How Long Does It Take To Complete ACCA? | LSBF Blog (2024)

If you are keen on starting an accounting career, you must have already heard of the finest route to reaching your professional goals and that is ACCA.

On average, it can take you two to three years to complete studying for all the 13 papers of the exam, but you could complete the qualification in 18 months if you focus on the major eight papers.

In this article we have covered the most pressing questions regarding the ACCA qualification, providing you with all you need to know before choosing to study the qualification.

Why Choose ACCA?

Accountancy is an integral part of every business. Without accountancy, financial departments of all companies would stop functioning.

The globally recognised accountancy body: the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) can lay the platform for an interesting career in one of the most valuable business platforms.

With an ACCA qualification, you can make a career anywhere in the world and incorporate the skills and values gained from our preparatory course to acquire senior management positions.

What is the ACCA Course Structure?

To qualify for ACCA you are required to pass your examination in three levels and completing all of the mentioned papers below:

Fundamental level:

Knowledge modules

  • Accountant in business
  • Management accounting
  • Financial accounting

Skills modules

  • Corporate and business law
  • Performance management
  • Taxation
  • Financial reporting
  • Ordered and assurance financial management

Professional level:

Essentials

  • Strategy business leader
  • Strategic business reporting

Optional [any 2]

  • Advanced financial management
  • Advanced performance management
  • Advanced taxation
  • Advanced audit and assurance

What is the Duration of An ACCA course?

ACCA online courses offered in the UK typically require you to dedicate two months to learn each subject.

This allows you to prepare thoroughly for the yearly ACCA examinations conducted in March, June, September and December.

What is the ACCA Exam Structure?

ACCA exams are computer-based objective tests in which you are expected to complete the first four papers AB, MA, FA and LW at any point of time within a specific year.

To qualify for the fifth paper you will have to pass an examination which is a blend of multiple choice, subjective and objective questions and complete them within the examination windows available during a year.

Additionally, you are required to pass four papers from within the professional level of ACCA exams structure and complete them within the first six to nine months of completing the fundamental level examinations.

What Makes ACCA So Popular?

ACCA helps students significantly gain industry-specific knowledge related to finance and accounting disciplines, which makes it one of the most sought after qualifications among business professionals.

Choosing to study ACCA online before taking the examination can help you get practical training to make your profile look more appealing to potential employers.

Can I Study For ACCA After 12 Standards?

If you are considering an ACCA qualification, then preparing soon after graduating from high school is one of the best ways to acquire the practical experience required for performing efficiently as an ACCA professional.

This is considered a good strategy to help you get registered with international accountancy bodies, which can ultimately boost your career prospects by exposing you to professional placements and potentially acquiring internship positions within the corporate world.

Can I Study for ACCA After Graduation?

Students who are willing to join ACCA courses after graduating with relevant subjects, such as B. Com. can be accepted onto the course through certain exemptions depending on the type of academic and professional experience previously gained.

Being exempted from at least four papers from the mandatory section will allow you to qualify for ACCA within a short period as well as land a professional position much faster depending on the type of experience level previously gained.

Strategic Professional Level

Passing the strategic ACCA professional level requires a little more time than the usual preparation required to pass the fundamental level papers.

ACCA preparatory courses in the UK allow you to stay up to date with the latest skills and techniques required to become an accountant by giving you the opportunity to gain the finest marks on the strategic professional examinations.

Frequently Asked How Many Questions

Is the ACCA exam right for me?

If you aspire to become a fully qualified accountancy professional, then getting high scores on ACCA exams might be the right decision to achieve your goals.

How difficult is an ACCA exam?

The difficulty level of your upcoming ACCA exams depends on the path you decide to take. Opting for an online ACCA preparatory course can help you acquire all qualifications quickly and cost-effectively.

How much time does an average student take to complete ACCA?

The ACCA Course duration ranges from one year to five years, based on the time you invest each day towards the qualification.

To make a stable career for yourself, you must constantly incorporate recent trends in the field of accountancy within your learning process.

Check out the diverse ACCA online courses provided by the London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) and select your preferred online study packages and offers on tuition fees to enjoy the best learning experience with complete flexibility.

This article was written by Deblina Dam.

How Long Does It Take To Complete ACCA? | LSBF Blog (2024)

FAQs

How Long Does It Take To Complete ACCA? | LSBF Blog? ›

On average, it can take you two to three years to complete studying for all the 13 papers of the exam, but you could complete the qualification in 18 months if you focus on the major eight papers.

How quickly can you complete ACCA? ›

How quickly can I complete the ACCA qualification? We run four exam sessions per year. Students can sit a maximum of four exams at each session, and a maximum of eight distinct exams each calendar year. You could therefore complete all of the exams in two years.

