Two women seated at a conference room and discussion a project

Graduate application support

Your career starts here

You’ll gain a unique perspective on some of the world’s most influential, most innovative, and most dynamic organisations. Developing your understanding of finance and technology, you’ll work with clients to solve complex problems that have a real-world impact.

Learning and professional development

A career at PwC means embarking on a transformative learning and development journey. Our structured learning pathways will help you to build the critical technical and human skills you need to perform your role and depending on your area of specialism, you may pursue a professional qualification. And many of our training programmes are run firmwide, helping you to grow your network across different areas of the business. Your Talent Coach, alongside your team, will support you throughout your learning journey.

Video

Studying a professional qualification

Interested in studying a professional qualification but not sure what to expect? Hear from Charlotte, a senior associate in our Audit practice, and Alex, a senior manager in our Talent, Development and Coaching team. They explore what studying for a professional qualification is really like, from balancing exams and work commitments to making the most of the support available.

At PwC, we support our actuarial trainees through the prestigious IFoA qualification. Actuaries are strategic thinkers and problem solvers who use their analytical and mathematical skills to measure the financial impact and risks of future events. The Actuarial Profession is highly respected and offers internationally recognised qualifications.

You’ll be supported by a dedicated Professional Qualifications team, your career coach, external tutors, buddies and peers. This robust network is designed to give you the best possible chance of exam success. You’ll also be assigned a Study Mentor who will help you agree your study pathway and guide you through the process.

We’ll provide first-class tuition through our chosen provider, ActEd, and access to the tools and resources you’ll need to succeed.

The IFoA qualification is structured in four parts:

Core Principles (CS, CM and CB exams)
Core Practices (CP exams)
Specialist Principles (SP exams)
Specialist Advanced (SA exams)

There are two levels of qualification:

Associateship: The first level at which you can describe yourself as a qualified actuary.
Fellowship: The highest level, recognising expertise in your chosen field.

You can learn more about the syllabus and structure on the Institute & Faculty of Actuaries' website.

Depending on where you’re based, you'll study towards either the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW) ACA qualification or the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) CA qualification during your first three years with the firm. You'll be working to obtain an incredibly prestigious qualification that is recognised globally and that you'll have for the rest of your life. It's not designed to be easy - it needs dedication and commitment, including studying in your own time, to succeed.

But there are few other qualifications that open the doors to business leadership careers as the ACA accounting qualification. You can learn more about the syllabus and structure on the ICAEW and ICAS websites. The pathway that you follow will depend on the Business Unit that you join but, in all cases, you'll sit your first set of exams within just a few months of joining us. You'll have a network of support around you including expert tuition from Kaplan or ICAS, a dedicated PQ team to manage your pathway planning and your Talent Coach. You'll be studying alongside many others in the same position and will create bonds for life.

You’ll study towards the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) ACA qualification during your first three years with the firm in Tax, with most of your study taking place in your first year. You'll be working to obtain an incredibly prestigious qualification that is recognised globally and that you'll have for the rest of your life. It's not designed to be easy - it needs dedication and commitment to succeed.

But there are few other qualifications that open the doors to business leadership careers as the ACA accounting qualification. You can learn more about the syllabus and structure on the ICAEW website. In Tax, we follow a Study First pathway, designed to give graduates the best start by separating dedicated study from learning on the job. In year one, graduates focus on building strong technical foundations and passing most of their professional exams, before joining their business area. Most study during the first year will take place in dedicated hub locations (in London and certain regional centres) with classroom learning alongside other PwC students and expert tutors. Depending on where you're based, this may require you to travel to your allocated study location or stay away from home whilst attending. If you are required to stay away from home, your accommodation will be covered by the firm, and you will have the opportunity to discuss this in more detail with the PwC UK Careers team at the assessment centre.

You'll have a network of support around you including expert tuition from our learning provider, a dedicated PQ team to manage your pathway planning and your Talent Coach. You'll be studying alongside many others in the same position and will create bonds for life.

You'll study towards the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) CA qualification during your first three years with the firm in Tax, with most of your study taking place in your first year. You'll be working to obtain an incredibly prestigious qualification that is recognised globally and that you'll have for the rest of your life. It's not designed to be easy - it needs dedication and commitment to succeed.

