acca eligibility

ACCA Eligibility Criteria: Qualification, Age Limit & More

The ACCA eligibility is currently the most sought-after esteemed information by tons of students from all over the globe due to its high educational charm. ACCA certificate provides global recognition with access to millions of job opportunities in accounting, finance, and management. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification with almost 600,000 students and more than 200,000 members globally, has captured a strong foundation for career advancement. Aspiring accountant candidates must be aware of the eligibility requirements for enrollment in the ACCA program. The ACCA eligibility parameters include age, education, and country-specific details. These criteria are thoroughly covered in this article to assist you in obtaining this prestigious ACCA membership.

acca eligibility

Levels of ACCA Exams

The four levels of the ACCA qualification are given in the article below. The Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) level is meant for students who have never before studied accounting or for those who are starting their ACCA journey after finishing Class 12th. The ACCA course is divided into three main levels: Knowledge Level, Skill Level, and Professional Level, in addition to the FIA. A total of 13 tests at various levels must be obtained by applicants to receive the ACCA certification. To be able to grab the opportunity, you must meet the ACCA eligibility. An extensive list of the ACCA disciplines and their corresponding levels is provided below:

ACCA Levels and Exams Overview
LevelExams
Foundations in AccountancyACCA Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting (RQF Level 2)
ACCA Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting (RQF Level 3)
ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business (RQF Level 4)
Certified Accounting Technician (CAT)
Knowledge LevelBusiness Finance & Technology
Management Accounting
Financial Accounting
Skill LevelCorporate and Business Law (LW)
Taxation (TX)
Performance Management (PM)
Financial Reporting (FR)
Audit and Assurance (AA)
Financial Management (FM)
Professional LevelStrategic Business Leader (SBL)
Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
Optional ACCA Subjects in the Professional Level Exams (Choose 2):
Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
Advanced Performance Management (APM)
Advanced Taxation (ATX)
Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)

ACCA Course Eligibility: Educational Requirements 

The ACCA course comprises a total of 13 exams and the educational qualifications will vary for students based on their gained educational accolades. You must review the ACCA eligibility thoroughly to comprehend the requirements:

What is ACCA Eligibility After 12th?

To be eligible for ACCA after 12th, the candidate should be at least 18 years of age. Also, they must pass their secondary school education with an aggregate score of 50% in all subjects except Mathematics/Accounting and English which requires a minimum score of 65%.

How to Pursue ACCA After Graduation?

Exams for the ACCA are open to commerce students pursuing B.Com, BBA, and BMS. Similarly, with students BA or B.Sc. degrees from accredited universities are eligible to enroll in the ACCA program, given they fulfill the requirements of acquiring the ACCA Foundation diploma according to the ACCA eligibility. Students with no formal education will also be able to apply for the ACCA Foundation Level.

Can I Do ACCA After 10th?

The ACCA exam is divided into three levels, although there is an additional level called Foundation in Accountancy for students who want to continue with ACCA following their tenth-grade education. This is especially meant for people who finished their 10th grade and have no previous accounting experience. The three ACCA levels are Knowledge Level, Skill Level, and Professional/Advanced Level for individuals considering non-FIA careers. To obtain ACCA certification, candidates must pass 13 tests, which are divided into different levels.

Accounting foundations:

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting (RQF Level 2)
• Association of Chartered Certified AccountantsDiploma in Financial and Management Accounting (RQF Level 3)
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Diploma in Accounting and Business (RQF Level 4)
• Certified Accounting Technician (CAT)

ACCA After CA

Indian Chartered Accountants (CAs) have a significant advantage when pursuing the ACCA qualification. With only four assessments remaining, CAs can bypass up to nine of the thirteen ACCA papers, allowing them to advance directly to the professional level. This pathway not only saves time but also enhances their qualifications. Furthermore, CA students at the Foundation and Intermediate levels (IPCC) can receive exemptions from five ACCA papers.

Becoming a perfect finance professional is a very complex task and you can channel it only when you adapt to the global curriculum of the ACCA and the knowledge of the CA as a whole. Furthermore, internships under a CA that are finished after completing IPCC Group 1 are accepted toward the practical experience requirement of the ACCA. The ACCA examinations provide a successful career with a success rate of 40–50%. It is more attainable than the poor pass rate of the CA exams.

