Yes, you can complete ACCA in two years, and even faster in some cases. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification can be completed in as little as 6 months, but realistically, most students take around two years.
The time it takes to finish the ACCA depends on the path you choose and how you plan your exams and work experience. One of the reasons why completing ACCA in two years is possible is because ACCA offers great flexibility. You can choose your own exam schedule and complete your required work experience at your own pace.
If you’re determined to fast-track your ACCA journey, there are proven strategies that can help you complete it within two years or even less.
Yes, it’s definitely possible to complete ACCA in two years, thanks to the flexibility offered by the ACCA body. ACCA conducts four exam sessions each year, and in every session, you can take up to four papers.
That means you can appear for up to 8 exams in one year. Since the full ACCA qualification includes 13 exams across three levels, Knowledge, Skill, and Professional, you could finish all your papers in under two years if planned well.
But here’s where it gets even more doable, ACCA exemptions. If you’ve already studied subjects similar to ACCA syllabus in your previous education, you may be eligible for exemptions. This means you can skip certain papers, cutting down the number of exams you need to take and helping you complete ACCA faster.
If you want to pursue the ACCA qualification, you must have completed your 12th grade (10+2) with at least 65% marks in English and Mathematics or Accounts, and 50% in all other subjects.
But don’t worry if you’ve only completed Class 10 or don’t meet these marks criteria you can still join the ACCA journey through the Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) route.
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 |
Note: To register after Class 12, you must have passed 5 subjects, including English and Maths/Accounts, with 65% in at least two of them and 50% in the rest.
Additional Benefit for CA Final Candidates: If you’ve scored 40 or more in specific CA subjects, you may be eligible for extra exemptions in ACCA.
Also Check: Is ACCA Easy to Crack?
Yes, there is a time limit for completing the ACCA Strategic Professional level papers. According to ACCA’s official guidelines, students are given seven years to pass all papers at the strategic level once they begin this stage.
This rule ensures that your knowledge stays current and relevant in today’s fast-changing finance and accounting industry. Employers want ACCA professionals who are up-to-date with the latest standards and practices, and this timeline helps maintain that standard.
The seven-year limit also ensures a level playing field for all students, especially since the ACCA syllabus is regularly updated. Completing the exams within this period helps you stay aligned with industry expectations and increases your chances of landing your dream job in accounting or finance.
Completing your ACCA qualification in just two years is possible with the right approach. The following is a guide to help you complete ACCA in two years.
1. Maintain Work Hours of 9 Hours a Day
If your workday is limited to a 9–6 or similar shift, you'll have enough energy to study in the evenings after dinner or in the mornings before work. You’ll also have weekends to catch up on your coursework, ensuring that you can stick to your study schedule.
2. Take Enough Leave Each Quarter
Before each exam quarter, ensure that you have sufficient leave to study. Ideally, aim for a week off just before exam week. This will allow you to fully prepare for two exams in that quarter. If your employer offers additional leave, make sure to use it!
3. Prepare a Realistic Study Plan
Creating a clear, achievable study plan is crucial for completing ACCA in two years. List all the papers you need to clear, set deadlines for each, and allocate enough time for every subject. Prioritize topics based on difficulty and ensure you're on track to avoid last-minute stress.
4. Apply for Exemptions (If You Qualify)
If you have relevant qualifications, such as a CA or a commerce degree, apply for exemptions where possible. ACCA offers exemptions based on prior studies, reducing your overall paper load and allowing you to focus on the more complex subjects.
5. Manage Your Time Effectively
Balancing work, life, and studies can be tough, but time management is key. Set fixed study hours daily or use weekends to study. Keep yourself organized with planners or apps, track your progress, and stay consistent.
6. Tackle Multiple Papers Each Quarter
Once you’ve completed the foundation level (F1-F4), aim to take two papers each quarter. It might seem challenging, but with continuous effort and the right support, managing two papers per quarter is completely doable.
7. Study Smart, Not Hard
Focus on understanding core concepts rather than memorizing facts. Use practice exams, revision kits, and ACCA-approved study materials. Consider group study sessions to exchange insights and learn from others. Don't forget to take mock exams to prepare thoroughly before the real ones.
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