Balancing ICAN studies with a full time accounting job is one of the biggest challenges professional exam candidates face. As you move from Skills Level to Professional Level, the intensity of reading, revision, mock exams, and mental preparation increases significantly. At some point, studying only at night or on weekends is no longer enough. This is where ICAN study leave becomes extremely important.
Many candidates assume study leave is automatic or fear asking their employer because they do not know how to present the request professionally. Others make the request but get rejected because they approached it poorly, wrote a weak letter, or failed to align their request with organizational interests.
This article explains in detail how to get ICAN study leave from your employer. It covers what study leave is, when to request it, how to prepare your case, practical tips to improve approval chances, and professionally written request letter templates you can adapt for your situation.
Understanding ICAN Study Leave
ICAN study leave is a period of authorized absence from work granted to employees who are registered ICAN students, to enable them prepare adequately for professional examinations. Depending on the organization, study leave may be paid or unpaid, partial or full, short or extended.
Study leave is not a favor. In many organizations, especially accounting firms, banks, audit firms, and finance departments, it is part of staff development policy. However, approval often depends on how well you present your request and how it aligns with company objectives.
Why ICAN Study Leave Is Important
ICAN exams are not ordinary tests. They require deep understanding, application, and professional judgment. Without adequate study leave, candidates often struggle with:
- Mental fatigue from work pressure
- Insufficient revision time
- Poor performance in mock exams
- Repeated exam failures
Study leave gives you uninterrupted time to revise, practice past questions, attend revision classes, and mentally prepare for the exams.
Employers who understand this benefit from having better qualified and more competent staff after exams.
When You Should Request ICAN Study Leave
Timing is critical. Requesting study leave too late reduces your chances of approval.
The best time to request study leave is:
- Four to eight weeks before the ICAN examination
- Immediately after ICAN exam timetable is released
- At the beginning of the financial or academic year if policy allows
Early requests give management time to plan workload coverage and view your request as responsible rather than disruptive.
Who Should You Address the Request To
This depends on your organization’s structure.
Common options include:
- Your direct supervisor or line manager
- Human Resources department
- Managing partner or head of department
In most cases, it is advisable to first inform your immediate supervisor verbally before submitting a formal written request.
Understanding Your Company Policy
Before writing a request letter, find out whether your company has a study leave or training policy.
Check:
- Employee handbook
- HR policy documents
- Previous approvals for other staff
Knowing the policy helps you align your request with existing rules and avoid unrealistic demands.
Preparing Before You Make the Request
Preparation is what separates successful candidates from rejected ones.
Before requesting study leave, ensure you:
- Are properly registered for ICAN exams
- Have your exam timetable available
- Know the exact number of days needed
- Understand how your absence will affect work
- Have a plan to manage workload before and after leave
Employers are more receptive when they see that you have thought things through.
How to Position Your Request Strategically
Study leave requests should not sound like personal pleas. They should be positioned as professional development requests that benefit both you and the organization.
You should emphasize:
- Relevance of ICAN qualification to your role
- How the organization benefits from your success
- Your commitment to returning improved performance
- Your willingness to hand over duties responsibly
This approach increases approval chances significantly.
Key Elements of a Strong ICAN Study Leave Request
A good request letter should include:
- Clear subject line
- Brief introduction stating purpose
- Confirmation of ICAN registration
- Exam details and dates
- Specific duration of leave requested
- Reassurance on work continuity
- Polite and professional closing
Avoid emotional language or unnecessary explanations.
How Many Days of Study Leave Should You Request
The number of days depends on:
- Your exam level
- Company policy
- Number of papers you are writing
Common study leave durations include:
- One to two weeks for Skills Level
- Two to four weeks for Professional Level
- Additional exam days where applicable
If unsure, request a reasonable duration and remain flexible.
Paid Versus Unpaid Study Leave
Some organizations offer paid study leave, others unpaid, and some a combination.
If paid study leave is not guaranteed:
- Focus on approval first
- Avoid arguing entitlement
- Express appreciation regardless of payment status
Once approved, you can clarify payment details with HR.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
Many requests are rejected due to avoidable mistakes.
