How many ACCA exemptions can I get?

A relevant degree, diploma or professional qualification can earn you up to nine exemptions, across the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills levels. The four Strategic Professional exams cannot be exempted - everyone sits them. AAT, CAT and other professional bodies map to exemptions too. The exact number depends on your qualifications, so check ACCA's official exemption calculator (you submit certificates and transcripts; non-English documents need a translation).

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.

For an internationally portable accounting qualification, yes - it is recognised across many countries and built for a global career. US-focused accountants are usually better served by the state CPA.

Can I self-study for ACCA?

Yes, with approved learning providers' materials, though many candidates use tuition for the harder later papers. Exemptions from prior study can reduce the number of exams.

What jobs can ACCA help me get?

Accountant, auditor, financial analyst and finance-management roles internationally. It is especially strong in the UK, Europe, Africa and Asia.

How much does ACCA cost in total?

Roughly GBP 100-300 per exam (rising in later levels) across up to 13 exams, plus an initial registration and an annual subscription to stay active.

Finance & Accounting

ACCA Qualification

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Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

By The Exam Atlas Editorial Team · Verified 2026-05-29

Free ACCA practice questions 163 questions with full answer explanations. No sign-up. Start practice →

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.

Turn this into a week-by-week schedule with the Study Plan Generator.

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.

Want your full out-of-pocket figure? Try the Cost Calculator.

Salary & career value

Indicative ranges for orientation only - not surveyed data, and not financial or career advice. Sources and date below.

ACCA is UK and Commonwealth-centric. In the UK, newly qualified members commonly report ~£50k-58k, fully qualified members indicatively ~£55k-70k, and senior finance roles ~£70k-95k+. Indicative and London-weighted.

Pass rate: Varies widely by level (ACCA publishes per session): Applied Knowledge ~67-89%, Applied Skills mostly ~41-54% (Law higher, around 80%), Strategic Professional ~38-53%. Figures move each session - check ACCA's published pass rates.

Part-Qualified / Trainee ~£25k-37k

Newly Qualified Accountant ~£45k-55k

Financial / Management Accountant ~£48k-65k

Financial Controller ~£70k-95k

Head of Finance / CFO (SME) ~£90k-148k

Indicative annual pay (GBP), each role's typical band on a shared scale.

Other markets (indicative)

United Kingdom (qualified)	~£55k-70k
Canada	~CA$60k-100k
Germany	~€50k-80k

Jobs that often ask for it:

Management Accountant
Financial Accountant
Auditor
Financial Controller
Finance Manager

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.

Not sure this is the right exam for you? Compare your options with the Exam Finder.

Our specialty · side by side

Compare ACCA with other exams

Independent, like-for-like comparisons to help you choose the right one.

VS ACCA vs CPA: which accounting qualification should you choose? Compare →

Where it leads

Career paths featuring ACCA

How to become a qualified accountant: CPA, ACCA or CMA View path →

What to do next

ACCA is globally portable. Compare ACCA vs CPA if deciding between an international and a US-centric accounting path.

On exam day

Computer-based at exam centres or remotely (depending on level), in fixed sittings (March/June/September/December). The applied-knowledge exams are on-demand.

Keeping your certification

Membership is maintained through ACCA's CPD requirements and an annual subscription; let it lapse and reinstatement fees apply.

FAQ

How many ACCA exemptions can I get?: A relevant degree, diploma or professional qualification can earn you up to nine exemptions, across the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills levels. The four Strategic Professional exams cannot be exempted - everyone sits them. AAT, CAT and other professional bodies map to exemptions too. The exact number depends on your qualifications, so check ACCA's official exemption calculator (you submit certificates and transcripts; non-English documents need a translation).
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.
Is ACCA worth it?: For an internationally portable accounting qualification, yes - it is recognised across many countries and built for a global career. US-focused accountants are usually better served by the state CPA.
Can I self-study for ACCA?: Yes, with approved learning providers' materials, though many candidates use tuition for the harder later papers. Exemptions from prior study can reduce the number of exams.
What jobs can ACCA help me get?: Accountant, auditor, financial analyst and finance-management roles internationally. It is especially strong in the UK, Europe, Africa and Asia.
How much does ACCA cost in total?: Roughly GBP 100-300 per exam (rising in later levels) across up to 13 exams, plus an initial registration and an annual subscription to stay active.