Curious about how long it takes to navigate the fascinating world of ACCA? Let’s explore the journey to becoming a certified accounting professional with ACCA! This guide covers what the ACCA course entails, the average duration to complete the qualification, and ACCA exemptions.
Table of Contents
What is the ACCA Course?
ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. It is a leading international accountancy body that attracts individuals from recent high school graduates to seasoned professionals looking to enhance their careers.
What is the ACCA Exam?
The ACCA exam comprises various assessments aimed at evaluating your accounting and finance skills. The qualification is structured into three levels:
- Applied Knowledge: Covers fundamental principles of accounting and business.
- Applied Skills: Focuses on practical skills applicable in diverse business environments.
- Strategic Professional: Tackles advanced management and strategic concepts, divided into Essentials and Options.
In total, there are 13 exams, with potential exemptions based on prior qualifications.
How Many ACCA Exams Are There?
To help you plan your studies, here’s a breakdown of the ACCA exam categories:
Applied Knowledge
These exams introduce students and candidates to essential financial and accounting techniques:
- Business and Technology (BT)
- Financial Accounting (FA)
- Management Accounting (MA)
Applied Skills
Building on prior knowledge, these exams foster the practical finance skills necessary for future leaders:
- Corporate and Business Law (LW)
- Taxation (TX)
- Financial Reporting (FR)
- Performance Management (PM)
- Financial Management (FM)
- Audit and Assurance (AA)
Strategic Professional
These exams prepare students for leadership positions by integrating technical, ethical, and professional skills. Candidates must complete both Essentials and choose two from the Options:
- Essentials:
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Options:
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
- Advanced Taxation (ATX)
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
Ethics and Professional Skills Module
This module enriches a broad range of ethical and professional skills, making students more appealing to potential employers.
How Many Years Does It Take to Complete ACCA?
Completing the ACCA qualification takes 2 to 4 years, influenced by exam count, study mode, and exemptions. Undergraduates typically require 3 years, while graduates finish in about 2.5 years. Chartered Accountants or those with relevant qualifications may complete it in 6-9 months due to maximum exemptions. Know more about acca course details below:
ACCA Course Eligibility
Post-Class 12: Start your ACCA journey right after high school, perfect for recent graduates.
During Undergrad: Combine ACCA with your degree. Undergraduates may qualify for up to 5 exemptions.
After Graduation: Graduates with a B.Com may also receive up to 5 exemptions, speeding up their ACCA path.
Working Professionals: Enhance your career with advanced skills. Those with qualifications like CA, CA Inter, or CMA US may be eligible for up to 9 exemptions.
ACCA Course Duration
After Class 12: Expect around 3 to 4 years, completing all 13 exams while pursuing an undergraduate degree.
Undergraduates: Typically, students finish the 13 exams in about 3 years alongside their studies.
After Graduation: Graduates usually take 1 to 3 years, with B.Com holders often finishing in about 2 years due to exemptions.
Career Shifters: Professionals, like Chartered Accountants, may complete ACCA more quickly, with up to 9 exemptions possible.
Can I Finish ACCA in 1 Year?
Completing ACCA in just one year is unlikely. The exams demand rigorous study, and most students take multiple years to finish all 13 exams. While ACCA permits taking a maximum of four exams per session, practical experience and ethical modules also require time.
ACCA Exams: A Year-Round Opportunity
ACCA offers exam sessions in March, June, September, and December, allowing students to sit for exams quarterly.
For CA Inter + B.Com Graduates
Candidates with both CA Inter and B.Com qualifications can expect to finish in about 1.5 years due to 6 exemptions.
For Chartered Accountants
Chartered Accountants can typically complete ACCA in 6 to 9 months, needing to pass only 4 papers.
How Long Does It Take to Complete ACCA with Exemptions?
The time to complete ACCA with exemptions varies significantly based on prior qualifications:
Graduates (e.g., B.Com Degree Holders)
Graduates can claim 5 exemptions, reducing the total exams from 13 to 9, typically completing ACCA in 2.5 to 3 years.
Professionals with Qualifications (e.g., CA, CA Inter, CMA US)
Such professionals may receive up to 9 exemptions, needing to pass only 4 exams, usually completing ACCA in 6 to 9 months.
CA Inter + B.Com Graduates
These candidates can achieve up to 6 exemptions, leaving 7 exams, which they can finish in about 1.5 years.
Chartered Accountants (CA)
CAs can wrap up in 6 to 9 months with the maximum exemptions available.
ACCA Course Fees in India
If you’re planning to pursue ACCA in India, here’s a breakdown of the fees:
- Registration Fees: Approximately £30 (₹3,299)
- Knowledge Level Exam Fees: Vary by provider.
- Skills Level Exam Fees: About £143 (₹15,727) per paper.
- EPSM Fee: £79 (₹7,900).
- Professional Level Exam Fees:
- Strategic Business Leader: £252 (₹25,200) for standard entry.
- Strategic Business Reporting: £180 (₹18,000) for standard entry.
- Annual Subscription: Approximately £134 (₹14,737).
Overall, the total cost for ACCA in India ranges from ₹72,000 to ₹2,00,000, depending on exemptions and the number of exams taken.
Why Choose Us as Your Learning Partner?
As a Platinum Approved Learning Partner, Synthesis Learning offers top-tier education standards. Our rigorous curriculum ensures exceptional quality, and we prioritize making learning accessible for all aspiring accountants. Our students enrolled for ACCA coaching consistently excel, often achieving global recognition.
Ready to partner with a dedicated team for your ACCA success? Check out how we prepare ACCA achievers on our Synthesis Learning ACCA page.
FAQs
How long does it take to complete ACCA with a B.Com degree?
Typically, graduates with a B.Com degree complete ACCA in about 3 years, benefiting from up to 5 exemptions.
What is the ACCA time duration for CA Inter + B.Com graduates?
CA Inter + B.Com graduates usually take around 1.5 years to finish, needing to complete 7 exams due to 6 exemptions.
How quickly can Chartered Accountants complete ACCA?
Chartered Accountants can complete ACCA in about 6 to 9 months due to maximum exemptions available.
