The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification is a prestigious, globally recognized certification for professionals in accounting and finance. It offers a comprehensive path to enhance career prospects, gain specialized knowledge, or become a certified accountant. One common question is: ”How many years does it take to complete ACCA?” This depends on your educational background, the number of exemptions available to you, the study mode you choose, and your working experience.
It is crucial to grasp the nature of the ACCA course duration so that you can organize your learning process, time management, and career objectives. ACCA presents flexible exam sitting arrangements; this way, you can progress at your own pace. This blog defines factors that determine course duration and estimates the time required to complete ACCA; it also offers tips on how you can complete this course faster, which can assist you in setting achievable goals that will enable you to become a certified accountant.
What is ACCA?
The ACCA qualification is a globally recognized credential for accountants. It equips professionals with the knowledge and skills required to work in accounting, auditing, management, and financial roles across industries. ACCA offers a flexible pathway, allowing students to study while working and gaining practical experience.
The ACCA course structure consists of 13 exams, a practical experience requirement (PER), and an ethics module. Completing these steps qualifies you as an ACCA member, opening doors to lucrative career opportunities around the world.
To understand more about the ACCA course in detail, read- All About the ACCA Course
Factors Influencing ACCA Course Duration
The ACCA course duration varies based on several factors that affect how quickly a student completes exams, gains experience, and meets qualification requirements. Understanding these factors helps you plan your ACCA journey efficiently and optimize your time in pursuing the qualification.
Educational Background
Your educational background plays a major role in determining the length of your ACCA course. If you already hold relevant academic qualifications, such as a degree in accounting, finance, or business, you may be eligible for exemptions from certain ACCA papers, which can reduce the time needed to complete the qualification.
- For example, students with a bachelor’s degree in accounting might be exempt from up to 9 papers out of the 13 total, significantly shortening the time required to finish the course.
- Those without a prior background in accounting or finance will have to complete all the exams, which may extend the total course duration.
ACCA Exemptions
Exemptions are a significant time-saving factor in the ACCA qualification process. Depending on your previous academic credentials, ACCA may allow you to skip certain papers at the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills levels. The more exemptions you qualify for, the shorter your ACCA course duration will be.
- Degree holders in accounting, finance, or related fields may receive exemptions from several ACCA exams.
- For instance, if you’ve completed a bachelor’s in accounting, you could be exempt from 9 out of the 13 exams, meaning you would only need to complete the Strategic Professional papers.
- Students with no academic background in accounting will have to complete all the exams, which could take longer.
To get in-depth insight about the ACCA exemptions, read- All About the ACCA exemptions
Study Mode
The mode of study you choose will also directly impact the ACCA course duration. ACCA offers flexible study options to cater to different lifestyles, enabling students to balance work, personal commitments, and studies. The main study modes include:
- Full-time study: For students who can fully dedicate their time to studying for ACCA, the qualification can be completed within 2 to 3 years.
- Part-time study: Working professionals who study part-time typically take 3 to 4 years to complete the ACCA qualification.
- Self-study: For students who prefer a more flexible and independent approach, self-study can be a viable option.
Frequency of Exams
ACCA provides four exam sittings each year: March, June, September, and December. This quarterly exam cycle gives students flexibility in scheduling their exams based on their study readiness. However, the frequency with which you take exams can significantly influence how long it will take to complete ACCA.
- Attempting multiple exams per sitting: Some students choose to sit for two or more papers during each exam session, which can speed up the process.
- If you’re well-prepared and can manage the workload, this approach may allow you to complete the course faster.
- Spreading out exams: On the other hand, students who prefer to focus on one exam per sitting may take longer to complete the qualification.
- This is especially common among working professionals who need to balance studying with job responsibilities.
Practical Experience Requirement (PER)
The Practical Experience Requirement (PER) is a mandatory component of the ACCA qualification. To qualify as an ACCA member, you must complete 36 months of relevant work experience in an accounting or finance role. This experience can be gained before, during, or after your exams, but it must meet ACCA’s performance objectives to be valid.
- For students who gain experience while studying, the PER may not extend the overall course duration since it can be completed concurrently with your exams.
- However, if you plan to gain this experience after finishing the exams, it could take an additional 3 years to complete the practical experience requirement.
Personal Commitments and Work-Life Balance
Finally, your personal commitments and ability to balance work and study will affect how long it takes to complete ACCA. For example:
- Full-time working professionals often take longer to finish ACCA due to the challenge of managing work and study responsibilities.
