How many exams are in ACCA?

The ACCA qualification has 13 exams across three levels (Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, Strategic Professional), plus the mandatory Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM) and Practical Experience Requirement (PER), totaling 13 papers plus the module for a complete qualification. You can get exemptions for some exams, but 13 is the maximum number of exams you'll take, with some being compulsory and others optional at the strategic level for specialization.

What are the 9 ACCA exams?

The 9 ACCA exams at the fundamentals level form the backbone of your accounting and business acumen. They include BT, MA, FA, LW, PM, TX, FR, AA, and FM. These exams test your grasp of concepts like management accounting, taxation, financial reporting, and business law.

How many ACCA exams are there, 13 or 14?

The ACCA course syllabus consists of 13 exams divided into three levels: Applied Knowledge - 3 exams. Applied Skills – 6 exams. Strategic Professional – 2 Essentials exams and 2 Options exams out of 4.

What are the 13 papers in ACCA?

The 13 papers of ACCA

• BT - Business and Technology:
• MA - Management Accounting:
• FA - Financial Accounting:
• LW - Corporate and Business Law:
• PM - Performance Management:
• TX - Taxation.
• FR - Financial Reporting.
• AA - Audit and Assurance.

What is the hardest exam in ACCA?

The difficulty is different but not strictly “easier” or “harder.” ACCA's toughest paper tends to be AAA or APM, which demands high-level professional judgment and strategic thinking. CA exams might emphasise tax, audit, or regulation more aggressively.

ACCA Big Update 2027 | New ACCA Structure

Which is the 3 toughest exam in the world?

The three toughest exams globally often cited for their extreme difficulty, low pass rates, and high stakes are China's Gaokao (National College Entrance Exam) for its sheer scale and competitiveness, India's UPSC Civil Services Exam for its life-altering potential and minuscule selection, and India's IIT-JEE Advanced (Joint Entrance Exam) for its rigorous engineering entrance criteria, alongside prestigious UK fellowships like the All Souls Prize Exam, with difficulty varying by individual and goals. 

Is ACCA more difficult than CA?

Q1. Is ACCA easier than CA? Yes, ACCA is often considered easier due to its flexible structure, application-based questions, and higher pass rates. However, it still requires dedicated study and preparation.

Can I finish ACCA in 3 months?

It covers a wide range of topics such as Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Taxation, Audit, and more. The course is designed to equip you with deep knowledge and skills needed for successful careers in accounting, finance, and management. Generally, the ACCA course takes around 2 to 3 years to complete.

Is ACCA closing in 2026?

Completion deadline - 2026.

All students and members must submit all requirements for the BSc programme by May 2026. The closure of the programme following December 2026 will have no effect on the recognition or validity of this prestigious qualification. You will continue to enjoy the reputational benefits it offers.

What is the ACCA salary?

Average Salary of an ACCA in India

5.5 – 11 lakhs p.a and for senior roles, it is ₨. 19-30 lakhs per annum. The average salary of an ACCA member in India is: Entry level: ₹7.05 lakhs per year.

What is the ACCA salary range?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $109,000 and as low as $34,000, the majority of Acca Accountant salaries currently range between $53,500 (25th percentile) to $78,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $95,000 annually across the United States.

Can I skip ACCA papers?

Plenty of MBA graduates, depending on their specialisation, may be eligible for exemptions from certain ACCA papers. Typically, exemptions are granted for papers in the Applied Knowledge level and sometimes in the Applied Skills level if the MBA covers relevant accounting and finance subjects.

Is ACCA better than a CPA?

Global vs. US Focus: The ACCA is ideal for those seeking a career in international finance or with global accounting practices, while the CPA designation is tailored for professionals aiming to excel within the U.S., focusing on American GAAP, taxation, auditing, and business law.

How long does it take to pass ACCA?

In total, the examinations are 5300 learning hours and take on average between 3 and 4 years to complete. In addition, 36 months' work experience and a Professional Ethics Module must be completed.

What is level 7 ACCA?

The Professional Accountant Apprenticeship is aligned to the full ACCA Qualification. You will gain leadership skills and a much deeper understanding of the drivers of change within business.

Will ACCA be replaced by AI?

The question keeps coming up: “With automation and AI advancing so fast, will accountants even be needed in the future?” According to ACCA, the answer is clear, AI won't replace accountants, but accountants who know how to work with AI will replace those who don't.

What is the hardest ACCA exam to pass?

The most difficult ACCA exam. The ACCA exam which tends to present the most challenges to students is Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA).

Is ACCA worth it in 2025?

If you're passionate about finance and dream of working in leading companies across the world, ACCA will give you the edge you need to stand out in the competitive job market. So yes, ACCA is absolutely worth it in 2025—and the earlier you start, the faster you can reap the rewards of this prestigious qualification.

Is ACCA harder than a bachelor's degree?

In terms of difficulty, ACCA is more difficult to complete than accounting degree as it incorporates the difficulty levels of a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree into one qualification.

Is there an age limit for ACCA?

Does age matter when it comes to studying ACCA? There is no age limit for people wanting to study ACCA. In fact, ACCA is a popular and powerful facilitator for career change. What's important when considering ACCA is understanding that it's challenging, but then ultimately incredibly rewarding.

Do Big 4 accept ACCA?

All Big 4 accountancy firms – Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG – are active recruiters of ACCA-affiliated accountants. Choice often depends on your interest area: audit, consulting, tax, or advisory.

Which is highly paid, CA or ACCA?

Starting Salary: The average starting salary for a CA is approximately ₹8 lakhs per annum, while ACCA affiliates start around ₹5.6 lakhs per annum. Course Duration: ACCA generally requires a shorter time to complete compared to CA.

Is a 75% on the CPA exam passing?

Yes, a score of 75 or above on a CPA exam section is a passing score, but it's crucial to understand it's not a literal 75% of questions answered correctly; the score is on a 0-99 scale, reflecting sufficient knowledge to protect the public interest, based on weighted question difficulty and performance.