The Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) is a globally recognized body that awards the prestigious Certified Chartered Accountant certification. This certification equips students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in accounting, finance, and management, preparing them for careers in areas such as auditing, taxation, financial consulting, and management accounting.
The ACCA program is divided into three levels: Knowledge, Skills, and Professional. Based on their prior education, students may qualify for exemptions. For instance, B.Com or M.Com graduates are required to take only 9 exams instead of the standard 13, while Chartered Accountants (CA) need to appear for just 4 exams.
ACCA exams are conducted four times a year, with sessions in March, June, September, and December.
ACCA, short for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, is a globally recognized professional accounting organization that offers the prestigious Chartered Certified Accountant qualification. Founded in 1904, ACCA is dedicated to maintaining high standards in education, ethical practices, and professional training for accountants.
This qualification equips professionals with comprehensive expertise in finance, accounting, management, and ethics, making ACCA members highly valued across industries such as public practice, commerce, industry, and the public sector.
With its rigorous training programs and commitment to ongoing professional development, ACCA ensures its members uphold exceptional competence and ethical standards.
The ACCA Course is structured to evaluate a candidate's expertise in accounting, finance, and related disciplines. Below are the details of ACCA Course:
ACCA Course Details |
|
Full Form |
Association of Certified Chartered Accountants |
Course Duration |
1-3 years, depending upon qualification |
Course Level |
Professional |
Exams |
13 exams |
Levels |
3 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Candidates must have completed 10+2 with the following minimum requirements:
|
Career Prospects |
Accountants, Auditors, Finance Managers, Business Analysts, Taxation Expert |
The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification is widely recognized globally and is considered equivalent to a master’s degree. It consists of three progressive levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional, each designed to develop expertise step by step.
ACCA Levels |
|
Level |
Subjects |
Applied Knowledge |
|
Applied Skills |
|
Strategic Professional |
Essential Papers:
Optional Papers (Choose 2):
|
The ACCA course offers several standout benefits:
1. Competitive Edge
With in-depth knowledge of accounting, taxation, and finance, ACCA-certified professionals stand out from their peers. Top global companies like Deloitte and KPMG actively seek ACCA-qualified candidates.
2. Global Recognition
ACCA is recognized in over 180 countries, opening doors to exciting career opportunities in international hubs like the UK and Dubai.
3. Prestigious Alumni Network
Becoming ACCA-qualified connects you to a global network of professionals, giving you access to valuable resources and career-building opportunities.
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a globally recognized qualification that is suitable for a wide range of individuals, regardless of their educational background. Here’s who can pursue it:
Students after Class 10: If you are still in school, you can start your ACCA journey through the Foundation program. This program provides you with a strong base in accounting, finance, and business. It’s a great way to begin early and build essential skills for your future career.
Students after Class 12: If you've completed your school education, you can directly start with the ACCA qualification. By beginning ACCA at this stage, you can fast-track your career in the finance industry, gaining knowledge and skills that will set you apart globally.
Commerce Graduates: If you have already completed a degree in commerce, pursuing ACCA can help you transition into global job opportunities. It opens doors to higher-paying roles and international careers in finance, accounting, and business.
Professionals: ACCA is ideal for professionals like Chartered Accountants (CA), Cost Management Accountants (CMA), MBAs, and Company Secretaries (CS). It enhances your skills and credentials, helping you stand out with a globally respected qualification.
To be eligible for ACCA, candidates must meet these requirements:
Age: 18 years or older.
Academic qualifications: Students who have completed 10+2 need at least 65% marks in Accounts/Maths and English. A minimum of 50% is required in other subjects.
ACCA provides exemptions depending on your previous qualifications.
