ACCA exemptions for CAs let chartered accountants skip 9 out of 13 papers in the ACCA course. This means they only need to take 4 exams. These exemptions save time, reduce study load, and cut costs. ACCA recognizes the hard work done in CA and rewards students by lowering the exam count. This is very useful for Indian students who want a global career. ACCA opens doors in countries like the UK, UAE, Singapore, and Canada. CAs can boost their value with an international degree. Let’s explore how these exemptions work and how to apply for them.
How Many Exemptions are there in ACCA for CA?
ACCA allows Indian CAs to skip 9 papers. These include all three documents in Applied Knowledge and six in Applied Skills levels. That means only four exams remain. These four papers are from the strategic professional level, which every student must complete.
Applied Knowledge Level Exemptions
ACCA gives exemptions for Business and Technology, Management Accounting, and Financial Accounting. These subjects are taught in CA Inter, so students already know the basics. ACCA believes there’s no need to study the same things again. This saves CA students time and effort. They can directly move to more advanced topics. It also reduces the cost of study material and exam preparation. So, this level becomes optional for CAs.
Applied Skills Level Exemptions
The six subjects at this level are law, taxation, audit, financial reporting, performance management, and financial management. These match the CA Final subjects. ACCA considers them equivalent in content and level. Because of this match, CAs don’t need to write these exams again. They already studied and passed similar topics in CA. This makes the ACCA journey easier and quicker.
Strategic Professional Papers Required
All students, including CAs, must take the last four exams. These are advanced and focus on real business problems. ACCA uses these exams to test leadership and global knowledge. CAs can’t get exemptions here. They must prepare and pass these four papers. These exams are key for global job roles and career growth.
Why Only Four Exams Remain
The last four exams are essential. They cover business leadership, reporting, and global finance. ACCA wants every member to pass these exams to maintain high standards. That’s why even CA-qualified professionals must complete them. It makes sure all ACCA members are strong in advanced topics.
Total Papers After Exemption
Once you claim your 9 exemptions, you only need to prepare for 4 papers. This makes your ACCA journey shorter. That’s why ACCA after CA is an innovative and fast choice.
ACCA Exemptions for CA
ACCA designed its exemption rules to support professionals with existing knowledge. If you have already passed CA, ACCA respects your effort. The course is flexible and lets you skip repeated content. This saves time and adds international value to your degree.
Purpose of ACCA Exemptions
The goal of exemptions is to avoid repeating subjects. If you have already studied a topic in CA, ACCA skips it. This means less study time and fewer exams. It also makes the course more useful. You get to learn new things instead of going over the duplicate content. That’s the benefit of the ACCA course exemptions.
What You Gain From ACCA
ACCA helps you move to global jobs and companies. Many CAs in India want to work abroad. ACCA makes that dream possible. The degree is accepted in over 180 countries. You can work in the UK, Canada, Dubai, and more. ACCA adds global value to your CA degree. It shows you know international laws, finance, and reporting.
Time Advantage
You only need to take four exams. Most CAs finish ACCA in 6 to 12 months. This is much faster than doing the whole ACCA course. You save at least 1.5 years of study time. Fewer exams mean quicker completion. That means you can apply for jobs earlier. This is great for working professionals who want fast growth.
Cost Advantage
Skipping 9 papers means you save on exam fees and books. You still pay the ACCA exemption fees for ACCA much less than for 13 exams. This makes ACCA cheaper for CAs. You also save on coaching and tuition costs. Many CA students complete ACCA without any extra classes. The study load is light.
How This Helps ICAI Members?
ICAI members already have substantial knowledge. ACCA helps them apply it globally. It rewards them with exemptions and gives global recognition. With both CA and ACCA, you become more valuable. You also qualify for top jobs in Big 4 firms and MNCs. That’s why the ACA pathway for CA is popular among young professionals.
ACCA Papers You Don’t Need to Take as a CA
ACCA gives direct exemptions from 9 papers to qualified CAs. These are the first nine papers in the ACCA course. If you have completed the CA Final, you don’t need to retake it. You directly start with the last four papers.
List of Exempted Papers
You get exemptions from BT, MA, FA, LW, PM, TX, FR, AA, and FM. These cover subjects like accounting, law, audit, and tax. These papers are part of the CA Inter and CA Final. Your ACCA subjects are exempt from CA. Once you submit your CA documents, these papers appear “Exempted” in your ACCA profile.
Understanding Applied Knowledge Level
This level covers the basics of business, management, and accounting. Since you studied these in CA Inter, you don’t need to repeat them. ACCA trusts the ICAI curriculum. These papers are easy for CA students. So, ACCA removes them from your study plan. You move straight to the next level.
Applied Skills Level Equivalence
This level includes audit, tax, and finance papers. These match the CA Final level. ACCA understands you have already passed tough exams in these topics. That’s why CAs get full exemption here. You don’t need to study these papers again. This saves time and effort.
Strategic Professional Level Papers
These include four papers. Two are mandatory—SBL and SBR. You choose two more from the optional subjects. These papers test real-world decision-making. These papers are not exempt. All students must take them. They make you job-ready for senior finance roles.
Why ACCA Keeps These Papers Mandatory?
These papers build global business skills. ACCA wants all members to be strong leaders. That’s why they are required. Even experienced professionals must pass these papers. This keeps the ACCA standard high and trusted worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria for ACCA Exemptions
Before applying for exemptions, chartered accountants must meet some rules. ACCA wants to make sure you are fully qualified. If you meet all conditions, ACCA gives you 9 exemptions. Let’s look at the eligibility details for claiming ACCA exemptions for CA.
