ACCA Course Details: What the Qualification Actually Is
Thirteen exams, an ethics module and three years of logged experience, in exchange for a credential recognised in 180+ countries.
ACCA is the qualification of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a UK-headquartered global professional accountancy body whose credential is recognised in over 180 countries. The qualification is structured across three levels and 13 exams, plus an ethics module and a practical experience requirement, and it builds expertise in financial reporting, audit, taxation, financial management and strategic leadership.
Membership takes three things, not one: passing the exams (fewer if you hold exemptions), completing the Ethics and Professional Skills Module, and logging 36 months of relevant supervised work experience. The exams get the attention; the other two requirements decide when you actually become a member.
The Three Levels at a Glance
Applied Knowledge
Exams
3
Format
On-demand computer-based, 2 hours each
Applied Skills
Exams
6
Format
Session computer-based, 3 hours, four sittings a year
Strategic Professional
Exams
4 (2 Essentials + 2 of 4 Options)
Format
Case-study computer-based, 3 hours 15 minutes
| Level | Exams | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Knowledge | 3 | On-demand computer-based, 2 hours each |
| Applied Skills | 6 | Session computer-based, 3 hours, four sittings a year |
| Strategic Professional | 4 (2 Essentials + 2 of 4 Options) | Case-study computer-based, 3 hours 15 minutes |
Why People Choose ACCA
Portability. The same credential is recognised across 180+ countries, which is why ACCA members cluster in MNCs, Big 4 firms and global capability centres. For a finance professional who wants options beyond one national market, that mobility is the qualification's core promise. The trade-off, in India specifically, is that ACCA is not a substitute for the statutory Indian CA when it comes to signing Indian statutory audits.
See the subject before you commit to the course.
The Route From Registration to Membership
- 1
Register with ACCA
Create an account at accaglobal.com, submit academic documents, and pay the one-time registration fee.
- 2
Claim exemptions
Prior qualifications reduce the papers you sit: B.Com graduates typically 3 to 6, CA and CA-Inter candidates up to around 8.
- 3
Pass the exams by level
Applied Knowledge, then Applied Skills, then Strategic Professional, scoring at least 50% in each paper.
- 4
Complete the Ethics module
Finish the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM).
- 5
Fulfil the experience requirement
Record 36 months of relevant supervised work experience against defined performance objectives.
- 6
Become a member
With exams, EPSM and PER complete, apply for membership and use the ACCA designation.
Quick Facts
- check_circleExams: 13 across three levels, fewer after exemptions.
- check_circlePass mark: 50% in every paper.
- check_circleSessions: four a year, in March, June, September and December; Knowledge exams run on demand.
- check_circleTypical duration: 2 to 4 years depending on exemptions and pace.
- check_circleRecognition: 180+ countries.
Course FAQs
What is the ACCA qualification?expand_more
A global professional accountancy qualification from the UK-headquartered Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, recognised in over 180 countries. It comprises 13 exams across three levels, an ethics module, and 36 months of practical experience.
How long does ACCA take to complete?expand_more
Typically 2 to 4 years, depending on exemptions and study pace, given up to 13 exams plus the ethics module and the 36-month experience requirement.
Is ACCA recognised in India?expand_more
Yes, ACCA is widely accepted by MNCs, Big 4 firms and global capability centres in India. It is not, however, a substitute for the statutory Indian CA for signing Indian statutory audits.
Next steps
- Syllabusarrow_forward
- Eligibility & Registrationarrow_forward
- Exemptionsarrow_forward
- ACCA Guidearrow_forward
Free study material and a free diagnostic test.