The ACCA syllabus has three stages: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. It includes 14 papers, covering various aspects of accounting and finance. The Applied Knowledge stage focuses on foundational accounting skills. In contrast, the Applied Skills stage builds upon these skills with more in-depth knowledge of corporate and business law, financial reporting, and taxation. The Strategic Professional stage delves into more advanced concepts and strategic decision-making. If you ever want to work in accounting or finance, one of the most popular certifications is from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). It is internationally recognized, respected, and has plenty of options, but it may be challenging to understand the ACCA syllabus. The ACCA syllabus and study guide are for use by those who will assist in planning the study, but also to give all-around information on what could be assessed in any examination session.
ACCA Syllabus 2025
If you have sat an exam previously and are now preparing under the 2025 syllabus, look at this ACCA syllabus PDF to check for any syllabus changes, understand more about what they are, and access valuable resources. Candidates should go through the ACCA course structure to ensure they are well-versed in what the ACCA course is all about.
The ACCA qualification is structured into three stages, each with its own set of exams designed to equip candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge for a career in accounting and finance.
- Applied Knowledge Stage: The three exams under this base stage are BT, Management Accounting (MA), and Financial Accounting (FA). These examinees develop fundamental knowledge in these exams, primarily business operations, financial reporting, and the management accounting role in decision-making.
- Applied Skills Stage: It covers six exams i.e. Corporate and Business Law (LW), Performance Management (PM), Taxation (TX), Financial Reporting (FR), Audit and Assurance (AA) and Financial Management (FM). These focus upon the skills or competencies accumulated during the Applied Knowledge Stage to provide an additional level of analysis on issues surrounding taxation, corporate law, audit, and reporting in financial issues.
- Strategic Professional Level: This is the final stage. It requires any candidate to sit for not less than two major exams, including Strategic Business Leader (SBL) and Strategic Business Reporting (SBR). These examine strategic business decisions to be made at a senior level and financial reporting. There are four optional exams: Advanced Financial Management (AFM), Advanced Performance Management (APM), Advanced Taxation (ATX), and Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA).
Other than passing those examinations, a student is supposed to complete the module of ACCA ethics and Professional Skills. In some cases, a candidate will be eligible for exemptions on specific exams according to their pre-existing qualifications; such information is accessible from ACCA.
Applied Knowledge Level (BT, MA, FA) – Topics & Learning Outcomes
The Applied Knowledge level is the starting point. It provides the groundwork by explaining fundamental ideas in accounting and business. Consider it the foundation for all of your future knowledge.
Paper 1 – Business and Technology
This paper provides a general overview of the core principles of successful management, outlining the contemporary business environment and how that influences the working of accountants and organizations. It explains how accountants assume an essential position in this context and how they can create an efficient and ethical organization. By examining the relationship between business practices and accounting operations, the paper has taken a standpoint that emphasizes ethical decision-making and good management for the success of organizations.
Paper 2 – Management Accounting
This paper will equip you with the preparation and processing of elementary quantitative data, with the ultimate goal of supporting management decision-making processes through various functions.
Paper 3 – Financial Accounting
You will acquire knowledge of the underpinning concepts, fundamental principles, and procedures of financial accounting and technical skills in double-entry techniques concerning preparing and analysing an entity’s basic financial statements.
| Papers | Topics | Subtopics |
| Business and Technology (BT) | How businesses run? | Various business forms |
| Management responsibilities | ||
| The value of innovation and change | ||
| Technology impact on business | ||
| Management Accounting (MA) | Fundamentals of management accounting | Planning processes |
| Controlling processes | ||
| Decision-making processes | ||
| Financial Accounting (FA) | Principles of financial accounting | Preparation of financial statements |
| Interpretation of financial statements |
Applied Skills Level (LW to FM): Key Papers & Subject Focus
Once you have mastered the principles, you will progress to the Applied Skills level. This stage expands on the knowledge learned at the Applied Knowledge level while introducing more complex topics.
Paper 4 – Corporate and Business Law
This paper deepens your knowledge of the broader legal context and covers specific legal matters dealing with business, while pointing out those situations when specialist legal advice must be sought.
Paper 5 – Performance Management
This paper aims at developing your skills in management accounting techniques. It equips you with the application of this knowledge to both qualitative and quantitative data in planning, decision-making, and performance evaluation.
Paper 6 – Taxation
This paper helps understand the tax system of business and how it impacts individuals, companies, and business groups. The paper exhausts the prime taxation features and their impact on business performance and conduct.
Paper 7 – Financial Reporting
This paper will help enhance your knowledge and understanding of standards in accounting with financial reporting. You will, therefore, follow the theoretical aspect of preparing and presenting financial statements, particularly analysis and interpretation.