But there are few other qualifications that open the doors to business leadership careers as the CA accounting qualification. You can learn more about the syllabus and structure on the ICAS website. In Tax, we follow a Study First pathway, designed to give graduates the best start by separating dedicated study from learning on the job. In year one, graduates focus on building strong technical foundations and passing most of their professional exams, before joining their business area. Study during the first year is led by expert tutors through a combination of self-led knowledge acquisition and in-person workshops. You'll have a network of support around you including expert tuition from ICAS, a dedicated PQ team to manage your pathway planning and your Talent Coach. You'll be studying alongside many others in the same position and will create bonds for life.

You'll study towards the Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) ACA qualification during your first three years with the firm. You'll be working to obtain an incredibly prestigious qualification that is recognised globally and that you'll have for the rest of your life. It's not designed to be easy - it needs dedication and commitment, including studying in your own time, to succeed.

But there are few other qualifications that open the doors to business leadership careers as the ACA accounting qualification. You can learn more about the syllabus and structure on the CAI website. The pathway that you follow will depend on the Business Unit that you join but, in all cases, you'll sit your first set of exams within just a few months of joining us. You'll have a network of support around you including expert tuition from CAI, a dedicated PQ team to manage your pathway planning and your Talent Coach. You'll be studying alongside others in the same position and will create bonds for life.

You’ll develop the skills and experience to transform some of the world’s highest profile organisations. From new markets to new technology, from people policies to sustainability strategies, from management to mergers and macroeconomics, PwC’s consultancy teams help organisations to solve their most complex problems.

Learning and professional development

Video

Studying a professional qualification

You'll study towards the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW) ACA qualification during your first three years with the firm. You'll be working to obtain an incredibly prestigious qualification that is recognised globally and that you'll have for the rest of your life. It's not designed to be easy - it needs dedication and commitment, including studying in your own time, to succeed.

But there are few other qualifications that open the doors to business leadership careers as the ACA accounting qualification. You can learn more about the syllabus and structure on the ICAEW website. The pathway that you follow will depend on the Business Unit that you join but, in all cases, you'll sit your first set of exams within just a few months of joining us. You'll have a network of support around you including expert tuition from our external provider, Kaplan, a dedicated Professional Qualification team to manage your pathway planning and your Career Coach. You'll be studying alongside many others in the same position and will create bonds for life.

In Technology and AI roles, you’ll work with the latest technologies to transform the way that some of the world’s most significant organisations do business. You’ll collaborate with multi-skilled teams across PwC, as well as working closely with our tech partners and client teams, to solve real-world problems.

Learning and professional development

Video

Studying a professional qualification

Kickstart your career journey with the ICAEW’s Certificate in Finance, Accounting & Business qualification, the internationally-recognised foundation in vital business skills, finance and strategy. Your CFAB studies are embedded in your learning and development programme, fostering personal growth and empowering you in your work at PwC. A launchpad for a diverse and varied career, the CFAB will equip you with the fundamental understanding of how business operates in an ever-evolving market.

Each professional qualification is structured to provide a robust learning experience, alongside practical application in your role. PwC's commitment to your personal and professional growth ensures that your journey is as rewarding as the destination. Your career starts here, with the empowering opportunity to gain a qualification that will serve you throughout your career in business.

You’ll work alongside the world’s leading organisations, helping them to seize advantage and solve their most important challenges. Providing strategic guidance and insights across a broad range of sectors, you’ll help give organisations the clarity to make well-informed decisions about the future.

Learning and professional development

From day one you’ll learn by doing, working alongside experienced colleagues, taking on real client challenges and getting involved in meaningful work. We offer you first-class development opportunities, with everyday coaching and feedback to sharpen your approach. Our structured learning pathways will help you to build the critical technical, AI and human skills you need to perform your role.

Our supportive, high-performance culture surrounds you with colleagues and mentors who will help bring out your best every day. Our people typically work on a variety of projects and teams, learning from inspirational leaders, clients and experts to build a rounded set of skills and experience.

In Legal Services, you’ll provide the legal expertise behind a wide range of our solutions and services, helping clients to comply with regulations and minimise risks. Providing strategic guidance and support to all kinds of clients and industries, you’ll build a broad perspective on the business world while developing your legal knowledge.

Learning and professional development

Video

Studying a professional qualification

You’ll study towards the Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme with the CGI: The Chartered Governance Institute to become a Chartered Governance Professional / Chartered Company Secretary. The programme covers seven subjects at two levels and will be completed alongside working full-time at PwC.

The program is structured in two main parts:

Part One: builds technical knowledge in governance, law, finance, and compliance.
Part Two: focuses on developing a deeper commercial understanding through modules on risk, strategy, and boardroom dynamics.

