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IFAC: 2026 Edition of the Handbook of International Education Standards
- 19 January 2026
- Accounting
- South African Accounting Academy
Summary:
The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has published the 2026 edition of the Handbook of International Education Standards (IES).
Article:
This new edition compiles the full suite of International Education Standards (IES) 1–8, along with the supporting Framework and Glossary, and incorporates all recently revised and updated standards.
The 2026 Handbook is organised to support the consistent adoption and implementation of the IESs, which establish the principles, concepts, and requirements that underpin high-quality accountancy education worldwide.
This edition includes:
- The Framework for International Education Standards, which outlines the foundational concepts for developing and maintaining professional competence.
- A Glossary of Terms, providing essential definitions used across the standards.
- IESs 1–6, addressing entry requirements to professional accounting education programs and the initial professional development of aspiring professional accountants.
- IES 7, Continuing Professional Development, establishing requirements for lifelong learning for all professional accountants.
- IES 8, Professional Competence for Engagement Partners, which outlines the competence demands for engagement partners responsible for audits of financial statements.
- Revisions to IES 2, 3, 4 and 6 aimed at strengthening global consistency in formal assessment and supporting emerging skills needs in areas including ethics and sustainability.
This Handbook includes revised standards that become effective on 1 July 2026 and replaces the 2019 edition.
Click here to download the 128-page document:
Relevance to Auditors, Independent Reviewers & Accountants:
- As an auditor and independent reviewer, you need to comply with International Education Standards, and thus you need knowledge of newly revised standards that are approved as well as when they become effective.
- Failure to adhere to International Standards may be interpreted as negligence and you could be held liable.
- Auditors, Independent Reviewers and Accountants should be aware of the latest versions of handbooks containing standards issued by regulators and standard-setting boards, such as the IFAC IES Handbook.
- When obtaining CPD, it is vital that you use providers who comply with e.g. IES 7.