- Life events such as career changes, family commitments, or health issues can also extend the ACCA course duration.
ACCA Qualification Structure
The ACCA qualification is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for accounting, finance, and business management roles. It is divided into three levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. Each level builds upon the previous, progressively enhancing technical and strategic abilities.
Applied Knowledge
This level provides a foundational understanding of financial and management accounting, suitable for those new to the field.
- Papers: Business and Technology (BT), Management Accounting (MA), Financial Accounting (FA).
- Duration: Typically completed in 6 months to 1 year, depending on study mode and exemptions.
Applied Skills
The next step focuses on more complex technical tasks in accounting, law, and finance.
- Papers: Corporate and Business Law (LW), Performance Management (PM), Taxation (TX), Financial Reporting (FR), Audit and Assurance (AA), Financial Management (FM).
- Duration: Usually takes 1 to 2 years, depending on exemptions and the number of exams taken per sitting.
Strategic Professional
The final level hones skills in strategic management and advanced technical topics. It consists of two Essential and two Optional papers.
- Essential Papers: Strategic Business Leader (SBL), Strategic Business Reporting (SBR).
- Optional Papers (choose 2): Advanced Financial Management (AFM), Advanced Performance Management (APM), Advanced Taxation (ATX), Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA).
- Duration: Usually completed in 1 year, with flexibility based on paper selection.
Estimated ACCA Course Duration
The time required to complete the ACCA qualification varies significantly depending on factors like your study mode, previous academic qualifications, and professional experience. While the average student can complete the qualification in 2 to 4 years, individual timelines can differ based on exemptions, study pace, and personal commitments.
Below is a breakdown of the estimated course duration based on different study approaches and scenarios.
Full-time Students
- Full-time students can complete the ACCA qualification in about 2 to 3 years by taking multiple exams per quarterly session (March, June, September, December). This approach allows for faster progress through the course.
- Practical Experience: Many full-time students also fulfill the 36-month Practical Experience Requirement (PER) while studying, through part-time work or internships in accounting or finance, helping avoid delays in meeting the PER.
Part-time Students
- Part-time study is ideal for working professionals balancing their career with ACCA studies. Students take fewer exams per session, spreading the qualification over a longer period. Estimated duration is about 3 to 4 years.
- Part-time students typically attempt 1 to 2 exams per sitting, offering flexibility while managing work and study. Although this approach extends the course duration, it allows steady progress without overwhelming schedules.
- Practical Experience: Most part-time students fulfill the 36-month Practical Experience Requirement (PER) while working in relevant roles, ensuring they meet the experience requirement alongside their studies and avoid delays after completing exams.
Students with Exemptions
- Exemptions can significantly shorten the ACCA journey by reducing the number of exams required, depending on your academic background. Estimated duration: 1 to 2 years, based on exemptions.
- For instance, accounting graduates may be exempt from up to 9 papers, leaving only the Strategic Professional level to complete, which can take as little as 1 year with proper planning.
- Other degree holders may receive exemptions from Applied Knowledge or Applied Skills papers, enabling them to finish faster than those without exemptions.
Summary of Estimated ACCA Course Duration
| Study Mode/Scenario | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| Full-time students | 2 to 3 years |
| Part-time students | 3 to 4 years |
| Students with exemptions | 1 to 2 years |
The graph compares ACCA course durations for full-time, part-time, and exempted students across the three levels.
How to Shorten ACCA Course Duration?
Completing the ACCA qualification can be a significant commitment, but with the right strategies, you can reduce the overall course duration and qualify more quickly. By optimizing your study plan, taking advantage of exemptions, and gaining experience efficiently, it’s possible to fast-track your progress. Below are some effective ways to shorten the ACCA course duration.
Maximize Exemptions
One of the most effective ways to reduce the time it takes to complete ACCA is to maximize your exemptions. ACCA offers exemptions from certain papers in the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills levels for students with prior academic qualifications.
For instance, students with a degree in accounting, finance, or business may be exempt from up to 9 papers, which can significantly cut down the time required to complete the qualification.
How to do this?:
- Use ACCA’s exemptions calculator on their official website to see which papers you may be eligible to skip.
- Ensure you apply for exemptions during the registration process, so you can plan your studies without unnecessary exams.