ACCA Exemptions |
||
Qualification |
No. of Exemptions |
Subjects Exempted |
12th Grade |
0 |
None |
BBA (Related) |
1 |
BT |
3-Year Bachelor’s Degree (B.Com, BAF, or similar) |
5 |
BT, MA, FA, LW, TX |
CA (Intermediate) |
5 |
BT, MA, FA, TX, AA |
CA (Inter with B.Com) |
6 |
BT, MA, FA, LW, TX, AA |
Qualified CA |
9 |
BT, MA, FA, LW, PM, TX, FR, AA, FM |
ACCA exams are held four times a year, with sessions in March, June, September, and December. The specific exam dates for each session are listed below.
The following table outlines the ACCA exam schedule for March 2025, covering all exam papers from 3rd to 7th March. Check the dates and corresponding subjects for each day.
ACCA Exam Dates March 2025 |
|
Date |
Exam Paper |
Monday, March 3rd, 2025 |
AA (Audit and Assurance) |
AAA (Advanced Audit and Assurance) |
|
Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 |
TX (Taxation) |
SBL (Strategic Business Leader) |
|
Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 |
PM (Performance Management) |
APM (Advanced Performance Management) |
|
ATX (Advanced Taxation) |
|
Thursday, March 6th, 2025 |
FR (Financial Reporting) |
SBR (Strategic Business Reporting) |
|
Friday, March 7th, 2025 |
FM (Financial Management) |
LW (Corporate and Business Law) |
|
AFM (Advanced Financial Management) |
The following table outlines the ACCA exam schedule for June 2025, covering all exam papers from 2nd to 6th June. Check the dates and corresponding subjects for each day.
ACCA Exam Dates June 2025 |
|
Date |
Exam Paper |
Monday, June 2nd, 2025 |
AA (Audit and Assurance) |
AAA (Advanced Audit and Assurance) |
|
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025 |
TX (Taxation) |
SBL (Strategic Business Leader) |
|
Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 |
PM (Performance Management) |
APM (Advanced Performance Management) |
|
ATX (Advanced Taxation) |
|
Thursday, June 5th, 2025 |
FR (Financial Reporting) |
SBR (Strategic Business Reporting) |
|
Friday, June 6th, 2025 |
FM (Financial Management) |
LW (Corporate and Business Law) |
|
AFM (Advanced Financial Management) |
The future of ACCA looks promising due to the rise in globalization. As businesses expand their services and products globally, the demand for ACCA professionals continues to grow. Here's an overview of the opportunities:
ACCA is recognized in over 180 countries, making it one of the most prestigious qualifications worldwide. Many ACCA-qualified professionals from India are working in countries like the UK, Australia, Singapore, and Germany.
Foreign companies operating in India also have a high demand for ACCA professionals. These companies seek individuals with international accounting expertise, capable of working with US GAAP and IFRS.
The career prospects for ACCA professionals are similar to those of Chartered Accountants (CAs). ACCA holders have the opportunity to pursue careers in over 180 countries.
ACCA is gaining recognition from governments, educational institutions, and businesses of all sizes. With more than 7,500 approved employers and over 80 partnerships with accounting bodies, ACCA's reach continues to expand.
The salary for ACCA professionals primarily depends on their work experience. Fresh ACCA graduates typically start with a salary of around INR 7 LPA, which can increase to over INR 15 LPA as they gain more experience.
Leading companies such as BDO, Grant Thornton, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley are among the top employers hiring ACCA professionals in accounting and finance roles.
A fresher qualifying for the ACCA exam in India can expect an annual salary between ₹4 lakh and ₹6 lakh, depending on factors such as location, prior experience, and knowledge level. ACCA salaries are generally higher than those in other professional careers within banking and finance.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally recognized professional accounting body that offers the prestigious ACCA qualification. Here's what ACCA does:
Provides a thorough qualification program focused on developing skills in accounting, finance, and business.
Upholds high ethical and professional standards for its members.
Offers ongoing professional development through seminars, workshops, and various resources.
Advocates for its members' interests and promotes the value of professional accountants worldwide.
Supports members with career guidance, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and study resources.
Promotes equal opportunities and supports initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Publishes reports on accounting and business topics, contributing to thought leadership in the industry.