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 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 professionalism. 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 in what the ACCA course is all about.
ACCA Exam Pattern
The exam pattern of ACCA is designed in such a way that it tests not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills through three progressive levels. By following the ACCA exam paper pattern, students can build a solid foundation and advance well on their professional journey. Thus, they are completely prepared for a finance and accounting career at a global level.
Exam Schedule of ACCA Exam
The examination schedule of ACCA is relatively flexible, and one can prepare accordingly to sit for the exams according to his or her personal and professional commitments. ACCA Exams are conducted four times a year in the months of March, June, September, and December.
When To Book The ACCA Exams?
You can book your ACCA exams well in advance up to 14 weeks before the exam dates. This allows you to plan your study schedule accordingly.
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.
Applied Skill Level Exam Structure of ACCA
- 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 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.
Pattern & Duration of ACCA Exams
The examination process in ACCA is strict and demanding as well, with most of the exams scheduled to be conducted through Computer-Based Exams (CBEs). This ensures fair assessment and efficiency-
- Session CBEs: Applied Skills or Strategic Professional level exams is conducted at certain times of the year—March, June, September, and December.
- On-Demand CBEs: These can be taken at any time of the year and typically for Applied Knowledge and some Applied Skills level exams.
ACCA Course Exam Pattern
Question types vary from MCQs up to extended answers, as presented in the table below.
| Subject | Exam Duration | Exam Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Technology (BT) | 2 Hrs On-Demand CBE | This paper is divided into two sections. Section A: Consists of 35 objective-type questions of 2 marks each. Section B: Contains three multi-task questions of 10 marks each. |
| Management Accounting (MA) | 2 Hrs On-Demand CBE | This paper is divided into two sections. Section A: Consists of 35 objective-type questions of 2 marks each. Section B: Contains three multi-task questions of 10 marks each. |
| Financial Accounting (FA) | 2 Hrs On-Demand CBE | This paper is again divided into two sections. Section A: Consists of 35 objective questions of 2 marks each. Section B: consists of 2 questions of 15 marks each. |
| Corporate and Business Law (LW) | 2 Hrs On-Demand CBE | This paper is divided into two sections. Section A: Consists of 25 objective-type questions of 2 marks each and 20 questions of 1 mark each. Section B: Contains five multi-task questions of 6 marks each. |
| Performance Management (PM) | 3 Hrs Session CBE | This paper is again divided into two sections. Section A: Consists of 30 objective questions of 2 marks each. Section B: Consists of 2 constructed-response workspace questions of 20 marks each. |
| Taxation (TX) | 3 Hrs Session CBE | This paper is again divided into two sections. Section A: Consists of 30 objective questions of 2 marks each. Section B: Consists of 2 constructed-response workspace questions of 20 marks each. |
| Financial Reporting (FR) | 3 Hrs Session CBE | This paper is again divided into two sections. Section A: Consists of 30 objective questions of 2 marks each. Section B: Consists of 2 constructed-response workspace questions of 20 marks each. |
| Audit and Assurance (AA) | 3 Hrs Session CBE | This paper is divided into two sections. Section A: Consists of 15 objective questions of 2 marks each. Section B: Consists of two 20-mark and one 30-mark constructed response workspace question. |
| Financial Management (FM) | 3 Hrs Session CBE | It is a subjective paper with only 1 section consisting of two 25-mark questions and one 50 marks question. |
| Advanced Financial Management (Optional) | 3 Hrs Session CBE | It is a subjective paper with only 1 section consisting of two 25-mark questions and one 50-mark question. |
| Advanced Performance Management (Optional) | 3 Hrs Session CBE | It is a subjective paper with only 1 section consisting of two 25-mark questions and one 50-mark question. |
| Advanced Taxation (Optional) | 3 Hrs Session CBE | It is a subjective paper with only 1 section consisting of two 25-mark questions and one 50-mark question. |
| Advanced Audit and Taxation (Optional) | 3 Hrs Session CBE | It is a subjective paper with only 1 section comprising 80 questions and 20 marks for professional skills. |
| Strategic Business Leader (SBL)- Compulsory | 3 Hrs Session CBE | It is a subjective paper with only 1 section comprising 80 questions and 20 marks for professional skills. |
| Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)- Compulsory | 3 Hrs Session CBE | It is a subjective paper with only 1 section consisting of two 25-mark questions and one 50-mark question. |
ACCA Exam Pass Rates & Level of Difficulty
ACCA exam pass rates vary greatly depending on the examination papers as well as on different sessions. For example, in the session of September 2023, the pass rates for the following papers were recorded:
Applied Knowledge Level:
- Business and Technology (BT) -86%
- Management Accounting (MA) -64%
- Financial Accounting (FA) -71%
Applied Skills Level
- Corporate and Business Law (LW) -84%
- Taxation (TX) -54%
- Financial Reporting (FR) -47%
- Performance Management (PM) -40%
- Financial Management (FM): 49%
- Audit and Assurance (AA): 42%
Strategic Professional Level
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL): 50%
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR): 50%
Strategic Professional – Options
- Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA): 34%
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM): 45%
- Advanced Performance Management (APM): 34%
- Advanced Taxation (ATX): 48%
The aggregate pass rate for the ACCA exams stands approximately at 55%, which may be taken as of a moderate level. The exams are found to be challenging on average, and they require much time and financial input along with hard work from the students.
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 exam 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.
