We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Finance

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is ACCA Qualification?

By Kenneth W. Michael Wills
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,166
Share

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is an international organization of professional accountants headquartered in London. ACCA qualification is an education and examination process that provides aspiring accountants with a globally recognized professional standard in the field of accounting. Receiving the qualification will require passing 14 different examinations, meeting experience requirements, and demonstrating comprehension of professional ethics. On average, aspiring accountants will need three to four years to complete all requirements for the ACCA qualification, if they only meet minimum entry requirements when enrolling. Those already having degrees and experience in accounting, however, may enter with advanced standing and complete the requirements for the qualification in significantly less time.

Future accountants new to the field may enter the ACCA qualification program at the entry level if they have completed two A levels and three General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSEs). Otherwise, potential students will need to complete a foundational accounting course first and may need to complete at least part of the A levels and GCSEs, or the Diploma in Accounting and Business offered by the ACCA. Graduated students, however, with a degree from an ACCA accredited university, may claim exemptions from the first nine examinations. In some cases ACCA may award exemptions to students who have a degree from a university not accredited by ACCA. Granting of exemptions in such a situation is usually determined based on how well a student’s courses match with ACCA curriculum.

Flexibility is part of the ACCA qualification program and is designed to meet the needs of mature learners, though the program is open to anyone meeting the entry level requirements. Completion times vary immensely between students due to multiple entry levels and individual situations, with the average being three to four years, though ACCA allows up to ten years to obtain the qualification. Students may take courses part time during the day or evening, full time or through distance learning. Additionally, as of 2011 the ACCA has over 380 exam centers located around the globe, allowing students to complete the program without being in the United Kingdom.

There are two levels to the examination process: Fundamentals and Professional. Fundamentals require the completion of nine modules and examinations. Professional will require the completion of four modules and examinations. Topics covered include basic and advanced business, managerial and financial accounting; corporate and business law; taxation, ethics and governance; business management, corporate reporting and business analysis; and assurance and auditing. Thereafter, students must complete an ethics module and demonstrate three years of experience in accounting to receive the ACCA qualification.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-acca-qualification.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.