The ACCA qualification structure has three levels and up to 13 exams: Applied Knowledge (3 exams: BT, MA, FA), Applied Skills (6 exams: LW, PM, TX, FR, AA, FM) and Strategic Professional (4 exams: SBL and SBR compulsory, plus 2 of AFM, APM, ATX or AAA). You also complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module and 36 months of practical experience (PER) to become a member.

Key takeaways

• 13 exams at most; degree exemptions can reduce this.
• Applied Knowledge is on demand; later levels follow quarterly sessions.
• The Ethics and Professional Skills Module is mandatory.
• Membership needs 36 months of relevant experience plus performance objectives.

All ACCA exams by level

Applied Knowledge (on-demand, computer-based)

Code	Exam	What it covers
BT	Business and Technology	How organisations work, governance, technology
MA	Management Accounting	Costing, budgeting, basic performance measures
FA	Financial Accounting	Double entry, preparing basic financial statements

Applied Skills (scheduled sessions)

Code	Exam	What it covers
LW	Corporate and Business Law	Legal frameworks (local variants exist)
PM	Performance Management	Advanced costing, decision-making, performance
TX	Taxation	Tax computations (country variants)
FR	Financial Reporting	IFRS-based statements, group accounts
AA	Audit and Assurance	Audit process, risk, reporting
FM	Financial Management	Investment appraisal, financing, working capital

Strategic Professional

Code	Exam	Status
SBL	Strategic Business Leader	Compulsory
SBR	Strategic Business Reporting	Compulsory
AFM	Advanced Financial Management	Option (choose 2 of 4)
APM	Advanced Performance Management	Option
ATX	Advanced Taxation	Option
AAA	Advanced Audit and Assurance	Option

ACCA updates syllabuses periodically and has announced future changes to its qualification. Always confirm the current structure on ACCA’s website.

Beyond the exams

• Ethics and Professional Skills Module: an online module, usually completed before the Strategic Professional level.
• Practical Experience Requirement (PER): 36 months in an accounting or finance role, plus performance objectives signed off by a supervisor.
• Embedded awards: students can earn intermediate awards along the way. These include the Diploma in Accounting and Business (around the Applied Knowledge stage) and the Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business (around the Applied Skills stage). Through ACCA’s university partnership there is also the option of a BSc in Applied Accounting. Check ACCA’s site for the exact conditions of each.

Exemptions

Students with relevant accounting or business degrees can claim exemptions from some Applied Knowledge or Applied Skills exams. ACCA’s exemptions calculator shows what your qualification earns. Exemption fees apply.

How long does ACCA take?

Route	Typical exam duration
School leaver, no exemptions	about 3–4 years
Relevant degree with exemptions	about 2–3 years
Studying part-time while working	add 6–12 months

How to pass ACCA exams

1. Build strong foundations at FA and MA. Everything later builds on them.
2. Use ACCA’s official practice platform and past exam material to learn the computer-based exam style.
3. Plan sessions realistically. Two Applied Skills exams per session is common for working students.
4. Practise exam technique, not just content. Time management in constructed-response questions is decisive.

ACCA or something else?

Compare ACCA with CIMA and the US CPA in ACCA vs CIMA vs CPA, or see all finance and business credentials in certifications compared. Practical skills such as Excel for finance help at every level.

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Sources

• ACCA: ACCA Qualification
• ACCA: exemptions
• ACCA: Practical Experience Requirement

Frequently asked questions

How many exams are in ACCA? +

Up to 13: three Applied Knowledge exams, six Applied Skills exams and four Strategic Professional exams (two compulsory and two chosen from four options). Exemptions can reduce the number for students with relevant degrees.

How long does ACCA take? +

Many students complete the exams in about two to four years, depending on exemptions and how many exams they sit per session. Membership also requires 36 months of relevant practical experience, which can be gained before, during or after the exams.

Can I start ACCA after A-Levels or IGCSEs? +

Yes. ACCA publishes entry routes for school leavers. Students without the standard entry requirements can start with the Foundations in Accountancy route. Check ACCA's current entry requirements for your country.

Which ACCA exams can be taken on demand? +

The Applied Knowledge exams (BT, MA, FA) are computer-based and available on demand. Applied Skills and Strategic Professional exams are sat in scheduled sessions, typically in March, June, September and December.

What is the ACCA PER? +

The Practical Experience Requirement: 36 months in a relevant role, plus completing performance objectives signed off by a qualified supervisor. It is required for ACCA membership.

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