What is ACCA?

By IIC Lakshya

01 Jul 2024

ACCA

Table of Contents

What is ACCA?
What is ACCA Certification?
What is the ACCA Syllabus and Paper Pattern?
What is ACCA Eligibility Criteria?
ACCA Course Fees in India
ACCA Career Opportunities Salary
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FAQs on What is ACCA?
Why IIC Lakshya for ACCA?
How to Become an ACCA Memeber in 2026?
ACCA Signing Authority for the Different Countries

What is ACCA?

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a 100 years old (founded in 1904) UK-based leading International professional accounting body that provides the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification, training individuals for careers in finance, accounting, and auditing across more than 180+ countries worldwide and has grown to the 241,000 members and 542,000 learners worldwide. It offers a respected, flexible pathway with high ethical standards, equipping professionals with essential skills for leading in the international financial industry, even for those without prior accounting degrees, and opens doors to diverse roles in any sector worldwide.

What is ACCA Certification?

ACCA certification, from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, is a globally recognized professional qualification in accounting and finance, equipping professionals with skills for roles in auditing, taxation, finance, and management across 180+ countries. The ACCA course provides a strong foundation in accounting, Finance and management. ACCA Certification involves rigorous exams and practical experience, offering deep expertise in financial reporting, strategy, and ethics, making it a valuable credential for careers in any industry worldwide. In India, ACCA certification is considered equivalent to CA and professionals often hired at the similar salary package in many top multinational companies.

Expand your horizons in commerce! Check out this video to know more about ACCA after plus two!

What is the ACCA Syllabus and Paper Pattern?

ACCA, as a course, encompasses various aspects of Chartered Accountancy, including Accounting, Financial Reporting, Auditing, Taxation, Business Finance, and Financial Management.

The syllabus is divided into 13 papers of ACCA that candidates must undertake. These 13 exams are divided into 3 levels – Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. There are varied degrees of exemptions ranging from 4 - 9 subjects for aspirations who have qualifications like B.Com and CA, etc.

Applied Knowledge Level

The Applied Knowledge exams provide students with a broad introduction to the world of finance and develop their essential understanding and skills in accounting. These exams are:

F1 - Business and Technology (BT)
F2 - Management Accounting (MA)
F3 - Financial Accounting (FA)

Applied Skills Level

The Applied Skills exams build upon existing knowledge and understanding and develop strong, broad, and practical finance skills required of future strategic professional accountants in any sector or industry. These exams include:

F4 - Corporate and Business Law (LW)
F5 - Performance Management (PM)
F6 - Taxation (TX)
F7 - Financial Reporting (FR)
F8 - Audit and Assurance (AA)
F9 - Financial Management (FM)

Strategic Professional Level

The Strategic Professional exams prepare students for future leadership positions, developing a strategic vision through a unique blend of technical, ethical, and professional skills. And you can specialize in areas that best suit your career ambitions. Students must complete both Essentials exams (P1 - P3) and choose two of the Options from P4 - P7. P1 - P7 consists of four papers. These exams are:

P1 and P3 - Strategic Business Leadership (SBL)
P2 - Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
P4 - Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
P5 - Advanced Performance Management (APM)
P6 - Advanced Taxation (ATX)
P7 - Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)

What is the ACCA Eligibility Criteria?

ACCA eligibility refers to the minimum academic requirements needed to start the ACCA qualification. The good part is: ACCA is considered flexible. You can pursue ACCA After 12th (10+2) through direct entry, or foundation route (FIA) if you don’t meet the criteria, or After graduation, often with exemptions. If you want to learn more about the exemptions explore ACCA exemption calculator. Furthermore we are discussing about the ACCA course eligibility and requirements:

ACCA Eligibility (Direct Entry After 12th)

You can register directly for ACCA if you are at least 18 years old and have passed Class 12th with 65% or more in Math/Accounts and English and 50% or more in all other subjects. If you meet these requirements, you can start ACCA right after the class 12th.