Required Qualification
You must pass both CA Final groups and be a member of ICAI. ACCA gives exemptions only to fully qualified CAs. If you passed just CA Inter, you will get fewer exemptions—about 3 to 6. Only those who completed the full CA program can get 9 papers off. This ensures you have studied the syllabus to match ACCA’s standards. So, make sure you register with ICAI before applying.
Documents You Need
To claim exemptions, ACCA needs your proof. You must upload your ICAI membership certificate. You must also submit CA Final mark sheets, a transcript from ICAI, and a valid ID like a passport or Aadhaar. These documents are essential. ACCA uses them to match your papers with its syllabus. Without these, your application may get delayed or rejected.
Use ACCA Exemption Calculator
ACCA offers an online tool called the ACCA Exemption Calculator. This tool shows how many papers you can skip. You just enter your qualifications, and the complete ACCA CA exemption list is given to you. This helps you plan your study path. It also lets you know how much of an exemption fee you’ll have to pay. Use it before you apply.
When to Apply?
You must apply for exemptions during registration. ACCA asks for all documents while signing up. Upload your scanned certificates and pay the exemption fees at that time. If you delay this step, your exemptions may not be processed. So, gather your documents and apply early to avoid issues.
Rules for Older CA Graduates
If you passed CA many years ago, ACCA may not offer all exemptions. The syllabus must still match ACCA’s current topics. So, older CAs may get 6 or 7 exemptions instead of 9. Use the calculator to check. If your syllabus is old, ACCA might ask for more documents.
How Many ACCA Papers are Exempted for CA?
ACCA gives up to 9 exemptions to a chartered accountant. These include 3 from the first level and 6 from the second. That leaves only 4 exams. These are at the final level and are the toughest. Many choose to take ACCA after CA for quick global growth.
Which Papers Are Exempted
The exempted papers include BT, MA, FA, LW, PM, TX, FR, AA, and FM. These match CA topics. ACCA finds your CA studies good enough for these subjects. These are part of the ACCA CA exemption list. When you register and upload your documents, these subjects will show as “Exempted” on your ACCA account.
Papers You Must Take
After exemptions, only four papers are left. These are Strategic Business Leader (SBL), Strategic Business Reporting (SBR), and two optional subjects like Advanced Taxation (ATX) or Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA). These papers are complex but essential. They cover global reporting, business strategy, and ethics. Every ACCA student must pass them.
Why Exemptions Stop at the Strategic Level
ACCA keeps the final-level exams to make sure all students learn global concepts. These papers cover new and vital ideas. So, you can’t skip them—even if you are a CA. These subjects prepare you for top roles like CFO or finance director. That’s why they are part of the core course.
Cost of Exemptions
Even though you skipped 9 papers, you must pay a fee for each. These are your ACCA exemption fees for CA. Each fee is around £80 to £100 per paper. This fee is small compared to the full exam fee. So, you still save a lot. You don’t pay for coaching, books, or exam stress.
Exam Plan After Exemption
Once you claim exemptions, you can plan the four papers. Most students finish them in 6 to 12 months. You can write two exams at a time. This makes your ACCA journey smooth and short. Many CA students work full-time while preparing for ACCA this way.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for ACCA Exemptions
Applying for exemptions is easy. ACCA has made it simple and online. You don’t need to go anywhere. Just follow the steps below to get your ACCA course exemptions quickly.
Step 1: Register on the ACCA Website
Go to accaglobal.com. Click on “Apply Now” and create your account. Fill in your details. Choose “India” as your country and “ICAI” as your qualification. Make sure your name and date of birth match your documents. Use a working email. ACCA will send updates there.
Step 2: Upload All Documents
After registering, upload your documents. You need your CA Final certificate, ICAI membership, mark sheets, and ID. Make sure all files are clear and readable. You may also need to upload an official transcript. You can get this from the ICAI website or office. Without these, your exemptions won’t be processed.
Step 3: Use the ACCA Exemption Calculator
Visit the ACCA exemption calculator page. Enter “ICAI” and select “CA Final” as your qualification. It will show all papers you are exempt from. This tool gives you the ACCA exemption list. Use this to see which papers are left and how to plan your studies.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
After confirming your exemptions, pay the fee for each exempted paper. These are your ACCA exemption fees for ACCA. Payment is made in British pounds using a debit or credit card. After payment, ACCA will confirm your exemptions within a few days. You will then see the remaining papers on your dashboard.
Step 5: Start Preparing for the Remaining Exams
Once the 9 papers are marked exempt, prepare for the four remaining ones. Choose optional documents based on your career interest, like audit or finance. You can give two exams in one session. Plan your schedule and aim to finish in two sessions. Most students complete ACCA in 6 to 12 months this way.
ACCA Exemptions for CA FAQs
1. What exemptions do CAs get in ACCA?
Qualified CAs can get up to 9 exemptions in ACCA, covering Applied Knowledge and Skills levels.
2. How do I apply for ACCA exemptions after becoming a CA?
Register on the ACCA website, upload your CA documents, and pay the exemption fees during signup.
3. What are the exemption fees for CAs in ACCA?
Fees are around £98–£114 per paper; full exemptions may cost approximately £900 or more.
4. Will claiming exemptions affect my ACCA certificate or job prospects?
Exemptions are valid and widely accepted; they won’t affect your certificate or employability.
5. Can a CA student (not yet qualified) get ACCA exemptions?
CA Inter/Final students can get partial exemptions based on completed levels.
