Ever thought about becoming a globally recognized finance professional? Whether you’re fresh out of school or already on a career path, the ACCA qualification can open doors to opportunities worldwide. But what exactly is ACCA, and how can you get started?
In this guide, we will tell you how to become an ACCA. Doesnot matter if you’re a student wondering how to become ACCA after 12th or a working professional wanting to upskill. We have got you covered with everything ACCA.
ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a globally recognized qualification in accounting and finance. This international certification is a great way to open up your career doors to great opportunities.
So, how to become ACCA? Follow these simple steps:
- Register for ACCA – Head to the official ACCA website, fill out the registration form, and pay the required fee. The registration process is simple, and you can begin your journey online.
- Check eligibility requirements -This can differ depending on your country.
- Start studying – ACCA is a finance-based course. And it requires extensive knowledge of accounting and business management. Make sure to study well.
- Appear for Exam – ACCA exams are held in 4 months – March, June, September and December. You can appear for a maximum of four papers per examination cycle. ACCA has 13 papers. You must clear them all to be eligible for membership.
- Gain experience – Do articleship of 3 years to gain practical knowledge.
How To Become ACCA In India
Pursuing ACCA in India is a rewarding journey, especially with the increasing demand in banking, finance, and consulting industries.
Here’s a breakdown of how to become ACCA in India:
- Check For Eligibility Criteria
- Education: You must have completed your 10+2 (higher secondary) with a minimum of 65% in either Mathematics or Accountancy and 50% in other subjects.
- Age Requirement: You should be at least 18 years old.
- Apply for Exemptions Based on Qualifications
Graduates in commerce, CA students, and professionals with relevant qualifications may apply for exemptions in specific ACCA papers, depending on their prior studies.
Qualification | Exemptions | Remaining Papers |
12th Pass | None | 13 papers (BT, MA, FA, LW, PM, TX, FR, AA, FM, SBL, SBR, AFM, APM, ATX, AAA) |
B.Com (Hons) | BT, MA, FA, LW | 9 papers (PM, TX, FR, AA, FM, SBL, SBR, AFM, APM) |
CA Inter (Both Groups) | BT, MA, FA, TX, AA | 8 papers (LW, PM, FR, FM, SBL, SBR, AFM, APM) |
CA Final | BT, MA, FA, LW, PM, TX, FR, AA, FM | 4 papers (SBL, SBR, AFM, APM) |
- Register for the Course
Register on the official ACCA website by filling out the application form and paying the registration fee.
4. Clear All Exam Modules
- Applied Knowledge Level: Business & Technology (BT), Management Accounting (MA), Financial Accounting (FA).
- Applied Skills Level: Corporate and Business Law (LW), Performance Management (PM), Taxation (TX), Financial Reporting (FR), Audit and Assurance (AA), Financial Management (FM).
- Strategic Professional Level: Strategic Business Leader (SBL), Strategic Business Reporting (SBR), and two out of four optional papers (AFM, APM, ATX, AAA).
5. Complete Practical Experience
Gain 36 months of relevant work experience and achieve nine performance objectives.
6. Join ACCA Membership
Once you have completed all exams, the Ethics and Professional Skills Module, and the Practical Experience Requirement, you can apply to become an ACCA member.
How To Become An ACCA Approved Employer
ACCA-approved employers are the organizations recognized by the ACCA for meeting high standards of staff training and development. Having an approved status brings in lots of benefits like:
- Easier recruitment of the best people.
- Global networking opportunities with 773,000+ members.
- Exclusive access to preferential pricing on ACCA learning courses.
- Recognition in the ACCA’s Directory of Approved Employers.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become ACCA approved employer:
Step 1: Review the Criteria
Familiarize yourself with the specific criteria for each approval stream and level. ACCA offers different streams such as Trainee Development, Professional Development, and Practising Certificate Development
Step 2: Decide Your Stream and Level
The trainee development is for individuals. It has Gold and Platinum levels, while Professional Development focuses on supporting ACCA members’ continuing professional development (CPD). Select the one that fits your organization.
Step 3: Prepare Necessary Documents and Data
Gather information about your organization, including the total number of employees and the number of ACCA students and members. Also, collect document evidence of your training programs.
Step 4: Complete the Application:
Fill out the application form available on the ACCA website. Provide all information and attach necessary evidence.
After submission, wait for updates. If approved, you will receive recognition for your quality training and development programs, and your organization will be listed as an ACCA Approved Employer.
How To Become An ACCA Affiliate
Firstly, what is an ACCA affiliate? They are the students who have passed the ACCA exams but have not yet completed the Practical Experience Requirement (PER) or the Ethics and Professional Skills Module. In simple words, affiliates are students who cleared exam scores but did not qualify for membership.
If you are an ACCA Affiliate, you can:
- Attend ACCA events and network with finance professionals
- Gain recognition for academic achievements.
