How many papers are in the ACCA exam?

The ACCA qualification requires passing 13 exams (papers), divided into three levels: Applied Knowledge (3 papers), Applied Skills (6 papers), and Strategic Professional (4 papers, including 2 mandatory and 2 optional from a choice of 4), plus completing the Ethics & Professional Skills Module and relevant work experience, though exemptions are available for some papers based on prior qualifications.

How many exam papers for ACCA?

The 13 papers of ACCA. There is a requirement to clear all 13 papers of ACCA in order to gain the certification, divided into the ACCA levels; 3 Papers in the Applied knowledge level, 6 papers in the Applied skills level, and 4 papers in the Strategic Professional level.

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.

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.

What is the hardest paper in ACCA?

Which ACCA exam paper poses the hardest challenge? The Strategic Professional papers like Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA) and AFM, are often considered the hardest due to their complex application.

ACCA SBR 45 Days Planner | Strategy to pass in March 2026

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.

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.

Can I pass ACCA in first attempt?

But the ACCA syllabus is vast, and the exams are notoriously tough. The ultimate goal isn't just to pass; ideally, it's to achieve zero retakes. Passing the ACCA exam on the first attempt is the most efficient, cost-effective, and fastest way to complete your journey.

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.

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.

How does ACCA affect salary?

Factors That Influence ACCA Salaries

Generally, the more experience an ACCA professional has, the higher their earning potential. Senior roles typically come with significantly higher salaries due to increased responsibility and expertise. Salaries are industry specific.

Is ACCA better than CPA?

Both courses are well-recognized and prestigious and serve the purpose of accounting aspirants, especially if they want to pursue an international career. ACCA is globally recognized, while CPA is more relevant in the US market.

Which ACCA exam is hardest?

Hardest ACCA Papers Based on Syllabus Complexity

• AAA (Advanced Audit & Assurance): Advanced standards, deep professional judgment, open-ended scenarios.
• APM (Advanced Performance Management): Strategy + performance, very conceptual, requires strong exam technique.

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.

Is failing ACCA normal?

Failing is really common. In fact, it's more common than a pass if you look at the pass rates. Some students keep failing ACCA exams over and over again. Unfortunately, if you fail once, you're likely to fail twice when it comes to the ACCA.

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.

Is Kaplan no longer ACCA approved?

Recently, ACCA announced that Kaplan and BPP are no longer approved content providers. This major change has shifted the focus entirely toward the ACCA Study Hub, which has now become the official and most recommended source for ACCA exam preparation.

Is ACCA a level 7 qualification?

Apprentices will follow the full ACCA Qualification syllabus and learn the technical knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the Level 7 apprenticeship standard; this includes business insight, professional scepticism and leadership.

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 CPA higher than an accountant?

Yes, a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is considered a higher, more specialized level than a general accountant, as every CPA is an accountant, but not every accountant is a CPA; CPAs meet stringent state licensing, education (150+ college credits), and exam requirements, allowing them to perform unique services like auditing public companies and representing clients before the IRS, leading to greater responsibility and earning potential. 

Does ACCA make you a chartered accountant?

The ACCA qualification offers a pathway to become a Chartered Certified Accountant with international recognition. While ACCA members are undoubtedly Chartered Accountants, it's crucial for individuals and businesses to understand the nuances between ACCA and other national CA qualifications.