ACCA after 10th

If you choose to pursue ACCA immediately after completing 10th grade, there is a designated program called the Foundation in Accountancy that is tailored for you. This course is designed for individuals who do not have a background in accounting and is primarily targeted towards those who have recently completed 10th grade. The three levels are Knowledge, Skill, and Professional. To obtain certification, it is necessary to complete a total of 13 examinations spanning several levels. The available best books for ACCA helps in understanding the syllabus for all the freshers and prepare in a better way. The summarization of ACCA after 10th is included below:

Students can start with the foundation in accountancy route
Progresses through knowledge, skill, and professional level

If You Don’t Meet the Criteria Choose FIA Route for ACCA

If you don’t have the required Class 12 marks or if you have completed only Class 10, you can still start ACCA through the FIA (Foundations in Accountancy) route. This route is designed for the individual who does not have the background in accounting and is primarily targeted at non-commerce individuals. The exam contains three levels such as Knowledge, Skills and Professionals. To qualify for FIA you have to clear the 9 exams out of 10 . If you further want to get a better understanding about the ACCA, you can read the best books for ACCA, that will help you to prepare in a better way.In short, students can start with the FIA route in ACCA, progress through knowledge and professional level.

ACCA Eligibility After Graduation

If you have a commerce degree like B.Com, BBA, M.Com, MBA, you may get ACCA exemptions that mean you can skip some ACCA papers. This can reduce the total number of exams. However, non-commerce degrees such as Bachelor of Arts ( BA) or Bachelor of Science ( B.SC) are also eligible to pursue ACCA but through the Foundation route. Without prior knowledge about accounting, preparing for the exam is hectic, but with the right guidance and proper mentorship, the non Commerce graduates can also prepare for the ACCA.

In short, if you hold a commerce degree then, you are eligible for the direct entry for ACCA. If you are from a non commerce background, then you have to go the FIA route.

ACCA Exemption for CA / CMA / CPA Students

If you have qualifications like CA Inter, CMA, or CPA,certifications, you can get up to 9 paper exemptions depending on your profile and rules.

Exemptions in various subjects for candidates with different Degrees are available. The table below gives an accurate picture of the Exemptions:

Exemptions in various subjects for candidates with different Degrees are available. The table below gives an accurate picture of the Exemptions:

DEGREE	EXEMPTIONS	SUBJECTS EXEMPTED
BBA	3 Exemptions	(BT, MA, FA)
B.Com	5 Exemptions	(BT, MA, FA, LAW, TX)
CA Intermediate without Graduation	5 Exemptions	(BT, MA, FA, TX, AA)
CA Intermediate + Graduation	6 Exemptions	(BT, MA, FA, LAW, TX, AA)
Qualified CA	9 Exemptions	(BT, MA, FA, LW, PM, TX, FR, AA, FM)

ACCA Course Fees in India

Various Exemptions from certain exams for candidates with diverse backgrounds are available. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of Registration, annual subscription, and

Exemption fee details for admission:

Course	Initial Registration	Exemption Fee	Annual subscription
Plus two	9,000 INR	NIL	14,200 INR
B.Com (4 papers)	4,000 INR	6,900 INR	7,100 INR on First Year
B.Com (5 papers)	4,000 INR	19,600 INR	7,100 INR on First Year
B.Com (conditional exemption)	2,100 INR	NIL	NIL for First-Year
B.Com (6 papers)	4,000 INR	32,000 INR	7,100 INR on First Year
Other Degrees	9,000 INR	NIL	14,200 INR
CA Inter	4,000 INR	1,600 INR per exemption except for LW, PM, FR, and FM	50% Discount on First Year Subscription
CA Final	4,000 INR	1,600 INR per eligible exemption	50% Discount on First Year Subscription

ACCA Examination Fees

Level	Papers	Exam Fee
F1 to F3	3 papers	₹11,000 each
F4	1 paper	₹14,750
F5 to F9	5 papers	₹14,250
Professional (except SBL)	4 papers max	₹17,940
Strategic Business Leadership (SBL)	1 paper	₹25,100

Fees vary according to the INR to Pound rates. Written above are the approximate figures.

ACCA Career Opportunities & Salary

Securing a career path that is promising and has wide avenues of growth is essential for professionals seeking stability. Professionals equipped with the prestigious Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification, a world of opportunities awaits. From finance to management roles, ACCA professionals are highly sought after by a multitude of industries globally. The average ACCA salary starts from ₹12 lakhs in India and outside India, it starts at USD 60,000.

Some of the career designations after ACCA include:

Financial Accountant
Management Accountant
Tax Accountant
External Auditor
Internal Auditor
Financial Analyst
Financial Controller
Business Consultant
Treasury Manager
Risk Manager
Financial Advisor
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Forensic Accountant
Investment Analyst
Financial Planning and Analysis Manager

Still not sure about understanding the role of ACCA in the job market and the various prospects offered, then watch this informational video:

If you want to learn more and more about the latest trends, read our Commerce Blogs and stay tuned!

