Can I Pursue ACCA Without Prior Knowledge of Accounting?

By IIC Lakshya

13 Sep 2025

Begin ACCA without any Accounting Knowledge: 2025 Guide

Do you not have an accounting degree but still want to pursue the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) course? ACCA is open to all, so explore in this article how you can start your ACCA certification as a non-commerce student.

Who can Pursue ACCA without Accounting?

Anyone can pursue the ACCA course without Accounting knowledge. As a 10+2 certification holder from any stream, be it arts or science, or vocational, a student is eligible to pursue ACCA studies. This is how you can start the ACCA course after 12th Commerce, Arts or Science.

If you have not studied accounting earlier, because you were in an arts or science stream, you are allowed to apply for ACCA courses. Effectively pursuing ACCA certification will ensure that your resume is flexible, unique, and offers a variety of skills and insights.

When is the right time to Pursue ACCA if you are not from Accounting?

Do you want to apply for ACCA? If you are wondering when the right time is to pursue the ACCA qualification, the right time is to begin immediately after you have completed your 12th exam standard or graduation. The earlier you initiate the course, the better it helps you develop fundamentals, thus moving at a consistent pace.

Can Science Students Pursue ACCA?

If you are wondering as a science student whether to pursue ACCA, the answer is yes. It is quite possible to pursue the ACCA qualification after you have completed the 12th course. Additionally, you will develop problem-solving skills and logical reasoning, contributing to overall career growth. It is one of the top benefits of getting an ACCA certification!

Can Humanities/ Arts Students Pursue ACCA?

As an arts or humanities student, you can pursue ACCA even though you do not have any rudimentary knowledge of maths or accounting. It is normal to fear or be underconfident but the foundational learning will contribute in developing your skills.

If you are planning to finish the ACCA course in two years, you must have a detailed understanding of the ACCA course subjects. If you do not have fundamental information like formulas, percentages, and ratios, you can still study all 13 ACCA course papers that are related to the ACCA subjects:

Management
Ethics
Law
Strategic Business Decisions

How to Build your Basics for ACCA without any Knowledge in Maths?

When you are planning to enter the ACCA course without a maths background, you have to build your basics. When you build the basics, you will effectively develop a comprehensive knowledge of the ACCA syllabus. You have to follow the steps below to start ACCA without any maths or accounting knowledge:

You can learn about basic accounting and finance online
You can check out YouTube videos about accounting principles and terms
Additionally, you can visit sites like IIC Lakshya to learn about central ideas
Furthermore, you can practice ledgers, trial balances, and journal entries

Common Myths about ACCA for Non-Commerce Students

Do you want to learn about the common myths of ACCA with a non-Commerce background without any maths or accounting knowledge? Here are some of the common myths that we will clarify so that you can effectively develop an understanding of the ACCA course.

You should be a Commerce student in the 12th standard or graduation to pursue ACCA
If you are coming from a non-commerce background, ACCA will be very difficult for you
Only a CA-certified student can complete the ACCA certification successfully

However, none of this is true. You can successfully complete the ACCA course if you use the appropriate resources, best books and study materials approved by ACCA, even if you have an Arts or Science background.

Study Plans for Non-Commerce ACCA Aspirants

If you are a non-accounting student, you should have a specific study plan so that you can develop your knowledge and skills without accounting knowledge. Read the following steps to learn how to plan your study plans:

You should begin with the Foundation in Accountancy if you are completely new to accounting
Once you become familiar and confident, you can proceed to the Applied Knowledge level
You can then transition to Applied Skills, address several areas such as Audit and Financial Reporting.
You should also check the ACCA exemption calculator if you want to save time and money.
You can select the electives you are concerned about from the strategic professional level.
There are coaching programmes that have study materials accepted and approved by the ACCA qualification. You can apply to and attend them effectively.

One of the most significant steps towards preparing for the ACCA course, if you are a non-accounting student, is to set key study time regularly. A minimum of 3 to 4 hours of study every day will help you track your progress and effectively work on it.

What is the Foundation in Accountancy (FIA)?

If you are really worried about getting admission in the ACCA certification without any accounting or maths background, a comfortable entry point by pursuing Foundations in Accountancy (FIA). Once you have passed your 12th standard, you can pursue FIA, which will prepare you for the ACCA papers and exams.

It is a preparatory programme by ACCA, thus helping to understand business, management and finance, the fundamental concepts. With this plan, you can become a well-rounded finance professional. Once you qualify ACCA course subjects, you are ready to lead any position in the finance industry.

Career Opportunities

Now that you have passed ACCA, you are ready to work for several jobs in different industries. The certification is recognized and valued in 180 nations, which provides good scope and job opportunities from Big 4 organizations, MNCs and Startups. The following job positions are available as an opportunity for the ACCA-qualified professionals:

Internal Auditor
Finance Analyst
Consultant
Risk Manager
Accounts Executive
Business Advisor

Ready to Start ACCA with a Non-Accounting Background?

Are you ready to start with your ACCA career without any prior knowledge in accounting? This article has established that it is a myth, and students from any background, including 12th-grade qualified or graduate students, can pursue ACCA. Additionally, there are several opportunities as an ACCA qualified, as long as you pass all ACCA papers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is ACCA Difficult without any Knowledge in Maths/ Accountancy?

In the beginning, you might find ACCA difficult because you do not have any knowledge or experience in Accountancy or maths. However, with foundational preparation and coaching, routine study, you can perform well.

Should I consider joining an ACCA Coaching Center?

If you attend the ACCA coaching center, you will get simplified complex topics along with structuring learning. Additionally, non-commerce students will get support.

How can I pass the final exam of the ACCA quickly?

To quickly pass the ACCA final exam, you have to choose the right optional papers, along with understanding the exam format. Additionally, you should practice mock papers and previous exam papers.

Do you need to have any prior accounting experience to pass ACCA papers?

You do not need to have any prior accounting experience to pass the ACCA papers. However, do ensure that you have the basic insights and practical knowledge by getting an in-depth understanding of the ACCA course subjects.

What is the best way to study for ACCA?

The most effective way of studying ACCA is to have a structured plan, thus creating a study timetable with weekly and daily goals. You should use approved study materials along with following the syllabus. Let’s not forget to prepare well by practicing questions from mock tests and others.