Also, read Why do ACCA after CA?

Age Limit Criteria for ACCA

The ACCA has adjustable age limit criteria according to ACCA eligibility and it is one of the most notable inclusive aspects. A huge number of people can register for the ACCA qualification because there is no maximum age limit. You must be at least 18 years old to register. This wide age range ensures that a wide range of people, including recent high school graduates, college students, and working professionals looking to progress in their work experience, can obtain the ACCA qualification.

ACCA Course Exemptions

Students can avail themselves of various ACCA exemptions based on their education. ACCA provides certain exemptions to Commerce Graduates, master’s degree (MCom degree ) Inter CA Students, and CA Qualified Individuals. Candidates who have just completed their class 12 examinations do not meet the conditions above. Still, they are nevertheless eligible to apply for the ACCA skills Exam through the Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) route.

QualificationsNumber of exams to giveExemptions
Completion of Class 12th13 papersNIL
Commerce Graduate9 papersBT, MA, FA, LW
MCom Post Graduate9 papersBT, MA, FA, LW
CA IPCC (Both Groups)8 papersBT, MA, FA, TX, AA
CA4 papersBT-FM (9 subjects)

You can now check your ACCA exemptions with our ACCA exemption calculator.

Country-Specific ACCA Eligibility Criteria

Potential applicants should be aware of country-specific specifics even if the fundamental eligibility criteria for ACCA are similar all over. The ACCA eligibility requirements for a few important regions are examined in depth below: 

ACCA Eligibility in UK

If you have a minimum of three GCE A-levels and two GCSEs (or equivalent), including passes in English and Mathematics. Degrees from United Kingdom universities are often recognized for significant exemptions, especially those accredited by ACCA Global.

ACCA Eligibility in India

Completion of 12th grade from a recognized board with a minimum of five subjects, including English and Mathematics. Degrees such as B.Com, BBA, or MBA may qualify for exemptions, depending on the university and course content. Foreign top companies working in India have a huge demand for ACCA professionals. They hire professionals who are qualified for international work and know about international accounting standards such as US GAAP and IFRS.

Eligibility for ACCA in Pakistan

ACCA students in Pakistan must have a passing Certificate of Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) with five subjects, including English and Mathematics. If you’re a graduate then you must hold degrees from recognized universities which can lead to exemptions, particularly for B.Com and BBA graduates according to ACCA eligibility criteria. Apart from this if you are a diploma holder.

Nigeria ACCA Eligibility

You must have finished your West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or equivalent with credits in five subjects, including English and Mathematics. Degrees such as B.Sc in Accounting or related fields may be eligible for exemptions.

Eligibility for ACCA in US

You should have a High school diploma with credits in English and Mathematics to meet the ACCA eligibility requirements.

Conclusion

The ACCA degree is a gateway to a marvelous career in accounting and finance, recognized globally for its rigor and inclusiveness. Meeting the ACCA eligibility criteria, which encompass age, educational background, and country-specific requirements, is the first step toward this prestigious certification. With the advent of AI, the preparation process has become more streamlined and effective, providing candidates with personalized learning experiences, adaptive practice tests, and predictive insights.

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ACCA Eligibility FAQs

What is the eligibility for ACCA?

To be eligible for the ACCA qualification, students must have passed at least 10+2 examinations with an average of 65% in Mathematics / Accounts and English, and at least 50% in other equivalent courses.

Does the 12th marks matter in ACCA?

Yes, marks of 12th grade matter for ACCA registration. You need a minimum of 65 percent in Maths/Accounting and English. You also need a minimum of 50 percent in the other subjects.

Can I do ACCA without maths subject?

No, as long as you took accountancy in your 12th grade, you do not need to take maths to pursue an ACCA. However, you must have a minimum of 65% in Accounts or Mathematics and English, as well as 50% in all other disciplines.

Can I do ACCA after bcom degree?

Yes, students who have completed B.Com from a recognized university are eligible for the ACCA qualification. 

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