Take Multiple Exams per Sitting
ACCA exams are held four times a year—in March, June, September, and December. To shorten the course duration, you can take advantage of these quarterly exam sittings by attempting multiple exams per session. This allows you to move through the qualification more quickly, especially if you are a full-time student or have a flexible schedule.
How to do this?:
- Develop a well-organized study plan that allows you to prepare for and attempt 2 to 3 papers per sitting.
- Be mindful not to overload yourself, as taking too many exams without adequate preparation can lead to resits, which would prolong the course duration.
Study Consistently with a Structured Plan
Consistent and focused study habits are essential to completing ACCA in a shorter period. Students who are disciplined in their study approach and follow a structured plan can complete their exams faster.
How to do this?:
- Create a detailed study plan that outlines your daily, weekly, and monthly study goals.
- Prioritize high-impact study sessions, and use ACCA-approved study resources and question banks to prepare efficiently for each exam. Stick to your schedule to ensure you’re ready for each exam sitting.
Prioritize Practical Experience During Studies
The Practical Experience Requirement (PER) is a mandatory part of the ACCA qualification, requiring students to complete 36 months of relevant work experience.
One common way to delay completing ACCA is by waiting until after the exams to gain this experience. However, if you gain practical experience while studying, you can fulfill both the PER and exam requirements concurrently, reducing the overall duration.
How to do this?:
- Seek out internships, part-time roles, or full-time positions in accounting, finance, or related fields that align with ACCA’s PER objectives.
- Many students work while studying, which helps them gain the necessary experience in parallel with their exam progress.
Use Efficient Study Methods and Resources
Not all study methods are equally effective. To complete the ACCA qualification faster, focus on efficient study techniques that maximize learning and retention in a shorter time.
How to do this?:
- Use ACCA-approved textbooks, attend revision classes, and take advantage of online resources, such as practice question banks and mock exams.
- Active learning techniques, such as mind mapping, practice testing, and group study, can also help reinforce concepts quickly.
Additionally, consider enrolling in online ACCA courses or coaching providers like QuintEdge Coaching, which offer fast-track programs to help you prepare for exams more efficiently. QuintEdge provides accelerated learning programs with focused study support, enabling students to complete exams faster and stay on track throughout their ACCA journey.
Plan for Strategic Exam Preparation
Some ACCA papers, particularly those at the Strategic Professional level, are more challenging than others. Planning your exam schedule strategically by focusing on harder papers first can reduce the likelihood of needing resits, which can extend the duration of the qualification.
How to do this?:
Analyze the ACCA exam structure and identify which papers are known to be more difficult. Allocate more time and resources to studying for these papers. Consider taking easier papers alongside the more challenging ones in the same sitting to maintain momentum.
Practical Experience Requirement (PER)
The PER is an essential part of the ACCA qualification, requiring students to complete 36 months of relevant work experience in accounting, finance, or audit, alongside the exams and Ethics and Professional Skills Module. It ensures students gain real-world, hands-on experience.
What is PER?
The PER involves applying the skills learned in your ACCA studies to real-world situations. You must complete 36 months of supervised work experience and achieve nine performance objectives.
Key Components
- 36 Months of Experience: Work in relevant roles across sectors such as accounting, financial reporting, taxation, audit, or management.
- Nine Performance Objectives: Five technical and four professional objectives, including areas like financial reporting, ethics, stakeholder management, and leadership.
| Category | Objectives |
|---|---|
| Technical (5) | 1. Corporate & Business Reporting 2. Financial Management 3. Audit & Assurance 4. Taxation 5. Governance, Risk & Control |
| Professional (4) | 1. Ethics & Professionalism 2. Stakeholder Management 3. Leadership & Management 4. Personal Effectiveness |
ACCA Course Duration by Country
The ACCA qualification is globally recognized, but completion time varies by country due to differences in education systems, exemptions, study resources, and work-life balance. While the typical duration is 2 to 4 years, regional factors may either shorten or extend this timeframe.Let’s explore the estimated ACCA course duration in some key countries.
United Kingdom (UK)
As ACCA is headquartered in the UK, many students in the region are familiar with the qualification and have access to extensive support resources, tuition providers, and exemptions.
- Duration: 2 to 3 years for full-time students, 3 to 4 years for part-time students.
- Exemptions: UK students who hold a degree in accounting, finance, or business may qualify for up to 9 exemptions, which significantly reduces the time needed to complete the qualification.
