If you wish to work in accounting or finance, the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is one of the most well-known certifications available. It is internationally recognized and respected, allowing access to a plethora of options. However, understanding the ACCA syllabus and exam structure can be difficult. This manual provides the ACCA syllabus, giving you a better understanding of what to expect on your ACCA journey.
The ACCA qualification is intended to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and ethics needed to succeed in finance and accounting. The ACCA syllabus consists of three main stages which are applied knowledge, applied skills, and strategic professional. Each level builds on the previous one, increasing complexity and depth. Candidates should go through the ACCA course structure to ensure they are well versed with what the ACCA course is all about.
ACCA Applied Knowledge Level Syllabus
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. The ACCA syllabus for Applied Knowledge exam is given below:
| Subject | 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 |
ACCA Applied Knowledge Level Exam Structure
- Format: The exam will consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and objective test questions (OTQs).
- Duration: The exam will be conducted for 2 hours.
- Frequency: Exams are on-demand, meaning you can take them at any time throughout the year.
ACCA Applied Skill Level Syllabus
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 difficult topics. The ACCA syllabus for Applied Skill Level is given in the table below:
| 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 Applied Skill Level Exam Structure
- Format: A mix of MCQs, OTQs, and longer, more complex questions that test your ability to apply knowledge in practical scenarios.
- Duration: Each exam lasts 3 hours.
- Frequency: Exams are held four times a year – March, June, September, and December.
ACCA Strategic Professional Level Syllabus
The third level of the ACCA Syllabus is Strategic Professional, focuses on advanced professional skills, strategic thinking, and leadership capacity. This level is divided into two modules: essentials and options. The ACCA syllabus for Strategic Professional Level can be seen in the table below:
| 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 |
ACCA Strategic Professional Level Exam Structure:
- Format: A mix of case studies, practical tasks, and theoretical questions that require in-depth analysis and strategic thinking.
- Duration: Each exam lasts 3 hours and 15 minutes.
- Frequency: Exams are held four times a year – March, June, September, and December.
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 is designed to 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.
Tips for Success
- 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
The ACCA qualification is a journey that requires dedication, endurance, and patience. The structure, which includes the Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional levels, as well as the Ethics and Professional Skills Module and the Practical Experience Requirement, prepares you to deal with the complexities of the financial and accounting fields. Understanding the ACCA Syllabus and pattern, as well as being committed to your studies, will enable you to successfully travel this path and secure a rewarding position as a professional CA.
