ACCA qualification is the best-respected and most-wanted accounting qualification, which has career opportunities in more than 180 countries. As financial needs are mounting around the globe, students and working individuals desire to know if their current education is compatible with ACCA course eligibility or not. If you hold a degree in accountancy, finance, or commerce, you will be exempted to facilitate your becoming a Chartered Certified Accountant at an early stage.
In this comprehensive blog, we’ll break down the ACCA eligibility criteria, the exemptions available, and how your qualifications can help reduce the time and cost of attaining this prestigious certification.
What is ACCA?
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), based in the United Kingdom, offers a world-class qualification in accounting, audit, and finance. The programme comprises three levels:
- Applied Knowledge
- Applied Skills
- Strategic Professional
Economically extremely valuable everywhere in the world for its compatibility with the contemporary business protocols, ACCA is the finest option for individuals seeking to construct a career in accounting, audit, taxation, management, and financial consultancy.
Why ACCA Stands Out:
- Officially recognized in 180+ countries
- Future members and members: 800,000+
- 7600+ employers recognized globally
- Flexible study patterns
- High ROI with guaranteed placement (Imarticus)
Who Can Apply for ACCA?
ACCA Course Eligibility Requirements
To start your ACCA journey, you need to fulfill some academic and professional requirements. Let’s talk about the ACCA eligibility criteria:
- Minimum Qualification: 10+2 (Class 12) with Maths/Accounts and English with 65% marks and 50% marks in other subjects
- Graduates: BBA, B.Com, BA (Hons.), or graduates of any degree related to accountancy
- Postgraduates: CA Inter, MBA (Finance), M.Com, or equivalent finance streams of postgraduation
- Working Professionals: Finance or commerce background
ACCA Entry Requirements for Non-Commerce Students
Degree students can also undertake ACCA. They might be asked to begin through the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) route before being able to move to the full ACCA qualification.
ACCA Exemptions for Degree Holders
If you are a degree holder in finance, accounting, or subjects connected with these, you can be exempted with various exemptions. This is because you can avoid some of the exams and obtain your ACCA qualification earlier.
What Are ACCA Exemptions?
ACCA exemptions are exceptions availed on individual ACCA exams in the event that your earlier qualifications deal with similar content. It is a great benefit for degree holders since they save effort, time, and expense.
Typical ACCA Exemptions Based on Qualifications
| Qualification | Exemptions Available (up to) |
| B.Com / BBA (Finance) | Up to 4 exams in Applied Knowledge & Skills |
| MBA (Finance) / M.Com | Up to 6 exams |
| CA Inter / IPCC | Up to 5 exams |
| Chartered Accountants (India) | Up to 9 exams |
| CMA / CPA / CIMA | Varies by body and syllabus match |
Note: ACCA exemptions are subject to review by ACCA UK and must be confirmed via their official exemption calculator.
How to Claim ACCA Exemptions?
To claim ACCA exemptions for degree holders, you must:
- Visit the official ACCA exemption calculator
- Upload certificates of qualifications
- Wait for ACCA confirmation and exemption offer
Once you are exempted, you can begin from the very next available paper without going through the previously studied papers again.
Fast-track ACCA with Exemptions
Cost and time saving is one of the greatest benefits of ACCA exemptions. Reducing the papers can enable you to finish ACCA sooner and enter the corporate world sooner.
Example: A B.Com Graduate’s Path with Exemptions
- Without exemptions:
- 13 papers (3 years average time)
- With exemptions
- 9 papers or less (can finish in 1.5 – 2 years)
This fast-track ACCA with exemptions path is for those who wish to fast-track their career.
ACCA with Imarticus: Added Advantages
With a highly experienced learning facilitator like Imarticus Learning, you not only learn the syllabus but also become job-ready.
Why Imarticus?
- Guaranteed Placements after finishing two levels
- No limit Passing Guarantee – reappear sessions free
- Pre-placement Bootcamp for interview preparation
- Global Curriculum with simulation-based practice
- Dual Certification: ACCA + QPA
- Content Powered by Kaplan – an ACCA Gold Approved Content Provider
Accounting Degrees and ACCA Exemptions: A Strategic Advantage
The accounting degree is more valuable than university. It can make your ACCA experience so much simpler. Here’s why:
- Recognition of prior learning
- Exemption from foundation and intermediate exams
- Less time investment and less cost
- Access to advanced-level strategic learning
If you hold a commerce, business, or finance degree, you are well-placed to maximize your education.
How ACCA Supports Career Growth
- International Opportunities: ACCA is known in 180+ countries
- Alternative Designations: Auditor, Tax Advisor, Controller, Consultant
- Higher Remuneration: ACCA professionals have globally competitive remuneration packages
- Career Mobility: Switch industries easily
- Status: Gain access to a high-powered network of professionals
FAQs on ACCA Course Eligibility and Exemptions
Q1. Who is eligible to apply for ACCA in India?
Any student passed Class 12 with a minimum of marks or any graduation in finance or accountancy.
Q2. Can commerce graduates apply directly for ACCA?
Yes, commerce graduates such as B.Com/BBA are eligible directly and can get exemption of 4-6.
Q3. Must I apply for exemptions separately?
Yes, exemptions must be obtained through the ACCA exemption portal with certified academic transcripts.
Q4. Can we obtain ACCA earlier through exemptions?
Yes, it is possible to get ACCA in 18 months with exemptions.
Q5. Where do non-commerce students start from entry to ACCA?
They begin with the route of FIA and then continue on to sign up for the ACCA qualification.
Q6. How are accounting degrees beneficial for ACCA?
They provide course overlap and therefore paper exemption and reduced cost.
Q7. Do you think taking ACCA after graduation is advisable?
Yes, it enables you to achieve exemptions, plan strategically in advance, and accelerate your career.
Conclusion
Find out about ACCA course eligibility and how your degree can take you to exemptions as a strategic career move. If you’re a new graduate, employed, or wish to enter accounting, understanding your entry point and exemptions gives you the ability to plan.
With a balanced syllabus combining global applicability, employability, and unrivaled flexibility, ACCA is not just a qualification, but your key to a borderless career. Get started today and get your degree to work smarter by enabling you to accelerate towards becoming a globally qualified accountant.
Begin with Imarticus Learning and unlock international career opportunities through ACCA.