Finance & Accounting
ACCA Qualification
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Quick facts
| Provider | ACCA |
|---|---|
| Exam code | ACCA |
| Level | advanced |
| Format | Computer-based exams across three levels (on-demand and session-based) |
| Questions | Up to 13 exams across Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills and Strategic Professional |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Passing score | 50% per exam |
| Exam fee | GBP 100–GBP 300 (per exam, plus annual fees) |
| Validity | Membership maintained through CPD |
| Languages | EN |
Overview
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a globally portable chartered-accountancy qualification, strong in the UK, Europe and many Commonwealth and emerging markets. It is structured as a progression of up to 13 exams across three levels, plus an ethics module and a practical experience requirement.
Unlike the US CPA, ACCA is generally open without a degree and is designed to be studied while working. It is a multi-year commitment that leads to chartered status recognised in many countries.
Who it is for
- People aiming for chartered-accountant status outside the US system
- Finance professionals who want a globally portable qualification
- Career changers who can study while working, without a degree
Who it is not for
- US-focused accountants aiming at state CPA licensure.
- Those wanting a fast credential — ACCA is up to 13 exams (with exemptions) over years.
- People not pursuing accounting or finance professionally.
Exam structure
| Applied Knowledge | Foundations of accounting and business |
|---|---|
| Applied Skills | Core technical accounting and finance |
| Strategic Professional | Essentials plus optional specialisms |
| Ethics and practical experience | Required alongside the exams |
Realistic study time
- Per exam ~130-150 hours each
- Full qualification 3-4 years with work experience
Bars show relative effort, not a guarantee. Your time depends on background and study method.
What it really costs
| Per exam | ~GBP 100-300 — rises in later levels |
|---|---|
| Initial registration | One-time fee |
| Annual subscription | Yearly fee to stay active |
| Exemptions | May reduce the number of exams — based on prior study |
Fees change and vary by region. Confirm the current amount on the official site before you register.
Is it worth it?
Worth it for a global accounting career outside the US, especially in the UK, Europe and emerging markets, and it is accessible without a degree. If your career is specifically US public accounting, the CPA is the more direct route.
What to do next
ACCA is globally portable. Compare ACCA vs CPA if deciding between an international and a US-centric accounting path.
FAQ
- ACCA or CPA?
- ACCA is globally portable and strong outside the US; the US CPA is the licence for US public accounting. Choose by where you want to work.
- Do I need a degree for ACCA?
- Often not. ACCA has multiple entry routes, and many people start from school-level qualifications and exemptions, studying while they work.
- How long does ACCA take?
- Typically three to four years alongside work, depending on exemptions and how many exams you sit per session.
Related exams
- US CPA (AICPA)— AICPA & CIMA (NASBA)
- CMA (IMA)— IMA (Institute of Management Accountants)
- CFA Level I (CFA Institute)— CFA Institute