The ACCA eligibility is currently the most sought-after and esteemed information by tons of students from all over the globe due to its high educational charm. To be eligible for the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification, you must be at least 18 years old and have completed higher secondary education with a minimum of 65% in Mathematics/Accounting and English, and 50% in all other subjects. You can also explore the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) route to ACCA for a more foundational approach if you’re just starting or have limited prior experience. The ACCA certificate provides global recognition with access to millions of accounting, finance, and management job opportunities. 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 know the eligibility requirements for enrollment in the ACCA program. The ACCA eligibility parameters include age, education, and country-specific details. This article thoroughly covers these criteria to assist you in obtaining this prestigious ACCA membership.
What is ACCA?
ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a globally recognized body based in the UK that offers the Certified Chartered Accountant qualification. It is designed for professionals seeking a career in accounting, finance, auditing, consulting, or management. The qualification consists of 13 exams across three core levels: Knowledge, Skills, and Professional.
ACCA is recognized in over 180 countries, with 200,000+ members and nearly 600,000 students worldwide.
Why Study ACCA?
ACCA offers a globally recognised qualification that opens doors to top careers in accounting, finance, and management. It combines international credibility, flexibility, and access to 180+ markets—ideal for ambitious finance professionals. The further reasons why you should choose ACCA are given below:-
- Global Recognition: Open doors to job opportunities across the globe—including the UK, UAE, Singapore, Canada, and more.
- High Employability in Big 4: Employers like Pwc, EY, Deloitte, and KPMG actively seek ACCA-qualified professionals.
- Flexible Learning: Study while working or alongside graduation. Exams are conducted quarterly, and online options are available.
- Affordable International Qualification: ACCA is cost-effective compared to global finance qualifications like CPA or CFA.
- Exemptions for Graduates & CAS: If you’ve studied B.Com, M.Com, or CA, you could skip several exams via exemptions.
- Career Versatility: Roles include: Auditor, Financial Analyst, Tax Consultant, CFO, Finance Manager, and more.
Complete List of ACCA Exams and Levels (FIA to Professional)
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 those starting their ACCA journey after finishing Class 12th. The ACCA course is divided into three primary levels: Knowledge Level, Skill Level, and Professional Level, in addition to the FIA. Applicants must obtain 13 tests at various levels 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 Finance & 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 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 Educational Requirements by Qualification
The ACCA course comprises 13 exams, and students’ educational qualifications will vary based on their qualifications. You must review the ACCA eligibility thoroughly to comprehend the requirements:
What is ACCA Eligibility After 12th?
To be eligible for ACCA after the 12th, the candidate should be at least 18. 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, students with a BA or B.Sc. degree from accredited universities are eligible to enrol in the ACCA program, provided they fulfil the ACCA Foundation diploma requirements according to the ACCA eligibility. Students with no formal education can also apply for the ACCA Foundation Level.
How to Start ACCA After Class 10?
The ACCA exam is divided into three levels. However, another level is called Foundation in Accountancy for students who want to continue with ACCA following their tenth-grade education. This is primarily meant for people who have 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 divided into different levels.
Accounting Foundations
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting (RQF Level 2)
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Diploma 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. 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 40–50% success rate. It is more attainable than the poor pass rate of the CA exams.
Also, read Why do I take the 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. Many people can register for the ACCA qualification without a maximum age limit. You must be at least 18 years old to register. This broad age range ensures that many 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 can apply for the ACCA Skills Exam through the Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) route.
| Qualifications | Number of exams to give | Exemptions |
| Completion of Class 12th | 13 papers | NIL |
| Commerce Graduate | 9 papers | BUT, MA, FA, LW |
| MCom Post Graduate | 9 papers | BUTT, MA, FA, LW |
| CA IPCC (Both Groups) | 8 papers | BT, MA, FA, TX, AA |
| CA | 4 papers | BT-FM (9 subjects) |
You can now check your ACCA exemptions with our ACCA exemption calculator.
ACCA Eligibility by Country: India, UK, US, Pakistan & Nigeria
Potential applicants should be aware of country-specific specifics, even if the fundamental eligibility criteria for ACCA are similar. The ACCA eligibility requirements for a few crucial regions are examined in depth below:
ACCA Eligibility in the 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 recognised for significant exemptions, especially those accredited by ACCA Global.
ACCA Eligibility in India
Completion of 12th grade from a recognised 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 massive 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, you must hold degrees from recognised 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 a B.Sc. In Accounting or related fields, you may be eligible for exemptions.
Eligibility for ACCA in the US
You should have a High school diploma with credits in English and Mathematics to meet the ACCA eligibility requirements. To pursue ACCA in the US, candidates must have a high school diploma with credits in English and Mathematics. There are no strict degree prerequisites, making it accessible to many learners. US graduates in accounting may also receive exemptions for specific ACCA exams.
Is ACCA the Right Global Career Path for You in 2025?
The ACCA degree is a gateway to a marvellous accounting and finance career, recognised globally for its rigour and inclusiveness. The first step toward this prestigious certification is to meet the ACCA eligibility criteria, encompassing age, educational background, and country-specific requirements. With the advent of AI, the preparation process has become more streamlined and effective, providing candidates with personalised learning experiences, adaptive practice tests, and predictive insights.
ACCA Eligibility FAQS
What are the eligibility criteria for ACCA?
To be eligible for ACCA, you must have passed 10+2 with at least 65% in English and Maths/Accounts and 50% in other subjects. Students who haven’t completed 12th can enrol via the Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) route.
What is the ACCA 7-year rule?
The ACCA 7-year rule requires students to complete the Strategic Professional level exams within 7 years of passing the first of those papers. If not completed, expired passes must be retaken.
What are the 9 exemptions for ACCA?
Students like Indian CAS can get exemptions from 9 out of 13 papers, covering Knowledge and Skill levels. These depend on qualifications like B.Com, M.Com, or CA IPCC.
Who is eligible for the ACCA rank?
A candidate must score the highest marks in their paper in a specific exam session to rank globally in ACCA. Consistency, full-time study, and top exam performance are key.
Can I do ACCA without Maths in the 12th?
You can pursue ACCA without Maths if you studied Accounts instead, securing at least 65% in either Accounts or Maths along with English, and 50% in other subjects.
