Which ACCA exams to take together. Plan in advance
Exam Planning - Which Exams To Take Together
The process of planning which ACCA exams to take together can be daunting, but it is an essential part of studying for the ACCA. When deciding, there are a few things to consider, such as which exams will best complement each other and your learning style. In this blog post, we will discuss a few different ways to approach this decision so that you can make the best choice for you.
One of the main advantages of taking your exams together is that it can help you to stay focused and motivated. When you break between exams, it can be easy to lose sight of your goals and allow distractions to creep in. Studying for multiple exams simultaneously can help you stay on track and avoid last-minute cramming.
Understanding the ACCA Exam Structure
Before delving into specific exam pairings, it’s essential to understand the ACCA exam structure. The ACCA qualification is divided into three primary levels:
- Applied Knowledge
- Applied Skills
- Strategic Professional
Each level builds on the knowledge acquired in the previous one, and exams within each level can be taken in any order. However, certain combinations may complement each other better than others.
Which ACCA exams to take together
Complimentary
One way to decide which exams to take together is to choose exams that complement each other well. For example, if you are struggling with audit-related concepts, you might consider taking an exam covering financial reporting alongside your audit exam. This way, you can focus on one exam at a time while still ensuring that you cover all the material you need to know.
Theory vs numerical
Another approach is to choose exams that are heavy on theory and those that are heavy on application. This way, you can ensure that you are getting a well-rounded education and understanding of the ACCA curriculum.
Visual vs Audio
When deciding which exams to take together, you should also consider your learning style. If you are a visual learner, you might want to consider taking two exams with many articles or videos available to supplement your learning.
If you are more of an auditory learner, you might want to find two exams with audio lectures or podcasts in public.
And if you are more of a hands-on learner, you might want to see two exams with practice questions or simulations available. No matter your learning style, there is an approach that will work best for you.
Below are some best combination of ACCA papers
Applied Knowledge Level
Optimal Pairing:
- MA and FA: Combining Management Accounting (MA) and Financial Accounting (FA) can be advantageous. MA focuses on internal management processes, while FA provides a foundation in financial reporting. The synergy between these subjects helps reinforce your understanding of accounting principles from an internal and external perspective.
Applied Skill Level
We usually recommend that students write the LW and TX exams before going for other exams. Both are compliance and rules-driven, so these can be done before the other concept exams.
Optimal Pairings:
- FR and AA: Financial Reporting (FR) and Audit and Assurance (AA) are closely related, as both involve a deep understanding of financial statements. FR provides the knowledge needed to prepare financial statements. At the same time, AA focuses on auditing those statements, making them a complementary pair.
- PM and FM: Performance Management (PM) and Financial Management (FM) deal with aspects of management accounting. PM focuses on internal performance and decision-making processes, while FM addresses financial strategies and investment decisions. Studying these together lets you see how performance metrics influence financial management decisions.
- TX and LW: Taxation (TX) and Corporate and Business Law (LW) are another logical pairing. Both exams involve legal and regulatory frameworks, with TX focusing on tax laws and LW on broader business laws. Studying these together provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal context, which can significantly enhance your grasp of taxation principles, making them a valuable and complementary pair.
Performance management (PM) goes well with (tips to pass the F5 exams)
- Law
- Taxation
- Financial Management
Audit assurance goes well with (it's better to take this paper after completing PM, Tx or FR) (tips to pass ACCA F8 exams)
- Financial reporting
Financial reporting goes well with any paper. Most students pair this with FM.
Strategic Professional Level
At the Strategic level, we recommend students write one exam at a time as the required preparation level is quite intensive. If students wish to write two exams in one sitting, the following are good combinations.
We also recommend that students complete the ethics module before taking any of the strategic exams.
The Ethics module of ACCA is a mandatory module that all students must pass before they are eligible to sit for any of the other exams. The module covers various topics, including professional and ethical standards, conflicts of interest, and dealing with difficult situations. Many of these situations come up as compulsory 8-10 mark exam questions.
Optimal Pairings:
- SBR and AAA: Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) and Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA) are well-suited to be taken together. SBR covers complex financial reporting issues, while AAA delves into advanced auditing techniques. The overlap in content ensures a cohesive understanding of reporting and auditing at an advanced level.
- SBL and APM: Strategic Business Leader (SBL) and Advanced Performance Management (APM) emphasize strategic thinking and performance evaluation. SBL focuses on leadership and strategic decision-making, while APM enhances your ability to manage and improve organizational performance.
- AFM and APM: Advanced Financial Management (AFM) and Advanced Performance Management (APM) deal with high-level financial and performance strategies. AFM focuses on financial strategy, risk management, and investment decisions, while APM emphasizes performance evaluation and management strategies. The strategic insights from these subjects can complement each other well.
Strategic Business Reporting and Advanced Audit and Assurance
Strategic Business Reporting and Advanced Financial Management
Advanced Financial Management and Advanced Performance Management
Conclusion:
Deciding which exams to take together can be daunting, but it is essential to study for the ACCA. When choosing, there are a few things to consider, such as which exams will best complement each other and your learning style. By planning and viewing your options, you will be able to make the best decision for you and set yourself up for success in your ACCA journey.
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FAQs
There are several ways to prepare for the ACCA exams, including studying the exam syllabus and practicing past exam questions. You can also attend review courses or hire a tutor to help you prepare. It's also a good idea to create a study schedule and stick to it, and to take breaks and pace yourself during your studies.
If you fail an ACCA exam, you will need to re-register and pay the exam fees again. You may also want to consider reviewing the exam syllabus and studying more before attempting the exam again. It's also a good idea to talk to your tutor or mentor for guidance and to get feedback on where you may have gone wrong.
There is no limit to the number of times you can attempt the ACCA exams, but you will need to pay the exam fees each time you register. It's a good idea to carefully review the exam syllabus and consider seeking additional help if you are struggling to pass the exams after multiple attempts.
ACCA Exams are held four times a year for skill level and strategic level exams. These are held every quarter
March, June, September and December
The CA (Chartered Accountant) qualification is offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The ACCA qualification is offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
The CA qualification has been in existence for over 150 years, and is a globally recognised qualification. The ACCA qualification has been in existence for over 100 years, and is also a globally recognised qualification.
The CA qualification is available in India only, while the ACCA qualification is available in over 180 countries.
The ACCA subjects are assessed on a 100-point scale. The pass mark is 50 points. A score of 60 or more is required to achieve the grades of distinction, credit, and merit.
Yes. Passing all exams with a high percentage is an excellent accomplishment and demonstrates that you have a high level of understanding of the material. Employers will see this as evidence of your competence and be likely to consider you for a position if you are looking for work in the accounting field.
The hardest ACCA paper is the F5 performance management paper. This is because it requires a detailed knowledge of financial accounting and management accounting in order to pass.
Other papers that are difficult include the F7 financial reporting paper and the P2 advanced auditing and assurance paper. However, all of the ACCA papers are challenging, so it is important to thoroughly prepare for each one before sitting the exam.
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