This will take two years to complete and requires you to pass all exams to qualify for CGI Membership. You'll be supported by PwC through protected study time and funding for the qualification. Upon successful completion, you become a graduate member, demonstrating a high-level understanding of governance, which is a benchmark for professionals in the field. This is the first step to achieving Chartered Status.

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a single, rigorous assessment for all aspiring solicitors. All those wishing to qualify as a solicitor will need to pass the SQE.

On our Legal Services Graduate programme, you'll study towards the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) LLM Masters. You may be familiar with the Legal Practice Course (LPC) which has been replaced with the SQE.

The SQE LLM Masters is made up of two parts and the Essentials for Practice. In SQE1 you will be tested on functioning legal knowledge which tests your application of law based on realistic client-based scenarios through multiple choice questions. In SQE2 you will be tested on the practical legal skills required for practice. Essentials for Practice will help in preparing individuals for their workplace role, both in the development of their practice knowledge and technical skill, but also their professional behaviours. You will gain the SQE LLM Masters qualification.

This will take one year to complete and requires you to study and complete the qualification before you join the firm on a two-year training contract to gain your Qualified Work Experience. You'll be supported by PwC through your studies and funding for the course and programme. You can find out more on the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) website.

Before joining PwC on a training contract, non-Law students need to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) and Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) (each one year in length). The PGDL is a law conversion course designed for individuals who hold a non-law undergraduate degree and wish to pursue a career as a solicitor or barrister. It provides the foundational legal knowledge and skills necessary for legal training and, for aspiring barristers, satisfies the academic requirements to begin the vocational stage. It also provides a strong foundation for key aspects of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). You can find out more on the BPP website.

Assessment and selection process

The first stage of the assessment and selection process is a series of online activities and assessments that measure your cognitive skills, behaviours, natural preferences and reasoning abilities. The test is hosted in the SHL platform.

One hour and 30 minutes inclusive of preparation time. Please give yourself additional time to get into the platform, test your technology, and logout afterwards. Timings may differ if you’ve requested any reasonable adjustments.

You’ll start with a short activity to help you get a feel for what it might be like to work at PwC – this activity is called ‘Bringing our values to life’. This is not an assessed stage. It is designed to help you reflect on whether PwC’s culture and ways of working feels like the kind of environment in which you would thrive, and to support you in deciding whether you would like to continue with the rest of our assessment process.

You’ll go through a series of workplace scenarios. These scenarios are designed to help us understand how you would approach situations you may encounter at PwC. As you work through them, choose the option that feels most natural to you.

If you feel that PwC is right for you, you will then take a behavioural assessment, followed by a cognitive test. The behavioural test is not timed, but the cognitive assessment will be.

A behavioural profile test asks about your natural behavioural preferences in a work setting and is made up of two parts; the behavioural assessment and reskilling potential:

The behavioural assessment is the first part of the test and is designed for us to get to know more about your working styles and preferences. Typically, this shouldn’t take any more than 20 minutes to complete.
Reskilling Potential is the second part of the test. This test is all about how you learn grow and adapt to new experiences. It's a short section with just seven questions and should take around four minutes to complete.

A cognitive assessment is an ability test including numerical, inductive and deductive reasoning.

Working at PwC involves problem solving, learning fast and evaluating a range of information. The cognitive ability assessment consists of several businesslike scenarios that will help us to understand your level of critical reasoning as well as your numerical ability.

Rather than presenting you with a set of response questions from which to choose, you’ll complete an activity-based test that allows you to drag, drop and interact with the questions.

For this assessment you’ll have 36 minutes to complete 24 questions. Once you start this assessment, you must complete it fully so ensure you have sufficient time allocated before getting started.

Do the practice questions provided in your online assessment link before starting.
Find a quiet, distraction-free space for the session.
Check your internet connection in advance.
Have a notepad and pen for jotting down notes.
SHL is web-based, so you won't need to download any special software, but we recommend using the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for the best experience.
SHL also offers a range of accessibility options, including an integrated accessibility toolbar with features like text-to-speech and reading aids. We encourage you to explore these tools on the platform to personalise your experience and ensure you're as comfortable as possible during your interview.

You’ll be contacted within 48 hours of completing your online assessment with the outcome, if you’ve met the scores required, you’ll automatically be sent details of the next stage. We’ll provide you with feedback at this stage, regardless of the outcome, continuous learning is important to us, and we recommend reflecting on this feedback to assist your future performance.

