Have a read here..
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055474398
You might find some useful info.
Also found this..
http://www.studentxpress.ie/career/acctech.html
The ACCA Accounting Technician Body
The ACCA Accounting Technician Body was launched in September 1997 and, like its partner body, ACCA, it operates on the basis of open entry which means that anyone 16 years or older can enrol for this qualification.
There are nine examinations, split into three levels: Foundation, Certificate and Professional. There is no time limit to completing these examinations. The first two levels can be sat by computer-based examinations, allowing one to receive results instantly on conclusion of each examination.
As well as completing the examinations, relevant work experience of one years duration is required for the technician qualification C.A.T. (Certified Accounting Technician). A wide variety of work environments are acceptable and students can switch jobs and business sectors during training, thereby widening their experience.
Exemptions are given to students who have previously studied Accountancy (at NCEA, NCVA or other levels) or worked in Accountancy.
Each individual case is assessed for the purpose of granting exemptions.
Completion of the Technician examinations will offer automatic transfer to the ACCA professional examinations, allowing exemption for the foundation stage of the ACCA professional qualification.
In order to prepare for the ACCA Accounting Technician examinations one can study by day or by evening at a College or University, or one may study privately using the various materials available (which are listed periodically in the Accountancy Technician Bulletin and Students Newsletter).
Colleges offering courses of study for the ACCA CAT qualification include the Institutes of Technology in Athlone, Tralee, Cork and Waterford, Rathmines Senior College, Rossan College, Ashfield College, H.S.I. College, Limerick, BPP Lad Lane Business School, Western Management Centre, Galway, FAS training Centre, Dundalk