The ACCA eligibility is currently the most seeked out esteemed information by tons of students from all over the globe due its high educational charm. ACCA is a globally recognized certificate which has proved its essence in providing access to millions of employment 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 criterias are thoroughly covered in this article to assist you in obtaining this prestigious certification.
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 in order 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 | |
| Level | Exams |
| Foundations in Accountancy | ACCA 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 Level | Business & Technology |
| Management Accounting | |
| Financial Accounting | |
| Skill Level | Corporate and Business Law (LW) |
| Taxation (TX) | |
| Performance Management (PM) | |
| Financial Reporting (FR) | |
| Audit and Assurance (AA) | |
| Financial Management (FM) | |
| Professional Level | Strategic Business Leader (SBL) |
| Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) | |
| Optional Subjects in the Professional Level (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:
ACCA after 12th
In accordance with ACCA’s qualifying requirements, candidates must be at least 18 years old and have completed their secondary school education with an aggregate score of 50 percent in all courses other than mathematics/accounting and English (65%).
ACCA after Graduation
Exams for the ACCA are open to commerce students pursuing degrees such as B.Com, BBA, and BMS. Similarly, graduates with BA or B.Sc. degrees from accredited universities are eligible to enroll in the ACCA programme, given they fulfill the requirements of acquiring the ACCA Foundation diploma according to the ACCA eligibility.
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 Level for individuals considering non-FIA careers. In order 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.
To become a perfect finance professional is a very complex task and you can channelize it only when you adapt with 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 have a success rate of 40–50%, which 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 in order 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 occupations, can obtain the ACCA qualification.
Country-Specific 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:
United Kingdom
If you Minimum of three GCE A-levels and two GCSEs (or equivalent), including passes in English and Mathematics. Degrees from UK universities are often recognized for significant exemptions, especially those accredited by ACCA.
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.
Pakistan
You 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
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.
United States
You should have a High school diploma with credits in English and Mathematics to meet the ACCA eligibility requirements
Conclusion
The ACCA qualification 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.