The next stage of our assessment and selection process is an on-demand video interview which will be conducted virtually via the SHL platform. You will receive your login details and instructions in advance and will have one week to complete the video interview.

Approximately 45 minutes. Please give yourself additional time to get into the platform, test your tech, and logout afterwards. Timings may differ if you’ve requested any reasonable adjustments.

When you log in, you’ll complete a series of system checks to ensure that your equipment is working correctly. The questions will begin when your systems checks are complete - the images will show questions one through to four.

The series of questions are designed to explore your experience and how you approach your work. Instead of having an interviewer, your answers will be recorded and reviewed afterwards by a member of the recruitment team.

Think about recent experiences or challenges you have faced in your education, work, or extra-curricular activities that you can draw on as examples.
Find a quiet, distraction-free space for the session.
Check your internet connection, webcam, and audio in advance.
Have a notepad and pen for jotting down notes.
SHL is web-based, so you won't need to download any special software, but we recommend using the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for the best experience.
SHL also offers a range of accessibility options, including an integrated accessibility toolbar with features like text-to-speech and reading aids. We encourage you to explore these tools on the platform to personalise your experience and ensure you're as comfortable as possible during your interview.

The next stage of our assessment and selection process is the assessment centre. These typically take place between from mid-October, however, please do note that whilst you may be invited to attend one of our virtual assessment centres the actual date scheduled may fall within October and November. Further assessment centres may run past November and will be based on business need and application volumes.

Our assessment centre is a comprehensive evaluation day designed to assess a range of skills relevant to the roles within PwC. Unlike a single interview, it involves a variety of exercises that simulate aspects of the work you would do here. It's an opportunity for us to see your potential in action and for you to experience a bit of what it's like to work at PwC.

The primary purpose of the assessment centre is to gain a holistic understanding of your skills and suitability for a role with us. While your initial application and earlier assessment stages give us a good sense of your academic achievements, experiences and some skills, the assessment centre allows us to delve deeper and observe your problem-solving skills, teamwork abilities, communication style, and how you approach challenges in a practical setting. It's also an excellent chance for you to demonstrate your strengths beyond what has been captured during the first two assessment stages. This is as much an opportunity for you to find out if our firm aligns with your career aspirations as it is for us to assess your human and technical skills.

The assessment centre will be approximately 4.5 hours and is run by the PwC assessment team. During the day you will meet and work with up to five other candidates who have also applied for a range of programmes at PwC. The day will include a mix of individual and group-based activities designed to reflect real aspects of working at PwC.

These include:

A group exercise to explore how you work with others in a practical scenario.
An individual exercise to assess how you approach tasks independently.
An individual interview to learn more about you.

Learn about PwC

Thoroughly research our firm and familiarise yourself with our services, values, and what makes us unique. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

Think about how to approach each exercise

Group exercise: These assess your teamwork, communication, and ability to contribute constructively in a team setting. Think about how you can listen actively, share your ideas clearly, and support others.
Written exercise: Think about how you can structure your thoughts in writing, identify key issues, and present logical recommendations.
Individual interview: Be ready to discuss your experiences and how your skills align with the work you are interested in doing.

Logistics

Technology: The assessment centre will be run on the TopScore platform. This is a web-based platform, so you won't need to download any special software, but we recommend checking your Wi-Fi connection and using the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for the best experience. TopScore also offers a range of accessibility options, including an integrated accessibility toolbar with features like text-to-speech and reading aids. We encourage you to explore these tools on the platform to personalise your experience.
Note taking: Have a notepad and pen nearby to take any important notes during the assessment centre.
Dress code: At PwC, we dress for our day. This means that depending where you’re working, and what you’re working on, you’re empowered to choose what’s most appropriate.
Rest and refreshment: Get a good night's sleep before the day. Have water and any necessary snacks nearby to keep your energy levels up during breaks.

Be yourself and engage
While preparation is important, remember to let your personality shine through. Be open to learning, ask questions when appropriate, and engage positively with everyone you meet. We're looking for individuals who will thrive in our collaborative environment.

What is the purpose of the group exercise?
The group exercise is designed to provide you with a glimpse into how our teams at PwC collaborate on client challenges. It's an opportunity for us to see your teamwork in action, observing how you contribute, listen to others, and work towards a solution. We're keen to understand your natural approach to problem-solving in a group setting and how you build on ideas to achieve an outcome.

What skills will be assessed during the group exercise?
In this exercise, you will be assessed on your collaboration skills, verbal communication, influence and relationship building.

