ACCA

About the qualification

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the most popular global accountancy qualification, offering flexibility and worldwide recognition. It is ideal for school leavers, graduates, and career-changers seeking a globally portable accountancy career in practice or industry.

Structure

• 13 exams across three levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional.
• Ethics and Professional Skills module.
• 36 months of practical experience (PER).

ACCA is redesigning the qualification, effective September 2027. The new structure will include four levels: Foundations, Knowledge, Expertise, and Strategic Professional, each with a mandatory Essential Employability Module. The redesign emphasizes AI, technology, and sustainability, with one Options exam at the Strategic Professional level. Passed exams under the current structure will carry over.

• Final sitting of current Applied Skills/Strategic Professional exams: June 2027.
• First sitting of redesigned Expertise/Strategic Professional exams: September 2027.

Time & Cost

Typically completed in 3–4 years. Exam fees are pay-as-you-go, and free study materials cover most learning costs.

Careers

• Audit
• Financial reporting
• Tax
• Financial management

Roles are available in practice firms or industry.

Skills you'll build

• Financial reporting (IFRS)
• Audit & assurance
• Taxation
• Financial management
• Performance management
• Ethics & professional skills

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Members complete 40 units of CPD annually (21 verifiable + 19 non-verifiable).

Best free resources

• OpenTuition: Free video lectures, notes, and mock exams for every ACCA and CIMA paper.
• ACCA Study Hub & Practice Platform: Free study texts, quizzes, past papers, and practice exams (requires myACCA account).
• ACCA-X (on edX): Free online introductory courses in bookkeeping and financial accounting.
• ACCA Learning & CPD: Free webinars, articles, and on-demand CPD content for members (requires myACCA account).
• Deloitte IFRS e-Learning: 45+ free modules covering IFRS standards, with a certificate.
• Microsoft Learn — Excel & Power BI: Free, self-paced training in Excel and Power BI.

Paths you might also consider

• CIMA: Management accounting and business finance for roles inside organizations.
• ACA (ICAEW): A prestigious UK chartered route, typically via an employer training agreement.
• CPA: The premier US accounting license for audit, tax, and reporting.