ACCA Course: Details, Eligibility, and Fees

by Eduyush Team

ACCA Course: Complete Guide to Structure, Fees, and Career Benefits

The ACCA course (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is designed for individuals seeking global recognition in the accounting and finance industry. This well-rounded curriculum covers essential topics such as financial management, auditing, taxation, and ethics, equipping you with the technical and professional skills needed for a successful career in finance. Whether a fresh graduate or a working professional, the ACCA course offers flexibility, allowing you to study and progress at your own pace.

To help you navigate the ACCA journey, we’ve broken down key aspects, from course structure to fees, and compared them with other qualifications like CA and CMA.

What is the ACCA Course?

The ACCA course is a globally recognized accounting qualification that prepares individuals for finance, accounting, and business management careers. With ACCA’s extensive curriculum and flexible study options, you can specialize in financial management, auditing, corporate law, and more. The ACCA qualification is recognized in over 180 countries, allowing professionals to work in various sectors, including banking, consulting, and corporate finance.

You earn the prestigious ACCA designation by completing the ACCA course, enhancing your global career prospects.

Key Features of the ACCA Course

  • Global Recognition: Recognized in 180+ countries, enabling international career opportunities.
  • Flexible Study Options: Choose between full-time, part-time, or distance learning.
  • Multiple Entry Routes: Tailored paths for high school graduates, university students, and working professionals.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers essential topics like Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Taxation, and Strategic Business Leadership.

For more details on ACCA’s global recognition and career prospects, explore Eduyush’s ACCA Career Path Overview.

ACCA Course Structure

The ACCA course is divided into three levels:

  1. Applied Knowledge:
    • Business and Technology (BT)
    • Management Accounting (MA)
    • Financial Accounting (FA)
  2. Applied Skills:
    • Corporate and Business Law (LW)
    • Performance Management (PM)
    • Financial Reporting (FR)
    • Taxation (TX)
    • Audit and Assurance (AA)
    • Financial Management (FM)
  3. Strategic Professional:
    • Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
    • Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
    • Two optional exams (e.g., Advanced Financial Management, Advanced Audit, and Assurance)

For a complete syllabus breakdown, head to Eduyush’s ACCA Subjects list.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the ACCA Course?

The time to complete the ACCA course varies based on your prior qualifications and study pace:

  • Without Exemptions: Typically takes 3 to 4 years.
  • With Exemptions: For students who qualify for exemptions based on prior education, completion can be as fast as 1.5 to 2 years.

For detailed information, read our blog on how long does it take to become an ACCA.

ACCA Salaries

ACCA-qualified professionals command competitive salaries globally. In India, entry-level salaries for ACCA professionals range from INR 4-8 lakhs per year. In the UK, starting salaries range between £25,000 to £40,000. With experience, ACCA-certified professionals can earn over INR 20 lakhs in India or £80,000+ in senior roles like Financial Manager or CFO.

Check out Eduyush’s ACCA Salary Guide for more details on salary expectations.

ACCA Course Fees (India)

The total cost of doing the ACCA course can vary depending on the country you study and your starting level.  We break down the cost basis the educational background to give you a realistic estimate.

Break up of Cost is given as table for the following

  • If you start after 12th
  • If you start after B.com
  • If you start after CA IPCC
  • if you start after CA

Generally speaking, the cost will include 

  • Initial registration and exemption fees
  • Tuition and registration fees
  • Study materials
  • Exams and assessment fees

The costs will vary if you get exemptions from certain subjects. Exemptions help save time and effort in taking exams. If you are eligible for exemptions, you may need to pay exemption fees in place of exam fees. Eduyush is an ACCA partner and can help save you on the Exemption fees. Read our blog on potential savings on ACCA fees.

The tables below give you an estimate of costs from your starting point for India.

