ACCA Pass Percentage [2024 Update]: Is it High or Low?

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious credentials in the fields of accounting and finance. With over 227,000 members and 544,000 students in 178 countries, ACCA is a globally recognized professional body that offers a comprehensive pathway for individuals seeking to advance their careers in finance, accounting, and business management.

The ACCA exams are known for their rigor and depth, covering a wide range of topics from financial reporting and taxation to audit and strategic management. As such, understanding the ACCA pass percentage is crucial for both prospective students and current candidates.

Pass percentages provide valuable insights into the difficulty level of the exams, the effectiveness of study strategies, and the overall performance of students globally. They can also serve as a benchmark for individual preparation, helping students gauge where they stand in comparison to their peers.In this blog, we will explore the historical trends in ACCA pass percentages, examine the factors that impact these rates, and offer practical tips to help you improve your chances of passing the exams.

What is ACCA?

Established in 1904, ACCA is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, covering key areas such as financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, audit, and financial management.

The qualification is divided into three levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional, each designed to build a robust foundation in finance and business. ACCA’s flexibility allows students to study at their own pace, with multiple exam sessions held annually, making it accessible for those balancing personal and professional commitments.

To know more ACCA in depth, read- ACCA course structure and exam pattern

Understanding ACCA Pass Percentages

• ACCA pass percentages are a crucial metric that provides insights into the performance of candidates across different exam sessions.
• These percentages represent the proportion of students who successfully pass each ACCA paper, offering a snapshot of the difficulty level and the effectiveness of preparation strategies for each exam.
• For both prospective and current ACCA students, understanding these pass rates is essential for setting realistic expectations and developing an effective study plan.

Why Are Pass Percentages Important?

• Pass percentages are more than just numbers; they are indicators of how challenging a particular paper or exam session may be.
• Higher pass rates generally suggest that the majority of candidates were well-prepared and found the exam manageable, whereas lower pass rates might indicate a higher level of difficulty or a gap in preparation.
• By examining pass percentages, students can identify which papers may require more intensive study and which ones are typically less challenging.

Factors Influencing ACCA Pass Percentages

Several factors can influence the pass rates for ACCA exams:

Difficulty of the Paper:

• Some ACCA papers are inherently more complex, covering advanced topics that require not just theoretical knowledge but also practical application.
• Papers at the Strategic Professional level, for instance, often have lower pass rates due to their comprehensive and integrative nature.

Exam Session Timing:

• Pass percentages can vary between different exam sessions throughout the year.
• Factors such as the timing of the exam (e.g., June vs. December) and the global context during the exam period (e.g., disruptions due to global events) can impact student performance and, consequently, the pass rates.

Study Resources and Preparation:

• The quality and accessibility of study materials, as well as the effectiveness of a student’s preparation strategy, significantly influence pass rates.
• Students who utilize ACCA-approved study materials and engage in regular practice are generally better equipped to pass.

Changes in Exam Structure or Syllabus:

• Periodic updates to the ACCA syllabus or changes in exam formats can also affect pass rates.
• When new content is introduced, or exam structures are modified, pass rates may temporarily dip as students and educators adjust to the changes.

Global and Regional Differences:

• Pass percentages can also be influenced by regional factors, such as the availability of quality education, language barriers, and economic conditions.
• For example, students in regions with better access to educational resources may have higher pass rates compared to those in less privileged areas.

Historical Trends in ACCA Pass Percentages

Analyzing ACCA pass percentages over the past 5 to 10 years reveals interesting trends and patterns.

Historically, the pass rates for ACCA exams have varied, with some papers consistently showing lower pass percentages than others.

For example, papers like Strategic Business Leader (SBL) and Advanced Financial Management (AFM) have traditionally had lower pass rates compared to others. These trends can be influenced by several factors, including the complexity of the syllabus, changes in exam structure, and global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Breakdown of Pass Percentages by Paper

Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills Exam Pass Rates

Let’s take a closer look at the pass percentages for the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills papers over recent exam sessions:

Exam Session	BT	MA	FA	LW	PM	TX	FR	AA	FM
Jun 2024	89	68	68	79	42	55	51	44	48
Mar 2024	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	45	53	52	44	48
Dec 2023	85	68	69	78	42	54	48	41	48
Sep 2023	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	40	54	47	42	49
Jun 2023	83	63	72	80	40	56	49	45	52
Mar 2023	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	44	53	52	44	49
Dec 2022	79	61	68	82	43	52	49	40	51
Sep 2022	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	40	52	50	44	51
Jun 2022	85	64	69	82*	41	52	51	39	52
Mar 2022	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	40	51	50	44	50
Dec 2021	84	65	71	83	43	49	50	38	50
Sep 2021	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	37	52	48	39	52
Jun 2021	88	68	74	86	41	50	51	39	53
Mar 2021	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	44	46	47	43	46

