Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a global professional accounting certification that offers a finance, accounting, and business career. You are a graduate, a business professional within industry, or an aspiring candidate looking for an international accountancy qualification. If one or more of these applies to you, ACCA eligibility requirements is the place to start.
This guide provides a full overview of the ACCA registration requirement, including qualifications, experience, exemptions, and register steps. Following this guide through to the end will have you fully informed of how to become eligible for ACCA and the steps to apply to become a Chartered Certified Accountant.
What is ACCA?
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) was founded in 1904 and grew to become one of the world’s most renowned associations of accountants. It is an international network with over 227,000 members and 544,000 students in 179 countries. ACCA provides a world-class qualification to professionalists for driving their career towards auditing, taxation, accounting, and business management.
ACCAs are extremely sought after by all employers like Big Four companies (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), multinationals, and banks because of their practical skills, ethical requirements, and strategic thinking.
Why ACCA?
- Global Acceptance: Recognised in over 179 countries.
- Global Curriculum: Covers financial and management accounting, tax, audit, and business strategy.
- Global Mobility: Offers a route to audit, consultancy, corporate finance, risk management, and tax career.
- Study while working: ACCA exams can be attempted along with work experience.
- No Time Limit Schedule of study: Get certified at your convenience and ease.
But before applying, ACCA entry requirements must be met. Let us see who is eligible to enroll for this sought-after qualification.
ACCA Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Register?
1. ACCA Admission Criteria
To deem qualified for ACCA, candidates are expected to meet at least one of the following academics:
Standard Entry Route (For 10+2 Graduates)
The candidates should:
✅ Have done 10+2 higher secondary studies.
✅ Meet the following minimum marks:
- Minimum 65% in two (Mathematics and English recommended).
- Minimum 50% in other subjects.
It is the most widely used entry route by first-time high school performers.
Graduate Entry Route (For University Graduates)
If you hold a business, finance, or accounting bachelor’s degree, you will get exemption for some papers of the ACCA exams and will be able to lower the number of papers you will sit.
You can check it here:
Although, if your graduate degree is not accounting or finance, you have to give the exams with fewer exemptions or no exemptions.
Alternative Route – Foundations in Accountancy (FIA)
In case you don’t qualify for the eligibility requirement for regular ACCA entry, you can gain admission on the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA). On successfully clearing the Diploma in Accounting and Business via the FIA route, you are eligible for transfer to ACCA.
This route is most appropriate for the following students:
- Whose education was below the 10+2 level.
- Don’t need the minimum marks requirement.
- Require a flexible path to ACCA.
More information on FIA:
2. ACCA Pattern of Exams and Progress
13 exams are needed in ACCA qualification, divided over three levels:
| ACCA Level | Subject Areas |
| Applied Knowledge | Business and Technology, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting |
| Applied Skills | Corporate and Business Law, Performance Management, Taxation, Financial Reporting, Audit & Assurance, Financial Management |
| Strategic Professional | Strategic Business Leader, Strategic Business Reporting, and two optional papers from: Advanced Financial Management, Advanced Performance Management, Advanced Taxation, or Advanced Audit & Assurance |
3. Work Experience Requirement (Practical Experience Requirement – PER)
In addition to exams, ACCA also requires the candidates to obtain three years (36 months) of work experience in the area to become a member.
PER Features
✔ The experience should be authenticated by an approved supervisor or employer.
✔ Nine core and technical performance objectives should be met by the candidates.
✔ ACCA exams can be taken before, alongside, or after experience.
It combines theoretical education with real industry practice for ACCA professionals.
4. Ethics and Professional Skills Module
ACCA students are required to pass the mandatory Ethics and Professional Skills Module, which is required to be passed before taking the Strategic Professional exams.
Why is This Important?
- Instills ethical decision making in finance.
- Encourages leadership and strategy thinking.
- Enhancing professional judgment in real-life accounting scenarios.
The module facilitates ACCA professionals to meet employers’ and regulators’ global ethical needs.
5. Exemptions: Who Can Skip Sitting Some ACCA Exams?
ACCA rewards prior learning and provides exam exemptions on the basis of prior qualification.
| Qualification | Possible Exemptions |
| Accounting & Finance Degree | Up to 9 papers (Applied Knowledge & Skills) |
| MBA or Business Degree | Very few Applied Knowledge papers |
| CA, CPA, or CIMA | Maximum exemptions |
Check your ACCA exemptions here:
6. How to Apply for ACCA? (Step-by-Step Guide)
How to become an ACCA member: Follow these steps:
1️⃣ Register an ACCA account on the website.
2️⃣ Submit academic documents for eligibility verification.
3️⃣ Verify and claim exemptions (if eligible).
4️⃣ Pay exemption and registration fees.
5️⃣ Begin studying and book your exams!
ACCA Registration: https://www.accaglobal.com/apply
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7. Career Opportunities After ACCA
An ACCA qualification offers access to numerous careers, which are:
- Chartered Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Internal Auditor
- Risk Manager
- CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
ACCA Eligibility Guidelines FAQs
1. What are ACCA exemptions?
ACCA exemptions allow qualified candidates to skip certain exams based on their prior education or professional qualifications.
2. How many exemptions can I get with an Accounting & Finance degree?
You may receive up to 9 exemptions covering the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills levels.
3. Do MBA or Business degree holders get ACCA exemptions?
Yes, but typically only a few exemptions from Applied Knowledge papers. It depends on the syllabus covered in your degree.
4. Can CA, CPA, or CIMA-qualified professionals get ACCA exemptions?
Yes, they can receive the maximum exemptions, often bypassing most of the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills levels.
5. How can I check my ACCA exemptions?
You can use ACCA’s Exemptions Calculator on their official website to check the number of exemptions you are eligible for.
6. Do I have to pay for exemptions?
Yes, ACCA charges an exemption fee per paper, similar to the exam fee for that subject.
7. Can I choose to take an exam even if I qualify for an exemption?
Yes, you can opt out of exemptions and take the exams if you feel it will strengthen your understanding.
Conclusion
Eligibility for ACCA ensures that the candidates have adequate academic experience and professional knowledge.
Key Takeaways
✔ Minimum qualification: 10+2 with 65% marks in two papers.
✔ Exam Structure: 13 papers in three levels.
✔ Work Experience: 36 months for full membership.
Start your ACCA journey today with 100% Job Guarantee and Pass Assurance. Enroll now