Estimated Course fees after 12th:  INR 335,000 

 Costs Knowledge level Applied Skills Strategic Professional
Initial registration and exemption fees 3K - -
Tuitions and study materials 22K 45K 32K
ACCA Exams fees 26K 90K 80K
Other Fees 12K 12K 19K
Total 63K 137K 131K

Estimated course fees after B.com​ : INR 283,000

 Costs Applied Skills Strategic Professional
Initial registration and exemption fees 10K -
Tuitions and study materials 38K 32K
ACCA Exams fees 90K 80K
Other Fees 13K 20K
Total 151K 132K

Estimated course fees after IPCC : INR 228,000

 Costs Applied Skills Strategic Professional
Initial registration and exemption fees 13K -
Tuitions and study materials 22K 32K
ACCA Exams fees 45K 80K
Other Fees 13K 20K
Total 96K 132K

Estimated course fees after CA : INR 149,000

 Costs Strategic Professional
Initial registration and exemption fees 17K
Tuitions and study materials 32K
Exams and assessment fees 80K
Other Fees 20K
Total 149K

* the exam and assessment fees and tuition fees has been assumed that you will pass the exams in one attempt. 

For a detailed breakdown of other ACCA fees, visit Eduyush’s ACCA Fees Guide.

ACCA Exam Dates

ACCA exams are conducted four times a year: March, June, September, and December. This flexible schedule allows students to plan their exams according to their study plans. Additionally, on-demand Computer-Based Exams (CBEs) for Applied Knowledge papers can be taken year-round, offering even more flexibility.

For the latest exam dates, visit Eduyush’s ACCA Exam Dates Guide.

ACCA Pass Rates

Pass rates for ACCA exams vary by paper and session, generally ranging from 30% to 75%. Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills papers tend to have higher pass rates (around 60% to 75%), while Strategic Professional exams have lower pass rates (30% to 50%) due to their advanced nature.

For the latest pass rates and exam tips, explore Eduyush’s ACCA Pass Rates Overview.

Benefits of the ACCA Course

Pursuing the ACCA course provides numerous advantages:

  • Career Advancement: ACCA-qualified professionals are in high demand in the banking, auditing, and consulting sectors.
  • Global Mobility: ACCA's international recognition allows you to work in 180+ countries.
  • High Earning Potential: The ACCA designation can lead to higher salaries, especially in financial hubs like London, Dubai, and Singapore.
  • Diverse Job Roles: You can work as a Financial Analyst, Auditor, Tax Advisor, or CFO.

For more insights on ACCA’s career benefits, visit Eduyush’s ACCA Career Benefits Guide.

Comparing ACCA with other qualifications

ACCA vs CA (Chartered Accountant)

  • Global Recognition: ACCA is internationally recognized, while CA is primarily accepted in India, though CAs can work abroad after passing equivalency exams.
  • Flexibility: ACCA offers flexible study and exam schedules. CA exams follow a fixed sequence with limited flexibility.
  • Career Opportunities: ACCA graduates often work in multinational corporations, while CAs typically secure roles in Indian firms, focusing on taxation and statutory audits.

If you are already a CA, read our insights on should you do ACCA after CA to make a meaningful decision.

ACCA vs CMA (Certified Management Accountant)

  • Focus Areas: ACCA covers a broader range of topics, including taxation, auditing, and financial reporting. CMA focuses more on management accounting and financial strategy.
  • Global Mobility: ACCA and CMA are globally recognized, but ACCA provides broader career opportunities in external auditing and financial reporting, while CMA emphasizes internal management.

For more details, check out Eduyush’s ACCA vs CMA Comparison.

How to Apply for the ACCA Course

Follow these simple steps to apply for the ACCA course:

  1. Check Eligibility: Use the ACCA Exemption Calculator to determine your exemptions.
  2. Register on the ACCA Website: Visit the ACCA registration page and create an account.
  3. Submit Documents: Upload your academic transcripts and proof of identity.
  4. Pay Registration Fees: Complete the registration by paying the required fees.
  5. Start Studying: Once registered, access ACCA-approved study materials to begin your preparation.

For registration savings and tips, visit Eduyush’s ACCA Registration Savings Guide.

Conclusion: Why the ACCA Course is Right for You

The ACCA course is a prestigious, globally recognized qualification that opens doors to exciting careers in accounting and finance. Its flexible structure, international recognition, and competitive salaries make it an excellent choice for aspiring finance professionals. Whether you want to work in audit, corporate finance, or financial management, ACCA equips you with the knowledge and skills to succeed.

