Many students who are near the end of their ACCA exams have asked about the difference between an ACCA Affiliate and an ACCA Member. Some think that passing all ACCA papers is the final step.
But in fact, the first thing someone becomes after passing the exams is an ACCA Affiliate and not a full ACCA Member. Understanding this distinction is crucial, especially when exploring the scope of ACCA in India, where employers often prefer fully qualified members for advanced roles.
In this blog, we are going to try to help you understand what being an Affiliate means, how it is different from a Member, and what you need to complete your ACCA journey.
So, let us, in a nutshell, explore the key differences about an ACCA Affiliate vs an ACCA Member.
Table of Contents:
What is an ACCA Affiliate?
An ACCA Affiliate is basically someone who has qualified himself or herself by clearing all of the 13 exams of ACCA, passing the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM). This is indeed an achievement as it presents a very strong knowledge of accounting and finance.
However, the affiliate status is not the end of the story. You are still not a full member of ACCA.
Acquisition of full membership in ACCA requires a total experience of 36 months in relevant job situations, in addition to the attainment of the Practical Experience Requirements (PER). Until then, the status remains that of Affiliate.
Many students become affiliates and continue working to gain experience in this work area. A number of them take up finance or accounting work during this time. Such a period tends to be more confident in the candidates, as they can get themselves into the mood for the reality of membership.
What is an ACCA Member?
An ACCA Affiliate qualifies as a person who has cleared all 13 papers organized by ACCA and has passed the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM). This is indeed a momentous milestone indicative of high competency in the accounting and finance proficiencies.
But, Affiliate does not imply an end. It does not qualify you as a full-fledged ACCA Member.
To have full ACCA Membership, one also needs to complete 36 months of relevant work experience under ACCA’s Practical Experience Requirements (PER). These being the conditions, your standing at the moment remains as an Affiliate.
Key differences between an ACCA affiliate and an ACCA member
After having defined both terms, let us differentiate between an ACCA Affiliate and an ACCA Member. This comparison should give you a clear understanding of what either title means and how to go about moving from one to the other. Here is a quick table to summarize:
ACCA Affiliate vs ACCA Member | ||
Criteria | ACCA Affiliate | ACCA Member |
Exam Completion | Completed all exams | Completed all exams |
Ethics Module | Completed | Completed |
Practical Experience (PER) | Not yet completed | Completed |
| Membership Status | Not a full member | Full member |
Use of “ACCA” Designation | ❌ | ✅ |
Career Opportunities | Entry-level / Mid-tier roles | Senior / Leadership roles |
Access to CPD & Networking | Limited | Full access |
Why is this difference so important?
Most of the ACCA students stop at the Affiliate stage, thinking that there is no more to be done for their qualification. However, the reality is that being a full ACCA Member will bring in significant additional value-not just with recognition but also influencing prospects regarding career development.
There is much between being and becoming an Affiliate, and being and becoming a Member. It is not just a nomenclature. It shows how far you have gone in your professional journey.
Employers across the globe usually search for qualified ACCA Members when they need to fill higher-level vacancies. By being a Member, it tells them you not only have the knowledge but demonstrates having hands-on practical experience on the battlefield dealing with the day-to-day handling of real-world challenges.
In short, this difference can directly impact:
- Your job opportunities
- Your salary
- Your professional credibility
That is why understanding this gap and working to close it is so important for your future.
Conclusion
An ACCA Affiliate is a big achievement, but it does not end here. The remaining requirements to become a full ACCA Member are work experience and PER requirements. If you are a full Member, it means greater recognition, greater job opportunities, and the right to use the ACCA letters after your name. So, do not stop at Affiliate and take that final step to complete your ACCA journey.
FAQs
Do ACCA affiliates need to complete CPD?
Yes, ACCA affiliates need to complete CPD (Continuous Professional Development) on an annual basis.
What happens if you don't do CPD hours?
If you don't do CPD hours, then it can lead to suspension or cancellation of your license or certificate.
Is ACCA higher than CA?
There is no answer to whether ACCA is higher than CA, as it depends on your individual career goals and aspirations.
