percent
• If you do not achieve 50 percent on your first attempt, you can re sit the assessment once within three months at no additional cost

Yes. IPA generates a downloadable PDF certificate as soon as you pass the final assessment.

The Certified Accounting Technician certificate is recognised internationally and can be added to your CV, LinkedIn profile, and professional memberships as a permanent record of your achievement.