- For example, graduates of UK universities with accredited accounting degrees often bypass the Applied Knowledge and part of the Applied Skills levels.
India
The ACCA qualification has gained immense popularity in India, with many students pursuing it alongside traditional degrees like B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce) or MBA.
- Duration: Typically 3 to 4 years for part-time students or those combining ACCA with other degrees.
- Exemptions: Indian students holding relevant degrees, such as B.Com or CA (Chartered Accountant) Inter, may be eligible for exemptions from up to 9 papers, especially at the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills levels. This can shorten the course duration significantly.
Pakistan
In Pakistan, ACCA is considered one of the most prestigious qualifications, often pursued by students looking to work in top accounting firms or multinational corporations.
- Duration: 3 to 4 years on average for part-time students, though full-time students can complete it in 2 to 3 years.
- Exemptions: Students who have completed B.Com or M.Com (Master of Commerce) degrees may qualify for exemptions from up to 9 papers. Those with CA Inter or other relevant professional qualifications can also fast-track their ACCA studies.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, ACCA is highly respected, and the qualification is recognized by employers across various sectors, including banking, finance, and auditing.
- Duration: 2 to 3 years for full-time students and 3 to 4 years for part-time students.
- Exemptions: Students who have completed relevant degrees, such as Bachelor of Accounting (Hons), may be eligible for exemptions from several papers, which can reduce the overall study time.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
In the UAE, ACCA is highly regarded, especially in industries such as banking, finance, and construction. The qualification is sought after by expatriates and local students alike.
- Duration: Typically 2 to 3 years for full-time students, and 3 to 4 years for part-time students.
- Exemptions: Students with relevant degrees from UK or UAE universities may qualify for exemptions from certain ACCA exams, especially if they have studied accounting or finance.
Nigeria
In Nigeria, ACCA is recognized as a prestigious qualification, with a growing number of students opting for it to advance their careers in accounting, auditing, and finance.
- Duration: Typically 3 to 4 years for part-time students, though full-time students may complete it in 2 to 3 years.
- Exemptions: Nigerian students with degrees in accounting, business, or related fields, such as B.Sc. in Accounting, may be eligible for exemptions from up to 9 papers, particularly at the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills levels.
Comparison table for ACCA Course Duration by Country
| Country | Full-time Duration | Part-time Duration | Exemptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (UK) | 2 to 3 years | 3 to 4 years | Up to 9 papers (for students with accounting, finance, or business degrees) |
| India | 3 to 4 years | 3 to 4 years | Up to 9 papers (for B.Com, CA Inter, or relevant degree holders) |
| Pakistan | 2 to 3 years | 3 to 4 years | Up to 9 papers (for B.Com, M.Com, or CA Inter graduates) |
| Malaysia | 2 to 3 years | 3 to 4 years | Up to several papers (for Bachelor of Accounting (Hons) degree holders) |
| United Arab Emirates | 2 to 3 years | 3 to 4 years | Exemptions for students with relevant degrees from UK or UAE universities |
| Nigeria | 2 to 3 years | 3 to 4 years | Up to 9 papers (for B.Sc. in Accounting, business, or related fields) |
Conclusion
The journey to obtaining the ACCA qualification is a highly rewarding one, offering global recognition and numerous career opportunities in accounting, finance, and business management. While the typical ACCA course duration ranges from 2 to 4 years, the exact timeframe depends on a variety of factors, including your educational background, exemptions, study mode, and ability to balance work and personal commitments.
With proper planning of the exams, understanding of the ACCA structure, and effective practice, one can shorten the course. Even the special privileges such as exemptions and the availability of study materials also play a role in extending the time depending on the region of study. Regardless of the place, time management, regular tutoring, and efficient use of existing opportunities will allow you to complete ACCA within the desired time and open many doors to a successful career, irrespective of specialty and country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, it takes 2 to 4 years to complete ACCA, depending on your study mode, prior qualifications, and exemptions.
Yes, it’s possible if you study full-time, take multiple exams per sitting, and maximize your exemptions.
Exemptions are granted based on your prior qualifications, such as a degree in accounting or finance, potentially allowing you to skip up to 9 papers.
Yes, you must complete 36 months of relevant work experience as part of the Practical Experience Requirement (PER).
There are 13 exams divided into three levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional.
