What is ACCA? Eligibility, Levels, PER, Fees, Exemptions, and Career Prospects

Global qualifications, have you heard of them? And most importantly, what is ACCA? 

Earlier, the qualifications like BCom, MBA and BBAs were restricted to regional recognition.  These were considered the ultimate pathways to a stable career in finance and accounting. However, as the world became more connected, employers are looking for professionals with globally recognised credentials and practical financial expertise.

So, what is ACCA? It is what makes the difference. Recognised in over 180+ countries, the ACCA qualification is your gateway to international career opportunities with top firms, including the Big 4 Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG.

Let us explore what is ACCA in more detail further in the blog and its detailed information, be it ACCA duration, ACCA exemptions, ACCA salary, benefits of ACCA, or whether is ACCA worth it.

What is ACCA: Full Form and Meaning

Let us begin by understanding what is ACCA. It stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, the only truly global professional accountancy body with a diverse community of over 257,900 members. It is a global professional qualification that equips you with deep knowledge of accounting and finance.

Becoming a member of ACCA means adhering to the ethical professional standards, working in the client’s interest and staying skilful to navigate through the complex financial environment in today’s business environment. 

ACCA gives you the flexibility to work anywhere in the world. Being recognised in over 180+ countries, it is your gateway to international career opportunities with top firms, including the Big 4 like Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG, and other multinational corporations.

Building a Successful Accounting Career with ACCA Global

ACCA global can definitely help you build a successful career, but for that you need to have academic study, practical experience, and continuous professional development. The qualification is globally recognised and opens doors to diverse, high-demand roles across various sectors worldwide. 

1. Global Recognition

The recognition of ACCA in 180+ countries makes it one of the most respected qualifications in accounting and finance. Whether you wish to work in India, the UK, Dubai, or Singapore, an ACCA qualification ensures your skills are valued worldwide.

2. Comprehensive Curriculum

The ACCA syllabus covers everything from financial reporting and taxation to audit, business law, and strategic management. This broad syllabus equips you with industry-relevant skills and knowledge, helping you become a well-rounded finance professional ready for diverse roles.

3. Career Flexibility

With ACCA provides you flexibility to work in public accounting, banking, consulting, or even corporate finance. Many ACCA members also move into leadership positions like CFO, Financial Controller, or Risk Manager.

4. Opportunities with Top Employers

ACCA members are hired by leading companies, including the Big 4 as well as MNCs like Accenture, Grant Thornton, and JP Morgan.

5. Work While You Learn

One of the biggest advantages of ACCA is flexibility. You can study alongside your job or degree, making it ideal for both students and working professionals.

6. Continuous Professional Growth

Once you gain the ACCA qualification, you have to continue your learning through CPD (Continuing Professional Development). To ensure you stay updated with evolving financial standards and technologies.

7. Higher Earning Potential

As a globally certified professional, ACCA members often command higher salaries compared to traditional commerce graduates, especially in international markets.

So, ACCA Global empowers you to build a career beyond geographical boundaries. It is a global network, a professional identity, and a lifelong advantage in the world of finance.

Benefits of Doing the ACCA Course

There are numerous benefits of ACCA qualification. You must read further and get to know more in detail, and know if ACCA is worth it or not.

1. The ACCA qualification is recognised in more than 180 countries, thus providing a wide range of international job opportunities. 
2. You may take up a full-time or a part-time course and even hold a job at the same time as you get ready for the exams.
3. Choose from the fields of accounting, auditing, taxation, finance, or consulting. 
4. The Big 4 and large corporations are among the top employers who prefer hiring ACCA professionals. 
5. Price-wise, ACCA is one-third of the cost of an MBA or CA and is upheld on a global scale.
6. Exemptions for subjects are given to students of B.Com, BBA, and MBA courses.
7. ACCA graduates are usually at the top of the salary scale compared to other conventional graduates.
8. You are kept up to date with the latest finance trends through ongoing CPD programs.
9. Become a part of a worldwide community of over 200,000 members and professionals.
10. ACCA alumni are often found in the top roles, such as CFOs, finance managers, and business consultants.

So, build a successful global career by availing these benefits of ACCA in the industry. But the question is, is ACCA difficult? Read further and find it yourself.

ACCA Course Eligibility in 2026

The ACCA eligibility criteria in 2026 is as follows, and you must meet these academic or age requirements, coming from a different background, to register for the exams.

• The very first thing one has to do is to turn 16 years old, and then only one’s ACCA journey can commence. 
• One’s 10+2 (Class 12) needs to be finished at a recognised board before coming to ACCA. 
• Passing marks for English and Accounts/Mathematics need to be at least 65% and for all other subjects at least 50%. 
• Holders of B.Com, BBA, or MBA degrees shall be allowed to register directly for ACCA. 
• There is an option to apply for exemptions on the basis of prior learning or completed levels. 
• Students are welcome to come from Commerce, Science, or Arts backgrounds. 
• A basic skill of the English language is a must to be able to comprehend the course material.

ACCA Course Duration

ACCA what is it, and how long does it take?

