Incorporating NQ magazine
April 2026
www.pqmagazine.com/www.pqjobs.co.uk
MIDDLE EAST EXAM TURMOIL ACCA had to act quickly as recent events in the Middle East unfolded. On Sunday 1 March it cancelled exams in UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait for the first three days of exam week. At that point it said exams for Thursday 5 March and Friday 6 March were “going ahead as planned, however a further update will be provided in due course to advise of any changes to this”. Following that first notification ACCA got back in touch with impacted students to let them know that due to safety concerns “we’ve made the decision to cancel all remaining exam this week in UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Iran”. It said: “Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by the current difficult events across the Middle East.” ACCA also closed its Dubai office. Late last year ACCA announced that it was ditching remote exams from the March 2026 sitting, and making students return to exam halls. The events in the Middle East have put a spotlight back on this decision. Students rushed online to call for the ACCA to offer a remote exam option for those affected. As one PQ said: “Students prepare
for months and this should not be pushed to another sitting.” Another agreed: “Given the effort students have made a prompt and practical solution would certainly be appreciated.” Another student just said: “Give us a remote option.” Many students seemed genuinely worried about the increased study
costs and another revision phase. Other students were more philosophical: “Thank you for the decision ACCA. This puts things into perspective. Losing a few months of study is nothing compared to the value of a life. Safety has to be a priority.” A fellow PQ stressed: “As an
ACCA student in the region I really appreciate the focus on safety during such uncertain times. Thank you for keeping students informed.” Meanwhile, many businesses said they remain fully operational. PwC explained: “Like many organisations across the region, we have temporarily asked some of our people to work from home out of an abundance of caution, while we continue to monitor the evolving situation and follow local guidance.” The conflict in the Middle East was not the only reason for some March exams to be cancelled. Due to national elections taking place in Nepal on 5 March, ACCA centrebased exams scheduled to take place that day were also cancelled. ACCA told PQ magazine: “We regret that on security advice we’ve had to cancel part of upcoming exam session in Nepal, due to a clash with national elections. Students will however be able to sit the exams scheduled from 2 to 6 March (with the exception of 5 March) as normal. We withdrew remotely-invigilated exams from Nepal last year as part of worldwide decision to protect exam integrity and are not able to offer this option. We sincerely apologise to students for any inconvenience caused.”
ICAS UNVEILS NEW ABP QUALIFICATION ICAS has launched a new professional designation in response to rising global demand for skilled accounting, finance and business talent. The Accounting and Business Professional (ABP) is a standalone professional qualification, aimed at people looking to formalise their expertise without committing to the full CA qualification. However, it can be a gateway into the CA programme, as it provides full exemption from the first level of the syllabus. The ABP, only the third designation introduced in ICAS’ 172-year history, can be completed in as little as four to 12 months, and is being delivered though ICAS’ digital platform or through workshop-based learning online or in a training centre. For employers, ICAS said the ABP provides a cost-effective way to develop early-career talent, strengthen finance teams, and support
internal progression, all with “minimal operational disruption”. The programme has also been designed so it is eligible for Level 4 apprenticeship levy funding in England. Individuals who achieve the ABP gain formal credentials from ICAS, and can apply to become an ICAS affiliate, unlocking CPD, exclusive events, a suite of professional rewards and access to ICAS’ networks of business professionals. The ABP is made up of two core elements. There is a Certificate in Accountancy and Business (CAB) syllabus to study, before completing 12 months (a minimum of 150 days) of Relevant Practical Experience (RPE).
Graduates of some degree programmes may be eligible for course exemptions, ICAS CEO Gail Boag (pictured), said: “The ABP represents a significant evolution in how ICAS supports the profession and strengthens the long term talent pipeline. It offers its own valuable professional identity while also providing an accessible new pathway toward chartered
status. “What stands the ABP apart is that it recognises both learning and practical experience in core accounting and business acumen – supporting employers, empowering learners, and responding directly to the needs of a modern profession.”