What will I be asked to do during the group exercise?
In the group exercise, you'll tackle a challenge similar to the real-world problems our PwC teams help clients solve every day.

How long is the group exercise?
The group exercise will last for one hour.

What is the purpose of the individual interview?
The purpose of the individual interview is to understand how you typically behave and approach your work, as well as give you the opportunity to reflect on how you and your team performed in the group exercise.

What skills will be assessed during the individual interview?
In this interview we’ll assess your self-awareness, growth mindset, and how you approach self-development and working with others. These are some of our core PwC Professional behaviours (Evolve, Champion, and Deliver) which you can learn more about here. We'll also be observing your verbal communication skills throughout our conversation.

How long is the individual interview?
The individual interview will last for one hour.

What is the purpose of the written exercise?
An important part of any role at PwC is problem solving, and often we need to communicate our problem solving for clients in writing. The written exercise provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate these skills, whilst responding to a challenge that is typical of the problems that we solve for our clients.

What skills will be assessed during the written exercise?
In this exercise you’ll be assessed on your ability to analyse and interpret information, think critically, provide recommendations, and communicate in writing.

What will I be asked to do during the written exercise?
You will be provided with a written brief containing a scenario, and clear questions to answer. You will be asked to review all the information provided and respond to the questions asked.

How long is the written exercise?
The written exercise will last one hour.

Find a quiet, distraction-free space for the session.
Check your internet connection, webcam, and audio in advance.
Have a notepad and pen for jotting down notes.
TopScore is web-based, so you won't need to download any special software, but we recommend using the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for the best experience.
TopScore also offers a range of accessibility options, including an integrated accessibility toolbar with features like text-to-speech and reading aids. We encourage you to explore these tools on the platform to personalise your experience and ensure you're as comfortable as possible during your interview.

Before you move to the final stage of the assessment and selection process you will be matched to your business area and office based on your performance throughout the assessment stages, and the preferences you indicated to us at the start of the process. Job matching happens between January and May so you may not be matched immediately, but don’t worry we’ll be in regular contact with you once you’ve completed the assessment centre.

If you have made it to this stage of our assessment and selection process you can be proud, you have demonstrated the skills and behaviours we look for in our people.

Once you’ve been matched to your business area and office, you’ll be asked to schedule a call with one of our recruiters. During this call, we'll tell you more about the business area you’ve been matched to, guide you through the next stage of the assessment and selection process, and provide you with support resources to help you confidently prepare. This will include your feedback from the previous assessment stages.

We encourage you to:

take notes
ask clarifying questions
reflect on the feedback and think about how you can action our suggestions during your final interview, as well as how you could work on these things once in role.

Please note, preferences are considered but not guaranteed.

The final stage of our assessment and selection process is the business assessments. These are conducted throughout January to May, but we’ll confirm the timelines for the business area and office you’ve been matched to when you speak with us.

The final stage of our assessment and selection process is an interview with a senior leader from the business area you’re matched to.

This will be in person in the office that you have been matched to. It will be your chance to meet a leader from the business area you’d be working in, find out more about the office and the team, and tell us more about why you are interested in joining PwC.

It’s important that you come to your interview with an understanding of PwC and the role you are interviewing for:

be ready to discuss your experiences and how your skills align with the work you are interested in doing
reflect upon the feedback and information provided by the recruiter you spoke to help with your preparation
research our PwC Professional framework and think about the behaviours we're looking for and how you’ve demonstrated them.

You’ve now completed all the stages of our assessment and selection process. We will complete all the Business Assessments for the role you’ve been matched to before we make any offers of employment, but don’t worry we’ll be in contact with you to confirm the timeline.

A member of the PwC UK Careers team will contact you with feedback from your business assessment and will let you know if you’ve been successful in your application.

Pre-employment screening

Part of our onboarding process includes checking your grades and job history, so please make sure everything is correct on your application form. We’re known for accuracy, so carrying out checks like this protects our reputation.

What’s next?

Our culture is all about our people and we want you to feel supported and part of PwC as soon as you decide to join us. You’ll be invited to our onboarding portal where you’ll have lots of things you need to do before your first day. Before your start date, you’ll also be invited to attend a pre-joining event. Here you can meet fellow new joiners and learn more information about the team you’ll be joining and your forthcoming induction. You will also be asked to complete your Right to Work checks at the event so you will be all set to join on your first day.

You can expect to hear from us regularly as we prepare you for your career with us.