Strategic Professional Exam Pass Rates

The Strategic Professional level exams, which are more advanced, also exhibit varied pass rates across different sessions:

Exam Session	SBL	SBR	AFM	APM	ATX	AAA
Jun 2024	52	49	46	37	47	37
Mar 2024	52	49	46	33	49	38
Dec 2023	52	50	45	34	49	34
Sep 2023	50	50	45	34	48	34
Jun 2023	51	51	47	34	43	34
Mar 2023	50	50	45	35	45	34
Dec 2022	49	47	41	33	39	32
Sep 2022	49	51	42	34	43	34
Jun 2022	50	49	41	33	42	31
Mar 2022	50	46	43	34	38	33
Dec 2021	51	48	41	32	37	34
Sep 2021	51	48	38	30	36	34
Jun 2021	46	44	39	32	41	32
Mar 2021	50	52	39	36	44	32

These figures highlight that exams like Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA) and Advanced Performance Management (APM) typically have lower pass rates, reflecting their complexity and the level of expertise required.

Foundation Level Exam Pass Rates

Foundation level exams, which cover fundamental concepts, tend to have higher pass rates:

Exam Session	FA1	MA1	FA2	MA2	FBT	FMA	FFA	FAU	FTX	FFM
Jun 2024	79	78	75	66	80	69	74	50	41	60
Dec 2023	83	84	76	63	81	70	71	49	50	38
Jun 2023	78	78	69	69	75	71	71	40	38	39
Dec 2022	82	82	69	66	74	67	70	35	56	46
Jun 2022	74	71	73	72	77	72	73	31	49	40
Dec 2021	80	83	77	70	77	71	69	39	52	42
Jun 2021	78	77	74	70	75	72	69	44	37	54

DipIFR Exam Pass Rates

For those pursuing the Diploma in International Financial Reporting (DipIFR), the pass rates are as follows:

Exam Session	Pass Rate
Jun 2024	44
Dec 2023	35
Jun 2023	43
Dec 2022	41
Jun 2022	45
Dec 2021	39
Jun 2021	35

Tips to Improve Your ACCA Pass Rate

Improving your chances of passing ACCA exams requires a strategic approach:

Effective Study Strategies:

• Begin with a clear study plan that covers all the syllabus areas.
• Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks and focus on understanding the concepts rather than rote learning.

Practice and Mock Exams:

• Regular practice is key to success in ACCA exams.
• Use past exam papers and mock exams to familiarize yourself with the exam format and to identify areas where you need more practice.

Time Management and Exam Techniques:

• During the exam, time management is crucial.
• Allocate time to each question based on its marks and avoid spending too much time on a single question.
• Practice under timed conditions to improve your speed and accuracy.

Use of ACCA-Approved Learning Providers

• Enrolling in courses offered by ACCA-approved learning providers is key to exam success.
• QuintEdge Coaching Classes, a top ACCA-approved learning partner, offers high-quality study materials and expert guidance from experienced tutors.
• Their personalized approach, including structured courses and mock exams, ensures that students are well-prepared for each paper.
• Choosing QuintEdge not only gives you access to excellent resources but also boosts your chances of passing and advancing in your ACCA journey.

To know more in depth about to qualify the ACCA exam , read- Tips to crack ACCA in 1st attempt with high passing %

Comparison with Other Accounting Qualifications

When considering your ACCA journey, it’s helpful to compare it with other accounting qualifications like CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) to understand how ACCA stands out and what makes it unique:

ACCA vs. CIMA

Pass Rates

• ACCA: The pass rates for ACCA exams typically remain above 50%, reflecting the rigorous and comprehensive nature of the qualification, which spans across multiple disciplines in finance and accounting.
• CIMA: CIMA exams generally have pass rates between 50% and 60%. The slightly higher pass rates may be due to CIMA’s specialized focus on management accounting and strategic business management.

Global Recognition

• ACCA: Recognized in over 178 countries, ACCA is one of the most globally respected accounting qualifications. This wide recognition allows ACCA members to work in diverse industries and locations worldwide.
• CIMA: CIMA is also globally recognized, particularly in roles that require expertise in management accounting and strategic management, making it ideal for professionals aiming for leadership positions.