Start your ACCA journey today and take the first step toward a rewarding global career. For more resources and study materials, visit Eduyush’s ACCA Resources.


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    Questions? Answers.

    You have an unlimited number of attempts to pass the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) exams.

    ACCA does not impose a limit on the number of times you can retake an exam.

    You can keep attempting until you successfully pass each exam, which provides flexibility for candidates to learn and improve their performance over time.

    Yes, ACCA offers exemptions for certain exams for candidates who have completed certain academic programs or have relevant professional qualifications.

    To request exemptions, you will need to provide documentation and submit an exemption application to the ACCA. Review our comprehensive exemptions calculator to know more.

    The pass rate for the ACCA exams varies from exam to exam and from year to year. In general, the pass rate for the ACCA exams is between 35% to 50%. Read our blog on subject wise pass rates to know more.

    The answer to this lies on your context and individual career objectives.

    Read our detailed analysis on this topic here.

    The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) membership provides numerous benefits, including:

    - Professional development opportunities, such as access to the latest technical resources, CPD modules and e-learning tools
    - A global community of like-minded professionals to collaborate and share knowledge with
    - The ability to connect with employers through the ACCA Jobs service
    - Eligibility for reduced rates on a range of products and services, such as insurance, stationery and more

    The consequences of non-payment of the annual subscription fees are

    As a member:

    1) you can't call yourself an ACCA member, and you won't be able to use the ACCA name or logo. 

    2) You also won't be able to use any resources, including the online resources. 

    3) if you're working as an accountant, you may be unable to use the term "ACCA-qualified" or "ACCA-registered". 

    4) If your membership expires and isn't renewed within three years. In that case, your name will be removed from the Register of Members.

    5) If you need to apply for CPA accreditation with another accounting body like CPA Australia or Canada, you will be required to furnish a good standing certificate from ACCA for five years. If you haven't paid your membership fees, you won't be able to get your good standing letter

    As a student

    1) You will not be able to use the members' website or log into MyACCA. You will lose access to many resources, including past exam papers and helpful articles. 

    2) You will no longer be eligible to sit the examinations or progress through the qualification.

    3) You won't be able to pursue any other qualifications like the DIPIFR

    If this is something that happens accidentally, then it is usually quickly resolved by simply paying the outstanding amount of 89 GBP.

    If you're looking to become a chartered accountant in the United States, the value of the ACCA qualification cannot be understated.

    To be accepted into one of the regional accountancy bodies that confer chartered status (such as the AICPA), you must have completed an accredited course of study from a college or university and have spent at least two years working in the accounting field.

    The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is globally recognized as one of the leading institutions for providing such accredited courses, and their stamp of approval on your degree will go a long way in getting your foot in the door with some of the top accounting firms in America.

    It is a difficult question because it depends on your specific situation and goals.

    However, in general, we would say that the CA (Chartered Accountant) certification is better for those interested in pursuing a career in accounting and finance.

    In comparison, the CFA (Certified Financial Analyst) certification is better for those interested in investment banking or portfolio management.

    The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) certification is more internationally recognized than the CA or CFA, so it may be worth considering if you're interested in working abroad.

    Ultimately, though, the best way to decide which certification is proper for you is to speak with experts in each field and get their advice.

    The decision of whether ACCA or a degree is better for you depends on your individual goals and circumstances.

    ACCA is a professional accounting qualification that is recognized and respected globally and it is focused on accounting and finance. It is a good option for those who want to pursue a career in accounting or finance and do not want to spend the time and money required to earn a degree.

    On the other hand, a degree program offers a more well-rounded education and provides a broader range of career options. It also provides more in-depth knowledge in specific field of study and it is good for those who want to pursue a career in a field outside of accounting and finance.

    Both ACCA and a degree can be valuable qualifications, it depends on the person's career goals and what they want to achieve in the long term. It's also worth noting that in some countries, it is mandatory to have a degree in order to practice as an accountant.