Paper 8 – Audit and Assurance
The paper presents the knowledge and the competencies applied by financial managers concerning financing, investment, and dividend policy decisions.
Paper 9 – Financial Management
Paper 9 tests your understanding of core financial management concepts. It covers topics like investment appraisal, risk management, and business finance. The paper aims to develop your skills for effective financial decision-making in business scenarios.
| Subject | Paper | Topic |
| Corporate and Business Law (LW) | Legal framework within which businesses operate | Contract law |
| Employment law | ||
| Company law | ||
| Performance Management (PM) | Advanced management accounting techniques | Performance measurement |
| Performance evaluation | ||
| Performance improvement | ||
| Taxation (TX) | Principles of taxation | Personal tax |
| Corporate tax | ||
| Tax planning | ||
| Financial Reporting (FR) | Understanding financial accounting and reporting standards | Preparation of financial statements |
| Interpretation of financial statements | ||
| Audit and Assurance (AA) | Principles and practices of auditing | Audit process |
| Internal controls | ||
| Professional ethics | ||
| Financial Management (FM) | Management of financial resources | Investment decisions |
| Financing decisions | ||
| Dividend decisions |
ACCA Strategic Professional Level Syllabus
The third level of the ACCA Syllabus is Strategic Professional. This focuses on advanced professional skills, strategic thinking, and leadership capacity.
| Subject | Paper | Topic |
| Essentials (Compulsory Subjects) | Strategic Business Leader (SBL) | Strategic management |
| Leadership skills | ||
| Analysis of complex business situations | ||
| Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) | Financial reporting standards | |
| Business analysis | ||
| Options (Choose Two) | Advanced Financial Management (AFM) | Advanced financial management strategies |
| Risk management | ||
| Mergers and acquisitions | ||
| Corporate restructuring | ||
| Advanced Performance Management (APM) | Strategic planning | |
| Performance control | ||
| Decision-making processes | ||
| Advanced Taxation (ATX) | Complex taxation scenarios | |
| International tax | ||
| Tax compliance | ||
| Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA) | Advanced audit skills | |
| Application of professional judgment |
Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)
In addition to the three levels, ACCA requires you to complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM). This course will help you enhance your ethical judgment and professional skills. Both of which are essential in the accounting profession. The ACCA syllabus for Ethics and professional skills modules is given below:
| Topic | Format |
| Ethical principles and decision-making | Online, interactive module with case studies and real-world scenarios |
| Professionalism and ethics in accounting | |
| Effective communication and interpersonal skills | |
| Can be completed at any stage during your studies, but it’s recommended to do it early |
Practical Experience Requirement (PER)
To become a fully qualified ACCA member, you must also meet the Practical Experience Requirement (PER). This involves gaining relevant work experience in a finance or accounting profession.
Requirements:
- Complete at least 36 months of supervised experience.
- Achieve the ACCA performance targets that are related to the skills and knowledge you acquired while studying.
What’s New in ACCA Syllabus 2025?
The ACCA Syllabus 2025 introduces updated emphasis on digital finance, ethical decision-making, and sustainability reporting. While core subjects remain unchanged, exam formats now include more scenario-based and application-driven questions to align with real-world professional challenges. The Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM) also incorporates AI and tech-related dilemmas, keeping the qualification future-ready.
Strategic Professional Level: Changes in Syllabus
This level trains students to become future-ready professionals. Some papers have learning outcomes added or reworded, while others remain the same.
Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) – INT & IRL
- Yes, there are syllabus changes.
- Several learning outcomes have been updated to reflect better reporting practices.
- Emphasis has increased on sustainability reporting and ethical judgment in real-world scenarios.
Tip: Review your current study notes and match them with the updated guide from September 2025.
Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Wording changes only — no major content updates.
- Learning outcomes are now more focused on clarity, especially around leadership, governance, and integrated thinking.
Strategy: Don’t ignore the wording shift. Exam questions may now expect more applied judgment rather than pure theory.
Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- No syllabus change.
- You can continue with existing resources and mock tests without needing updates.
Advanced Performance Management (APM)
- Only language updated, no new learning outcomes.
- Focus is more on application and data-driven decision-making.
Advanced Taxation (ATX-UK)
- Yes, there are changes.
- Reflects the latest Finance Act updates.
- Students must prepare using the latest tax rules applicable for 2025/26.
Note: Tax law changes yearly—so always study the correct Finance Act.
Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA – INT & UK)
- Minor wording updates, no content additions.
- More focus now on technology in audit, ESG assurance, and ethical independence.
Applied Skills Level: Changes in Syllabus
This level tests your ability to apply knowledge in core areas like taxation, law, and management. Several subjects saw important updates.