Obviously, it takes time to prepare for the exams and learn new concepts. So, ACCA course duration is approximately 2 to 3 years. Otherwise, it depends on the ACCA exemptions you avail and the pace of your learning.

ACCA PER Requirements

ACCA PER requirements are one of the three key components of the ACCA qualification. PER stands for Practical Experience Requirement, which you can do before, simultaneously with ACCA or afterwards in a relevant field of study to achieve 9 performance objectives supervised and verified by a qualified employer or mentor.

ACCA Exemptions: Full details

ACCA what is it that makes it so advantageous, especially when it comes to exemptions?

One of the most significant benefits of ACCA qualification is the exemption policy. It enables students with prior educational or professional qualifications to bypass specific examinations, thereby assisting them in finishing the course in a shorter timeframe. You can find below the information regarding the exemption policy.

• Students from B.Com, BBA, MBA, CA, CMA and other educational backgrounds that are recognised will get exemptions on the basis of their previous education.
• A total of 9 exemptions can be given to you (only for Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills levels, but you must be aware of what are the subjects in ACCA levels).
• ACCA Exemptions are not allowed for the Strategic Professional papers, and all students must pass these.
• You are allowed to use the ACCA Exemption Calculator, which is found on the official ACCA website. Just fill in your qualification information to find out how many papers you can avoid.
• For each paper that is exempted, ACCA will ask for an exemption fee, which is equal to that paper’s exam fee. These charges have to be made during the registration process.

Wondering about what are the 13 subjects in ACCA? Continue reading further to know.

ACCA Levels and What are the subjects in ACCA 2026

ACCA what is it?

The qualification consists of three major levels. Each level assesses different capabilities and knowledge that are essential for a professional career in finance and accounting. The description of each level and what are the ACCA subjects, are given below.

1. Applied Knowledge

It is the basic level of the qualification. It deals with the fundamentals of accounting, finance, and business and comprises three papers that provide fundamental accounting and business knowledge.

• Business and Technology (BT)
• Management Accounting (MA)
• Financial Accounting (FA)
  

2. Applied Skills

This level is the intermediate one, consisting of six papers that would enhance the practical skills and technical competencies of the candidates, which are necessary in real business transactions.

• Corporate and Business Law (LW)
• Performance Management (PM)
• Taxation (TX)
• Financial Reporting (FR)
• Audit and Assurance (AA)
• Financial Management (FM)
  

 3. Strategic Professional

This is the highest level that not only trains the students in the area of advanced technical skills and strategic thinking but also prepares them for decision-making and leadership roles in the industry.

• Essentials (Compulsory Papers): 2
  • Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
  • Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)

• Options (Choose 2 out of 4):
  • Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
  • Advanced Performance Management (APM)
  • Advanced Taxation (ATX)
  • Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)

In short, the three ACCA levels, Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional, take you from a beginner to a globally recognised accounting professional capable of handling complex financial and business challenges.

ACCA Qualification Pathway

ACCA what is it in terms of its Qualification Pathway?

The ACCA qualification path is the way to become an ACCA member with full rights. The path consists of exams, practical experience, and ethics. So, the steps are as follows,

1. Create your Account

The first step would be to register with ACCA and to set up your MyACCA account. You’ll be required to enter your educational background and pay the registration fee.

2. The next step is to take the Exams

The ACCA consists of a total of 13 papers that are grouped into 3 levels, which you are required to pass all of them, consisting of,

Applied Knowledge (3 papers)

Applied Skills (6 papers)

Strategic Professional (4 papers: 2 compulsory + 2 optional)

3. The next step is to acquire Practical Experience (PER)

The candidate must complete a minimum of 36 months of relevant work experience in accounting, finance, or auditing and must have 9 performance objectives achieved under supervision.

4. Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)

You are required to take the ACCA Ethics Module online, which is aimed at professional ethics, communication, and decision-making skills, among others.

5. Claim Exemptions (if eligible)

If you have had prior education (B.Com, BBA, CA, CMA), you can ask for exemptions, and according to that, you might be able to skip some papers.

6. Finally, Become an ACCA Member

Once you have passed the exams, done the PER, and the EPSM, you are granted ACCA membership, enabling you to work worldwide as a certified accounting professional.

Exam Details for the ACCA Course in 2026?

What are the 13 subjects in ACCA exams? The ACCA exams are designed to test your knowledge, practical skills, and strategic understanding across all levels. It offers flexible exam schedules and formats, making it convenient for students worldwide. So, here are all the ACCA exam details in 2026 you need to know,

1. Number of Papers:

In total, there are 13 papers divided into 3 levels: Applied Knowledge (3 papers), Applied Skills (6 papers), and Strategic Professional (4 papers).

2. Exam Sessions in 2026:

ACCA exams are held four times a year, probably in the months of March, June, September, and December.

3. Exam Format:

Each level has a different exam format, for example, 

• Applied Knowledge: On-demand computer-based exams (CBEs) — can be taken anytime.
• Applied Skills & Strategic Professional: Session-based CBEs conducted during official exam windows.
  

4. Exam Duration:

Each level has a varying exam duration. Applied Knowledge exams are conducted for 2 hours each, followed by applied skills taking around 3 hours each and strategic professional exams for 3 hours 15 minutes each (plus planning time).