Why IIC Lakshya for ACCA?

At IIC Lakshya, ACCA coaching is designed to deliver the results, exam success, career readiness, and with the strong placement support. With an 85%+ pass rate, Lakshya focuses on structured learning, mock-driven preparation, and exam strategy that helps students clear ACCA papers with confidence.

Lakshya is also a Platinum Approved Learning Partner for the ACCA certification, which means students benefit from a training ecosystem aligned with global ACCA standards and best practices.

Beyond academics, Lakshya offers 100% placement assistance through its in-house placement portal, helping students access job opportunities, placement drives, and career support. Many students also aim for a strong career start. ACCA learners at Lakshya can target starting salary packages in the range of ₹8–12 LPA, depending on role, location, and profile.

Lakshya also provides strong ACCA qualified faculty and strong mentorship and doubt clearing support. Regular doubt-clearing sessions, topic-wise guidance, and progress tracking help students improve weak areas quickly. With mock tests, revision plans, and performance feedback, students understand exactly what to fix and how to improve, rather than simply “studying more.”

One of Lakshya’s biggest strengths is its community and network. Students get the opportunity to connect and grow with a powerful ecosystem of 1,25,000+ Lakshya alumni and 35,000+ active students that are useful for mentorship, referrals, industry exposure, and long-term career growth.

In short, Lakshya combines high pass rates, global-standard ACCA partnership, strong placement support, and a large career network, making it a preferred choice for students who want to build a serious global finance career through ACCA.

How to become an ACCA Member in 2026?

To become an ACCA member in 2026, all you need to complete three main things: pass the ACCA exams, finish the ethics module, and complete 3 years of relevant work experience. After that, you can apply for membership. Here is the step by step guide to become ACCA Member in 2026

Pass ACCA Exams: You must clear up to 13 papers (fewer if you get exemptions). These papers are across Applied Knowledge (3), Applied Skills (6), and Strategic Professional (4).

Complete the Ethics Module (EPSM): Finish the mandatory 20-hour online Ethics and Professional Skills Module, which builds ethics, communication, and leadership skills.
Complete Work Experience (PER): Record 36 months (3 years) of supervised finance/accounting experience and complete required performance objectives, verified by a supervisor.
Apply for Membership: Once everything is updated in your myACCA account, apply through your dashboard and pay the one-time admission fee. To stay a member, you’ll also pay the annual subscription and complete yearly CPD requirements.

ACCA Signing Authority for the Different Countries

Becoming ACCA-qualified offers a strong advantage, global recognition and professional authority. Although ACCA members cannot sign audit reports in India, but they can gain audit signing authority and self-practice rights in several countries, depending on local regulations. This international flexibility makes ACCA a top choice for Indian students aiming for global accounting careers.

Countries where ACCA can get Audit / Signing Authority are as:

United Kingdom (UK): ACCA professionals have full signing authority and can also run their own practice.
Canada: ACCAs may be eligible to sign audit reports after fulfilling local licensing requirements.
Australia & New Zealand: Both countries recognise ACCA and provide audit practice pathways through additional eligibility routes.
Singapore & UAE: ACCA is widely recognised across private and public sectors, including roles with signing-related responsibilities.
South Africa & Germany: ACCA members are accepted, often requiring local compliance or registration to access practice rights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is ACCA meaning?

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally recognized certification in accounting, finance, and business management. It equips professionals with skills needed for roles like financial management, audit, taxation, and business advisory services.

What is the full form of ACCA?

The full form of ACCA is Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

How many levels are there in the ACCA Course?

The ACCA Course consists of three levels: Knowledge, Skills, and Professional. Each level covers essential topics such as financial reporting, taxation, audit, and advanced financial management.

How long does it take to complete the ACCA course?

The ACCA course duration can vary from 1 to 7 years, depending on the individual's prior qualifications and the pace at which they complete the exams. The course is structured into three levels: Knowledge, Skills, and Professional. The majority of students complete the course between 18 months and 3 years.

What job opportunities are available after completing the ACCA qualification?

ACCA qualification opens doors to a variety of roles in the fields of accounting and finance. Job roles include Accountant, Auditor, Finance Manager, Business Analyst, Taxation Expert, and even positions like Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The ACCA Careers portal lists over 25,000 live vacancies globally, indicating a strong demand for ACCA professionals.

What exactly does an ACCA do?