- Start earning a higher salary compared to non-ACCA’s as a fresher.
- Start accruing relevant work experience towards membership.
So, how to become Acca affiliate?
- Pass All ACCA Exams:
- Complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (if not done already)
- Meet PER requirement by working for 36 months
- Complete the required nine performance objectives
How To Become ACCA After 12th
Starting your ACCA journey right after 12th can be a great move. You can save time and gain experience. But, to be eligible, you must be:
- Atleast 18 years old
- Have a minimum aggregate score of 65% in Mathematics or Accountancy in 12th.
- Have a minimum 50% score for the rest subjects.
Here’s how to become ACCA after 12th:
Register for the ACCA Course
Go to the ACCA official website and register as early as you can. This way, you can prepare early and attempt the first-level (i.e. Applied knowledge) exams while your high school concepts are still fresh.
Understand The Exam Structure
Start with the three foundational exams:
- Business & Technology (BT)
- Management Accounting (MA)
- Financial Accounting (FA)
Then, you pass, you can move on to the six skill-based papers, which require the application of technical knowledge.
Choose a Study Method – Self Study or Coaching
ACCA is a flexible degree. So, whether you are a 12th pass, a fresher, or a working professional, you can learn anytime, anywhere. If you have the resources and have great time management skills, you can opt for self-study. If not, enrolling in online or offline coaching can elevate your journey more. For that, you must choose a coaching center.
Prepare Study Schedule
Start slow and dedicate 2-3 hours daily to study. Get hold of foundational accounting concepts like debit credit rules, journal entries, transactions, finance management, etc. Take breaks and try mixed learning styles – combine reading with videos, podcasts, etc., to keep yourself engaged.
Practice Mock Exams
Attempt subject-wise mock question papers regularly to assess your readiness, writing speed, and areas of improvement. Sometimes, silly mistakes can make a huge difference. So, revising the concepts and taking mock exams improve your exam scores.
Can Non-Commerce Students Do ACCA?
Yes, students from a non-commerce stream can pursue ACCA. ACCA Global has no restrictions regarding whichever education background you come from. Be it science, commerce, or arts. As long as you meet the minimum eligibility criteria, you can pursue the course. That includes:
- Clearing 10+2 schooling
- Scoring a minimum of 65% in English and either of the two – Maths or Accounts. Since you have a non-commerce background, you must have that score for Maths.
- A minimum score of 50% in the rest of your subjects.
What Qualifications And Subjects Are Required For ACCA?
If you want to know how to become ACCA qualified, you must have a good score in English and either Mathematics or Accountancy. Besides, a strong foundation in accounting subjects can be a great start.
The ACCA syllabus is divided into three levels:
- Knowledge Level – 3 subjects
- Skills Level – 6 subjects
- Strategic Professional Level – 4 subjects.
The exams are held quarterly every year, and you can attempt upto 4 papers in one session.
Is Maths Compulsory For ACCA?
Maths is not strictly compulsory for ACCA. As per the criteria, you just need to have a minimum score of 65% in either Maths or Accounts to qualify. So, as long as you are taking accountancy in 12th and fit the minimum score, you are good to you. But, if you are from a non-commerce background and have more than basic knowledge of maths, it can definitely help you in your ACCA journey.
Students with good math knowledge experienced ease in clearing subjects like performance management, financial analysis, and even taxation. In the future, you can showcase your aptitude and problem-solving skills, where a strong foundation in maths can be leveraged. However, many students (including our ex-alumni) have also successfully cleared ACCA without maths.
How To Become an ACCA Member
Ready for the membership? Here’s how to become ACCA certified member:
- Pass All Your Exams – ACCA qualification has three exam sets – Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. Each level builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous one. You can either clear all or gain exemptions as per your previous academic achievements.
- Complete the Ethics Module – It prepares you to face ethical challenges and grow in your career.
- Gain 36 months of mandatory training and experience – document this experience and achieve nine performance objectives or claim the Approved Employer performance objective exemption.
- Document all training experience – Make sure all your experience is signed off by your practical experience supervisor.
- Apply for membership at the ACCA portal – Fill out the membership application form and submit it.
Tips to Speed Up the Process:
- Regularly update your PER progress using My Experience.
- Complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module promptly.
- Keep your training documents handy, like CPD.
- Update your personal records and contact details on the myACCA portal.
- Pay and renew your membership fees on time.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Become ACCA
To become ACCA-certified in India:
- Meet Eligibility Criteria
- Apply for exemptions
- Register for the course
- Clear all exam modules
- Complete Practical Experience
- Join ACCA membership
It can take anywhere between 2.5 to 3 years to become an ACCA by clearing 13 exams and completing 36 months of internship. However, you have a time frame of 10 years to complete the qualification.