Membership pathways

We are dedicated to supporting you throughout your career.  Whatever stage you're at, we have a membership group that will provide you with the support and assistance you need.

Associate - Institute of Public Accountants (AIPA)

Associate (AIPA) is our entry level of membership and is perfect if you're starting your accounting career. Joining is easy if you meet one of the below entry requirements:

  • Eligible accounting qualification; OR
    1. Australian Diploma of Accounting
    2. Advanced Diploma of Accounting
    3. University Degree in Accounting
    4. University Graduate Diploma in Accounting
  • Current membership with an International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) Member level body, IPA Associate (AIPA) level equivalent; OR

  • Eligible statutory registration with Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) or/and Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) under your name (as below). 

    ASIC TPB

    Australian Financial Services Authorised Representative

    Australian Financial Adviser

    Australian Financial Services Licensee

    Registered Company Auditor

    Official Liquidator

    Registered Liquidator

    SMSF Auditor

    Credit Representative

    Credit Licensee

    Individual BAS agent

    Individual tax (financial) adviser

    Individual tax agent

Work experience is not required if you meet one of the above requirements. 

Member - Institute of Public Accountants (MIPA)

Member (MIPA) is a level higher than the AIPA designation.

Admission

You can join as a Member (MIPA) if you meet one of the below entry requirements.

Advancement

You can advance from AIPA to MIPA if you have:

 

Fellow - Institute of Public Accountants (FIPA)

If you're highly experienced in the accounting profession, you can become a Fellow (FIPA).

Admission

You can join as a FIPA if you are currently a Fellow level member with an International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) Member level body.

Advancement

In order to advance to a FIPA, you need at least seven consecutive years tenure as a MIPA. In addition, you'll need at least ten years accounting experience, with the last five years at a senior level.

Public BAS Practitioner Certificate

We recognise that professionalism and legal compliance are now integral parts of the BAS Agent services industry, and we're proud to offer you a specifically tailored practice certificate - Public BAS Practitioner.

To qualify as a Public BAS Practitioner, you need to hold an individual BAS Agent registration with the Tax Practitioner Board (TPB) and your services should be limited to BAS services.  In addition, you must hold Professional Indemnity Insurance and complete our Public BAS Practitioner Program.

Professional Practice Certificate

If you provide or intend to provide accounting and/or related services to the public, you're required to hold a Professional Practice Certificate (PPC) in accordance with the IPA By-laws.

Click here for more information on the PPC.

How to apply

Joining is easy! Click here to complete the fast-track online application.

The fees for each membership level can be viewed here.

To advance to the next stage of IPA membership, please complete this form.


Putting your membership on hold

We know that situations in life can lead to you stepping away from the accounting profession for a while.  Whether it's family, illness or an extended holiday, you do have the option to apply for a temporary leave of membership.  To apply for a leave of membership absence, please complete this form.