Syllabus and Focus Areas

• ACCA: The ACCA syllabus covers a broad spectrum of topics, including financial accounting, management accounting, audit, taxation, and strategic management. This wide-ranging curriculum equips professionals with the skills needed for various roles in finance.
• CIMA: CIMA’s syllabus is more specialized, focusing on management accounting, strategic management, and business strategy. This makes CIMA particularly suitable for those looking to move into leadership roles within organizations.

Exam Structure and Difficulty

• ACCA: Known for its rigor, ACCA exams not only require passing the exams but also completing practical experience requirements (PER). The challenging nature of ACCA is reflected in its pass rates.
• CIMA: CIMA exams are structured around case studies and objective tests, with a strong emphasis on the practical application of knowledge in business scenarios. This structure, while challenging, aligns well with those focused on strategic roles.

Career Opportunities

• ACCA: ACCA opens doors to a variety of roles in finance, auditing, consulting, and management across the globe. Its broad curriculum prepares professionals for both technical and strategic roles, offering vast career opportunities.
• CIMA: CIMA is ideal for those aiming for strategic roles in management, such as financial controllers, management consultants, and business analysts. The focus on management accounting makes it particularly valuable for leadership positions within organizations.

For an in-depth comparison between ACCA and CIMA, read – ACCA vs. CIMA: Which Path is Right for You?

ACCA vs. CPA

Pass Rates

• ACCA: The ACCA exams typically have pass rates above 50%, reflecting the challenging and comprehensive nature of the qualification, which covers a wide range of topics in finance and accounting.
• CPA: The overall average pass rate for the CPA exam in Q1 2024 is approximately 54.37%. The CPA exam is known for its rigor, with pass rates varying across different sections, indicating the specialized focus of the qualification.

Global Recognition

• ACCA: ACCA is recognized in over 178 countries, making it one of the most globally respected accounting qualifications. This global reach enables ACCA members to work in a variety of industries and locations worldwide.
• CPA: While the CPA is highly regarded, it is primarily recognized in the United States, with some international recognition. CPAs are particularly valued for their expertise in U.S. accounting standards and practices.

Syllabus and Focus Areas

• ACCA: The ACCA syllabus covers a broad range of topics, including financial accounting, management accounting, audit, taxation, and strategic management. This diverse curriculum prepares professionals for various roles in finance.
• CPA: The CPA syllabus focuses more on U.S. GAAP, taxation, and regulatory requirements, making it highly specialized for roles in the United States. The curriculum is tailored to those seeking expertise in U.S. accounting and auditing standards.

Exam Structure and Difficulty

• ACCA: ACCA exams are known for their rigor, requiring candidates to pass exams and complete practical experience requirements (PER). The exams cover a broad array of topics, contributing to the challenging nature of the qualification.
• CPA: The CPA exam is divided into four sections: AUD, FAR, REG, and a choice of three discipline sections. Each section is challenging, particularly for those unfamiliar with U.S. accounting standards. The exam requires a deep understanding of U.S.-specific practices.

Career Opportunities

• ACCA: ACCA opens doors to a wide range of roles in finance, auditing, consulting, and management across the globe. Its broad curriculum prepares professionals for both technical and strategic roles, offering vast career opportunities in various industries.
• CPA: CPA is highly valued in the United States, particularly for roles in public accounting, taxation, and financial reporting. The qualification is essential for those pursuing careers in U.S.-based accounting and auditing, with strong career prospects in these fields.

For a detailed comparison between ACCA and CPA, read – ACCA vs. CPA: Which is the Better Choice?

Conclusion

Understanding ACCA pass percentages is vital for anyone on the journey to becoming a Chartered Certified Accountant. These figures not only offer insights into the challenges of each exam but also guide students in refining their study strategies to maximize their chances of success. By leveraging ACCA-approved study materials, engaging in consistent practice, and employing effective exam techniques, candidates can significantly improve their pass rates and advance in their ACCA qualification.

Comparing ACCA with other accounting qualifications highlights its unique strengths, such as global recognition, a comprehensive syllabus, and flexible study options. Whether you’re just starting your ACCA journey or are in the midst of your exams, focusing on strategic preparation and understanding the trends behind pass rates will position you for success. Remember, persistence, thorough preparation, and a positive mindset are key to navigating the ACCA exams and achieving your professional goals.

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