Introduction
Scope of this Standard (Ref Para A1–A4)
1. This International Education Standard (IES) prescribes the practical experience required of aspiring
professional accountants by the end of Initial Professional Development (IPD).
2. This IES is addressed to IFAC member bodies. IFAC member bodies have responsibility for
ensuring that IPD meets the requirements set out in this IES. In addition, this IES will be helpful to
educational organizations, employers, regulators, government authorities, and any other
stakeholders who support the practical experience of aspiring professional accountants.
3. Practical experience refers to workplace and other activities that are relevant to developing
professional competence. Practical experience is a component of IPD. IPD is learning and
development through which individuals first develop competence to perform a role of a professional
accountant.
4. Practical experience during IPD builds on general education and programs of professional
accounting education. The public expects professional accountants to apply their experience and
knowledge in carrying out their roles. However, the variety of roles that professional accountants
perform means that the required practical experience may vary from one IFAC member body to
another, and even within an individual IFAC member body that offers different types of membership.
IFAC member bodies are able to adapt their practical experience requirements to meet (a) their
own needs, (b) the requirements of the relevant regulatory authorities, as well as (c) public
expectations that professional accountants are competent.
5. This IES specifies requirements for practical experience during IPD. IES 8: Professional