These include:
- Submitting request too late
- Writing informal or poorly structured letters
- Demanding rather than requesting
- Ignoring company workload realities
- Failing to explain relevance to job role
Avoiding these mistakes puts you ahead of many candidates.
Practical Tips to Increase Approval Chances
These tips can significantly improve your success rate.
- Inform your supervisor early and verbally
- Submit request well ahead of deadlines
- Be flexible with dates if necessary
- Offer to complete tasks in advance
- Maintain good work performance before request
- Use professional language
Your attitude matters as much as your letter.
How to Handle Initial Resistance
If your employer hesitates or declines initially:
- Remain calm and professional
- Ask for feedback
- Suggest alternative arrangements
- Negotiate partial leave if full leave is not possible
Persistence combined with professionalism often leads to eventual approval.
Importance of Maintaining Professional Conduct During Study Leave
Approval comes with responsibility.
While on study leave:
- Focus strictly on exam preparation
- Avoid engaging in non essential activities
- Respect company trust
- Return promptly after leave
Your conduct influences future approvals for yourself and others.
Request Letter Templates for ICAN Study Leave
Below are professionally written ICAN study leave request letter templates you can adapt to your situation. Choose the one that best suits your organization’s culture.
Formal Request Letter (Corporate Environment)
Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope this message finds you well.
I am writing to formally request study leave to enable me prepare adequately for my forthcoming Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) professional examinations.
I am currently registered for the ICAN examinations scheduled to commence on [exam start date] and end on [exam end date]. In view of the intensity of the examination and its relevance to my role within the organization, I respectfully request study leave from [start date] to [end date].
The ICAN qualification is directly related to my professional responsibilities, and successful completion will further enhance my effectiveness, technical competence, and contribution to the organization.
I have made arrangements to ensure that my duties are properly handed over and that all critical tasks are addressed before the commencement of the leave. I will also ensure a smooth transition upon my return.
I would be grateful for your kind consideration of this request. Thank you for your continued support.
Yours faithfully,
Oluwatobi Olufemi
Semi Formal Request Letter (Smaller Firms or Direct Supervisor)
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope you are doing well.
I would like to request study leave to prepare for my upcoming ICAN examinations scheduled for [exam period]. I am writing [number of papers] papers, and I believe dedicated revision time will significantly improve my performance.
The ICAN qualification is highly relevant to my current role and will further strengthen my professional contribution to the team. I am proposing to take study leave from [start date] to [end date].
I will ensure that my responsibilities are properly managed before and during my absence, and I am happy to assist with any handover arrangements required.
Thank you very much for your understanding and support. I look forward to your kind approval.
Kind regards,
Oluwatobi Olufemi
Customizing Your Study Leave Letter
Always customize templates to suit:
- Your organization’s tone
- Your relationship with management
- Your exam level
- Company policies
Avoid copying letters word for word without personalization.
Following Up After Submission
If you do not receive a response within a reasonable time:
- Send a polite follow up
- Avoid sounding impatient
- Restate appreciation
Professional follow up shows seriousness and respect.
What to Do After Approval
Once approved:
- Confirm leave dates in writing
- Thank management formally
- Inform relevant colleagues
- Prepare handover notes
Gratitude strengthens professional relationships.
If Your Request Is Declined
If your request is declined:
- Ask politely for reasons
- Request partial leave or flexible hours
- Adjust your study plan
- Remain professional
Rejection is not the end of your ICAN journey.
Final Thoughts on Getting ICAN Study Leave
Getting ICAN study leave is not about begging or entitlement. It is about professional communication, timing, and positioning your request as a win win for both you and your employer.
When you prepare properly, write a clear and respectful request, and demonstrate commitment to your role, most reasonable employers are willing to support your professional growth.
ICAN qualification benefits not just you, but also your organization. With the right approach, study leave approval becomes far more achievable, allowing you to prepare effectively and move closer to becoming a Chartered Accountant.
