Membership Pathways

The IPA is 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)

AIPA is the IPA's entry level of membership. You can join the IPA if you hold one of the following qualifications -

No work experience is necessary to enter the IPA if you hold an accounting qualification - it's perfect if you're starting your accounting career.

Member - Institute of Public Accountants (MIPA)

MIPA is a level higher than the AIPA designation. On top of your accounting qualification, you'll also need to complete either Stage 1 or Stage 2 of the IPA Program, depending on your Accounting qualification.

Additionally, you need to have completed the Mentored Experience Program or obtain a full exemption from the Program.

Fellow - Institute of Public Accountants (FIPA)

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

In order to become a Fellow, you need at least seven consecutive years tenure as a Member. In addition, you'll need at least ten years accounting experience, with five of those years at a senior level.

Public BAS Practitioner

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 BAS Agent registration with the Tax Practitioner Board (if you are only providing BAS services). In addition, you must hold Professional Indemnity Insurance, and complete our Public BAS Practitioner Program.

My Public Accountant (Public Practice Certificate)

If you're an accountant who offers accounting services to the public, you'll require a Public Practice Certificate - which we call an MPA - Our My Public Accountant designation.

You can apply for a Public Practice Certificate by clicking on this link - My Public Accountant Practice Certificate.

How to apply

Joining is easy! Click here to find out what steps you need to take to become an IPA member.

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.