Corporate and Business Law (LW – ENG & GLO)
- Yes, there are syllabus changes.
- New outcomes related to digital law, data privacy, and contract law were added.
- Also includes modern examples like AI in legal compliance.
Smart tip: Do not use old question banks beyond June 2025.
Performance Management (PM)
- Only rewording of learning outcomes.
- Learning is now framed more practically with performance analysis and variances in different industries.
Taxation (TX – UK)
- Yes, syllabus changed due to new Finance Act.
- Adjusted thresholds, rates, and reliefs.
- Updated guidance also included environmental taxes and digital economy impacts.
Action Point: Use updated calculators and revision kits for mock testing.
Financial Reporting (FR)
- Syllabus changed.
- Includes new IFRS applications and reporting for SMEs.
- Better coverage of consolidation and interpretation of financial statements.
Audit and Assurance (AA)
- Only rewording updates.
- Greater focus on ethical behavior, internal controls, and evidence-based auditing.
Financial Management (FM)
- No change in syllabus.
- Existing study material is valid till June 2026.
Applied Knowledge Level: Changes in Syllabus
This is the starting point for ACCA students. Changes here help form the correct foundation.
Business and Technology (BT)
- No changes at all.
- Continue using the same books, lectures, and past paper banks.
Management Accounting (MA)
- Wording changes only.
- More examples and clearer language around cost behavior, CVP analysis, and budgeting techniques.
Financial Accounting (FA)
- Yes, new learning outcomes added.
- Increased emphasis on ethics, recording digital assets, and fair value adjustments.
Quick Tip: Focus on journal entries and interpretation of trial balance data.
How to Study for ACCA Each Level (With Time Estimates)?
To efficiently prepare for the ACCA exams, it’s crucial to structure your time around each level:
- Applied Knowledge Level: 6-9 months
(Recommended: 1 month per paper; BT, MA, FA) - Applied Skills Level: ~12-24 months
(Tackle 2–3 papers per exam session; ideal for working students) - Strategic Professional Level: 12-18 months
(Focus heavily on case studies and EPSM early; study 1 paper per quarter)
Use a mix of official study texts, practice kits, and revision classes for best results. A consistent weekly study schedule is key to passing your first attempt.
Top ACCA Study Tips to Crack the Syllabus in 2025
- Develop a study approach and stick to it. Use calendars and apps to organize your study time and notes.
- ACCA offers a variety of study materials, practice exams, and online forums.
- Initiate a joint group with your peers, who will be appearing for the same ACCA exam, and study the ACCA syllabus together.
- Don’t be afraid to approach tutors for assistance or to join online support groups.
- The EPSM is significant. Understanding ethical concerns will benefit you intellectually and professionally.
Conclusion
Acquiring the ACCA qualification demands nothing but hard work, determination, and resilience. The whole program is divided into three key levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. Other elements include the Ethics and Professional Skills Module and the Practical Experience Requirement. Combined, these prepare you adequately to master the essentials involved in the finance and accounting industries. The study of the ACCA syllabus calls for experience, systematic dedication in the book studies, and concentrated efforts to grasp all the concepts. With this, you can excel throughout this journey and achieve a good career as a certified accountant.
ACCA Syllabus FAQs
Q1. What are 13 papers in ACCA?
The 13 ACCA papers are divided into three levels:
- Applied Knowledge – Business and Technology (BT), Management Accounting (MA), Financial Accounting (FA)
- Applied Skills – Corporate and Business Law (LW), Performance Management (PM), Taxation (TX), Financial Reporting (FR), Audit and Assurance (AA), Financial Management (FM)
- Strategic Professional – Strategic Business Leader (SBL), Strategic Business Reporting (SBR), plus two optional papers from Advanced Financial Management (AFM), Advanced Performance Management (APM), Advanced Taxation (ATX), and Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA).
Q2. Is ACCA as tough as CA?
Both qualifications are challenging, but CA is generally considered tougher due to its lower pass rates and rigid structure. ACCA provides more flexibility in exam scheduling and offers global recognition, while CA focuses on Indian laws and taxation.
Q3. Is ACCA full of maths?
No, ACCA is not heavily maths-focused. It requires only basic arithmetic, percentages, ratios, and simple formulas. The primary focus is on accounting principles, financial analysis, and applying professional judgment.
Q4. How many papers of ACCA?
There are 13 papers in ACCA. However, students with relevant academic qualifications may be eligible for exemptions, reducing the number of papers they need to attempt.
Q5. Is ACCA easy to pass?
ACCA is not “easy” but it is achievable with proper planning, regular study, and quality preparation. The average global pass rate for most papers is around 40–50%.
