UK Tax — ATT & CTA
The UK's dedicated tax qualifications — ATT (technician) up to CTA (chartered adviser).
Comparing options? Read ACCA vs CPA vs CMA vs CFA →Quick answer
- Best for
- The UK's dedicated tax qualifications — ATT (technician) up to CTA (chartered adviser).
- Not ideal for
- If you need international/non-UK tax — consider ADIT.
- Main roles
- Tax adviser, tax manager, and private-client or corporate tax specialist.
- CPD
- CIOT/ATT members complete CPD relevant to their tax work each year.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Who it's for
Those specialising in UK tax, in practice or industry.
Structure
ATT (Association of Taxation Technicians) is the technician level; CTA (Chartered Tax Adviser) is the advanced gold standard. Many take the combined ATT–CTA route.
Time & cost
ATT roughly 1 year; CTA a further 1–2 years.
Careers
Tax adviser, tax manager, and private-client or corporate tax specialist.
The skills you'll build
Many of these serve more than one path.
Best free resources for this path
Curated and vetted, with how to start.
Thousands of university finance/accounting courses you can audit free; financial aid for certificates.
How to start: Free account; click 'Audit', or apply for financial aid for a certificate.
45+ free modules covering the IFRS standards, with a certificate.
How to start: No registration to study; add your name before the assessment for the certificate.
Free, CPE-eligible webcasts on tax, audit, accounting and regulation from the Big 4.
How to start: Search '<firm> webcasts / Dbriefs' and register free per session.
Free, self-paced Excel and Power BI training — essential analyst skills for any finance path.
How to start: Free with a Microsoft account; the optional PL-300 exam is paid.
Continuing professional development (CPD)
CIOT/ATT members complete CPD relevant to their tax work each year.
Get these hours for free →Disclaimer
Links to third-party resources are provided for convenience and learning only. Fileminder does not control third-party content, prices, certificates, CPD/CPE eligibility, availability or accuracy. Always check the provider's own page before relying on a course, certificate, CPD unit or learning outcome. Last reviewed: June 2026.