An ACCA professional works in the accounting and finance for any multinational company. ACCA professionals prepare financial reports, support financial audits, manage budgets, and handle taxation work. They also help companies make better business decisions using financial data. Many ACCAs work in Multinational Companies, Financial audit firms, Banking and consulting companies, and corporate finance teams.

How much does ACCA cost?

ACCA cost includes multiple parts such as ACCA registration fee, yearly subscription fee, and exam fees for each paper. If you get any exemptions, you may also need to pay exemption fees. ACCA Coaching fees and study materials cost are separate. The total cost tend to vary and will be based on the number of papers you attempt and the GBP to INR rate, so always check the latest fee details before planning.

How many subjects are there in ACCA?

ACCA usually has 13 papers in total. Your number of papers can reduce if you get any exemptions through the degree courses like BCom, BBA, or MBA. You can use the ACCA exemption calculator to check how many papers you can skip.

How to become ACCA qualified?

To become ACCA qualified, Firstly you need to register for ACCA, clear your required papers, then complete the Ethics module. In addition to this, you also need to complete 3 years of practical work experience in the relevant field.

Can I pass ACCA on my first attempt?

Yes, you can clear ACCA in your first attempt with regular study and good practice. You should focus on understanding concepts and solving exam-level questions. Mock tests also help a lot. At IIC Lakshya, students follow structured study plans that support first-attempt success.

What is the average ACCA salary?

ACCA salary depends on your job role, experience, and location. In India, freshers usually earn less compared to experienced ACCA professionals. Salaries abroad also depend on the country and job demand. Your salary grows faster when you work in areas like audit, IFRS reporting, or FP&A.

What is the ACCA eligibility criteria?

ACCA has flexible eligibility. You can start after Class 12 or after graduation like BCom, BBA, or MBA. Some students may need to follow a foundation route. Maths is not compulsory, but you should be comfortable with numbers.

What is the ACCA course duration?

ACCA duration depends on your exemptions and study speed. If you start after 12th, it usually takes 3 to 4 years. If you start after graduation, it may take 2 to 3 years. With exemptions and proper planning, you can complete it faster.

What are the ACCA course fees in India?

ACCA fees in India include registration, annual subscription, and exam fees. These fees are in GBP, so the INR amount changes based on currency rate. Coaching fees are separate. Always calculate your fees based on your paper list and exam plan.

How should I start the ACCA course after graduation?

To start preparing for the ACCA, Start by checking your exemptions first. Then register on the ACCA Global website and confirm your paper list. After that, create a simple plan for the next 6–12 months. At IIC Lakshya, students get counselling for exemptions and paper sequence planning.

How hard are the ACCA level 2 papers?

ACCA Level 2 usually means Applied Skills. These papers are more challenging because they test your understanding and application. Papers like FR and FM need regular practice. You can manage them easily if you follow a topic-wise plan and solve mock tests.

What should be my preparation strategy for ACCA?

A good ACCA strategy includes concept learning, topic-wise practice, revision, and mock tests. Start solving questions early instead of waiting for the end. Professional papers need good writing practice too. At IIC Lakshya, students follow weekly targets and mock analysis for better speed and accuracy.

How is the job market for ACCA affiliates?

The job market for ACCA affiliates is good. Affiliates are students who have cleared all papers but are completing work experience. Many companies hire them for reporting, audit support, finance operations, and FP&A roles. With internships and experience, affiliates can grow quickly.

What job opportunities are available after completing ACCA?

After completing ACCA, you can work as the Financial Accountant, Audit Associate, IFRS Reporting Analyst, FP&A Analyst, Management Accountant, Internal Auditor, Risk Analyst, Finance Manager, ACCA jobs are strong in Big 4 networks, MNCs, consulting firms, banks, and shared service companies.

Is ACCA higher than CA?

ACCA is not higher than CA. Both are different qualifications. CA is mainly focused on India and Indian practice rules. ACCA is a global qualification and is recognized internationally. Your best choice depends on where you want to build your career.

Is ACCA very difficult?

ACCA is challenging, but it is manageable with consistency. It tests both knowledge and application. You can clear it smoothly with a proper plan and mock practice. At IIC Lakshya we can make the journey easier.

Can I finish ACCA in 2 years?

Yes, many students complete ACCA in 2 years, especially after graduation with exemptions. Your speed depends on how many papers you have and how many you attempt per exam session. A smart plan with 2–3 papers per sitting can help you finish faster.

What is the age limit for ACCA certification?

There is no age limit for ACCA certification. You can start it after meeting eligibility requirements. Students, graduates, and working professionals can all pursue ACCA at any age.