5. Passing Marks:

You have to minimum of 50% in each paper to pass.

6. Exam Fees (Approximate):

It varies per level, like Applied Knowledge: USD 100–120 per paper, Applied Skills: USD 140–170 per paper, and Strategic Professional: USD 180–250 per paper.

7. Exam Centres:

The ACCA exams can be taken online (remote) or at approved test centres worldwide. Just be sure, while booking your exam, whether you want to give online or not.

8. Results & Progression:

The results are released within 6 weeks of the exam date. So, you can progress to the next level after completing the previous one.

So, ACCA exams in 2026 will continue to offer flexibility, global availability, and computer-based testing, allowing students to study and appear for exams at their own pace.

Which Countries Offer ACCA Signing Authority

ACCA what is it that makes it globally powerful?

The ACCA qualification is praised and accepted in over 180 different nations, thus contributing to its status as one of the most sought-after diplomas in accounting and finance.

Nevertheless, the signing authority, which is the legal power to sign audit reports or validate financial statements, varies from one country to another and entirely depends on their respective laws. 

While the ACCA gets you acknowledged worldwide, every single country has its own licensing agency that decides who is allowed to endorse the accounts and signatures of the auditors.

• In the UK and Ireland, ACCA practitioners can sign without limits after being awarded a Practising Certificate from the ACCA. This gives them the authority to sign the auditor’s report, declare the financial statements, and even be known as registered auditors. These nations regard ACCA practitioners as equivalent to local chartered accountants, as long as they comply with all experience and regulatory conditions.
• In the cases of Australia and New Zealand, ACCA members, by means of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), can be granted the right to audit signing. They get an opportunity to enroll with the local organisations like CPA Australia or CA ANZ, and after fulfilling some additional requirements, they are entitled the practice as public accountants or auditors.
• In Canada, the role of ACCA professionals ranges from high-level finance positions, and they, being the international accountants, need to get qualified through CPA Canada for audit signing authority. There is an analogous case in the UAE where ACCA members are the most sought-after employees of multinational companies and audit firms. However, they must go through the UAE Ministry of Economy for the signing authority and comply with the country’s licensing requirements.
• The ACCA degree is becoming more and more popular and accepted by employers in India, especially in the Big 4 and MNCs. The only accountants that are allowed to carry out the audits and give opinions on financial matters in India are ICAI-qualified Chartered Accountants. ACCA members can still work as finance managers, auditors (under supervision), consultants, or analysts in leading organisations.
• The careers of ACCA professionals in Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries are promising and robust. The ACCA members may take up high-ranking positions in finance and accounting departments, yet they are required first to apply to local institutions like the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) or the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) in order to acquire the full practising or signing rights.
• Likewise, in territories like Hong Kong, South Africa, and Pakistan, ACCA members are similarly granted recognition for both employment and practising. Their signing rights, however, are only awarded once they have met the local requirements for experience, examination, or licensing as stipulated by the respective regulatory bodies.

So, full signing authority is available in the UK and Ireland, partial or conditional rights in Australia, New Zealand, the UAE, Singapore, and Malaysia, and different practices in India, Canada, and elsewhere, where ACCA members are recognised for employment but do not have the privilege of independent audit signing.

ACCA Scope and Salary in India and Abroad

ACCA what is it that makes it so special? 

ACCA has really expanded its influence in the field and is going to get more of that in the coming times, as skilled people equipped with international accounting knowledge are taking over the business world. The qualification is like a visa to both Indian and worldwide career paths, hence it is regarded as one of the most important courses for commerce and finance aspirants.

In India, ACCA professionals are highly sought after, spanning from multinationals to Big 4 consultancies (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) and over to worldwide finance companies. As India and the IFRS standards are becoming closer, the ACCA professionals are employed in positions such as Financial Analyst, Statutory Auditor, Management Accountant, and Tax Consultant.

In foreign ACCA recognised countries, specifically in the UK, UAE, Singapore, Canada, and Australia, ACCA members are professionally recognised in full and often have signing authority. These regions are flourishing with opportunities in global auditing firms, investment banks, and consulting companies.

The ACCA certification guarantees international movement and monetary security and opens up well-paid positions in local and global markets.

The marketability of ACCA-accredited professionals has made them a staple in every industry, whether they are in India or other ACCA recognised countries or in different parts of the world, due to their excellent analytical skills, ethical attitude, and worldwide accounting expertise.

To Wrap Up

The ACCA qualification is an accounting credential that gives access to a global career in finance and business. Starting with the flexible learning structure and worldwide recognition, and going through the strong industry demand, ACCA contributes to the creation of a professional edge for the students, which is visible not only in India but also abroad. 

ACCA provides a clear progression pathway, a practical experience requirement, and a globally aligned syllabus, which together make it impossible for aspiring accountants not to acquire the right mix of technical and analytical skills. 

Whether your aim is to work with the best multinational firms or set up your own practice, the pursuit of ACCA would guarantee long-term growth, financial stability, and global recognition in the changing landscape of finance.

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