How long does it take to get ACCA on average? ›

Our lower estimates are for students taking 2 exams every 6 months and passing first time; this would take you around 3 years in total. Our higher estimates are for students who need to resit exams or those choosing to take it more slowly; this would take you around 4.5 years in total.

How long does it take to complete the ACCA foundation? ›

ACCA qualifications, from FIA right up to the full ACCA qualification, are designed to allow maximum flexibility so there is no fixed timetable for completion. However, if you wanted to progress as fast as possible through the FIA diplomas, you could complete all of the studying and exams in around 12-18 months.

How long does it take to complete ACCA applied knowledge? ›

How long will it take? Completing both the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills exams could take you as little as 12 to 18 months. To gain the ACCA Qualification and become an ACCA member, you also need to complete our Strategic Professional exams and three years' relevant work experience.

What is the fastest way to complete the ACCA? ›

The quickest way to become a member is to work and study at the same time. If you do, you could qualify in as little as three or four years. Is there a time limit? There's no limit on how long students can spend on the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills exams.

Is ACCA recognised in the USA? ›

The ACCA curriculum has no scope for such education in reference to the US system of accounting. That's why ACCA professionals do not have the signing authority or even the working expertise in the USA. Working in the USA as an Accountant requires a License, obtained through another certification known as the US CPA.

What is the salary of ACCA? ›

On average, an ACCA member in India can expect a salary ranging from INR 6 lakhs to INR 15 lakhs annually. This can further increase with years of experience, additional skills, and managerial responsibilities.

Is ACCA better than CPA? ›

While ACCA offers a broader global perspective, CPA is more relevant in the US market and focuses on American accounting regulations and principles. The course duration and structures are also significantly different, ultimately leaving the choice to the candidate.

What is the average age to get ACCA? ›

The average age to pass ACCA is 27, however there is no age limit for people wanting to study ACCA. In fact, ACCA is a popular facilitator for career change so it doesn't matter what age you decide you want to become an Accountant or become an ACCA student.

Is ACCA equivalent to Masters? ›

When you take the Professionals level, it is equivalent to a masters degree. Once you have successfully completed your exams, ethics module, and work experience and applied for ACCA membership, you will be able to use the 'ACCA' letters after your name and commence your career as a professional accountant.

How much does the whole ACCA cost? ›

Once you complete your ACCA exams, ethics module and professional experience requirement, you can apply for full ACCA membership. This means you must pay a one-off admission to a membership fee of £297. Then you pay an annual subscription fee of £297. There is also a Lifetime membership commutation fee of £297.

What is the salary of ACCA in Dubai? ›

ACCA Salary in Dubai for Select Job Profiles
Post/PositionBeginnerMid Level
AccountantAED 2,000/moAED 4,000/mo
AuditorAED 10,000AED 21,850 /mo
Finance Manager$82,000$123,000
Senior AccountantAED 16,900/mo (average salary)
1 more row
Dec 19, 2023

How quickly can I complete ACCA? ›

The ACCA Course duration ranges from one year to five years, based on the time you invest each day towards the qualification. To make a stable career for yourself, you must constantly incorporate recent trends in the field of accountancy within your learning process.

Which ACCA applied skills is the hardest? ›

The Applied Skills level is comprised of the following modules: For this level, the Performance Management (PM) module and the Audit and Assurance (AA) module are the hardest to navigate through. The PM and FM modules require lots of practice using mock exams.

How many hours should I study for ACCA? ›

How many hours should I study for ACCA? When you're studying ACCA we recommend you plan to do a minimum of 8 hours per week. Study time varies in terms of how long it will take you to cover the syllabus, but you can expect to spend about 11 weeks on each paper.

Can you fast track ACCA? ›

A full ACCA course in the fast time available to move at the speed of your studies. Priority tutor support throughout the ACCA course, online study materials and students can enrol and start studying in less than one day. The Fast Track ACCA Course includes the ACCA exams at The Exam House Exam centres.

How long does it take to get an ACCA membership? ›

You will be transferred to membership approximately 12 working days after we receive confirmation of your acceptance – subject to the next available membership committee meeting. Membership applications are normally processed within four weeks of receipt.

How long does it take ACCA to approve per? ›

Membership applications are normally processed within four weeks of receipt. We will contact you during this period should we require any further information. To quality assure the practical experience requirement (PER) process and protect the integrity of the ACCA Qualification, we carry out PER audits.

Can I go straight to ACCA? ›

We have a range of entry points so if you're an employer or a student, you or your trainees can progress their journey towards ACCA membership regardless of existing qualifications or work experience.

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