FAQs

Entry Requirements and Exemptions

What do I need to claim an exemption?
To claim an exemption you need to submit a transcript of your results from the relevant body. See Section 4 of the 2010/2011 AITI Chartered Tax Adviser Student Handbook.

I previously qualified as an accountant - what exemptions can I claim?
Exemptions are no longer subject to time limits therefore you will receive full Part 1 exemptions irrespective of when you qualified.

My qualification is not listed but I feel that I may be entitled to an exemption-what can I do?
If your exemption is not listed and after reviewing the AITI syllabus you feel that you may be entitled to an exemption, please submit an official transcript of results from the appropriate body with a detailed syllabus and examination papers of the relevant degree subjects. The syllabus and examination papers must be cross-referenced to the Part 1 syllabus for which the exemption is being sought. See here for further details.

I don’t have a degree (Level 8 on the NFQ) but have a background in accounts and finance - am I eligible to register for the AITI Chartered Tax Adviser Programme?
Candidates who do not hold an honours degree or equivalent may be considered on a case-by case basis, through the recognition of work based learning. Please click here for further details.

Registration

When is the deadline for registering for the AITI Chartered Tax Adviser Programme?
To ensure that you receive your materials in advance of lectures, you should register at least two weeks prior to your course commencing. We do accept registrations after the course commence. 

Fees

What does my fee cover?
Your fee covers your AITI student subscription, all tuition and examination fees, course materials, including a full set of tax legislation, and the intensive revision course scheduled prior to your examination sitting.

Do I need to pay the full fees in one instalment?
The Institute is pleased to offer a flexible payment by direct debit meaning you can spread your course fees over a period of up to six months. Please click here for further details

Is the AITI Chartered Tax Adviser Programme eligible for Tax Relief?
Tax relief is not currently available.

Courses and Venues

How quickly can I complete the AITI Chartered Tax Adviser Programme? 
With the introduction of the summer course it is possible to accelerate through the programme. For example, a student who is required to sit all three parts could obtain the AITI qualification in less than a year and a half  while a student who is excempt from Part 1 could obtain the AITI qualification in less than a year.

Can I complete Part 1 and Part 2 in the same academic year?
Yes, a student can register for the Part 1 winter course which would prepare you for exams in April and then complete the summer course which would prepare you for exams in August of the same academic year. You must successfully complete Part 1 before you can proceed to Part 2.

Is it possible to take a break from my studies will this impact my qualification?
You may apply for a break of up to 24 months from the date of receipt of examination results for one Part and the commencement of the study course for the next Part.

Where are lectures held?
Lectures are held in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Athlone, subject to demand.

When are the lectures scheduled?
Lectures are scheduled to take place at weekends only.

Is attendance at every lecture mandatory?
Attendance at lectures is highly recommended. If your fees are paid by your employer they are entitled to receive a copy of your attendance.

Assessment

Is the AITI Chartered Tax Adviser Programme modular?
It is not a modular programme.

Do I need to sit all four exams in one sitting?
Yes, you must present for all your exams in one sitting.

How many exams do I need to do to qualify?
In order to qualify as an AITI Chartered Tax Adviser, you need to complete all four exams at Parts 1, 2 and 3. (You may be awarded exemptions at Part 1 which would mean that you must complete any outstanding Part 1 exams that you did not receive an exemption in.)

What does continuous assessment involve?
Continuous assessment will involve a home assignment worth 15% to be carried out and an interim examination also worth 15% in certain papers at each Part. Please click here for further details.

Employment

When can I use the term AITI Chartered Tax Adviser?
You can use the term AITI Chartered Tax Adviser after you have successfully completed your AITI Part 3 exams and have applied for Associate membership. Being an Associate member of the ITI, you agree to abide by the “Code of Professional Conduct and Recommended Best Practice Guidelines” of the Institute.

Where can I work after completing the AITI Chartered Tax Adviser Programme?
AITI Chartered Tax Advisers can work in many environments: throughout the corporate world in multinationals and major companies, accountancy firms, legal firms, tax consultancy practices (as an owner, partner or employee), stockbrokers and financial services, government & public sector (Revenue, policy bodies).

Do I need a training contract?
You do not need a training contract to study on the AITI Chartered Tax Adviser Programme.

I am not working in Tax. Can I study the AITI Chartered Tax Adviser Programme?
You do not need to be working in tax to study on the AITI Chartered Tax Adviser Programme.