ACCA Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM): A Complete Guide (2026)

The Ethics and Professional Skills Module — commonly known as the EPSM — is a mandatory component of the ACCA qualification that every student must complete before becoming a full ACCA member. Despite its importance, the EPSM is one of the least-discussed parts of the qualification. This guide covers everything you need to know.

What is the ACCA EPSM?

The EPSM is an online, self-paced learning module developed by ACCA to develop students' ethical reasoning, professional judgement, and a range of broader skills that exams alone cannot test. It was introduced to replace the previous Professional Ethics Module (PEM) and offers a richer, more interactive learning experience.

The module is built around a series of scenarios, video content, and reflective exercises. It explores topics including professional ethics, business acumen, commercial awareness, communication, and leadership — the skills that distinguish a technically competent accountant from a rounded finance professional.

When Should You Complete the EPSM?

ACCA recommends completing the EPSM after you have passed your Applied Skills exams and before or during your Strategic Professional studies. You cannot be admitted to ACCA membership until the EPSM is complete, alongside your exam passes and practical experience requirement.

Many students find it useful to complete the EPSM during the gap between finishing Applied Skills and sitting their first Strategic Professional paper, as the module's content on professional judgement is relevant at the Strategic Professional level — particularly for SBL (Strategic Business Leader).

What Does the EPSM Cover?

The EPSM is structured around four skill areas:

• Ethics and professionalism: Understanding ACCA's Code of Ethics and Conduct, ethical threats and safeguards, and how to apply ethical reasoning in complex real-world situations
• Personal effectiveness: Time management, emotional intelligence, resilience, and personal development
• Business acumen: Commercial awareness, strategic thinking, understanding business models and stakeholders
• Communication and leadership: Influencing skills, presenting financial information, managing relationships, and leading teams

The module uses scenario-based learning — you work through realistic business situations and are asked to make decisions, reflect on outcomes, and apply the ACCA Code of Ethics.

How Long Does the EPSM Take?

ACCA estimates that the EPSM takes approximately 20 hours to complete. It is entirely online and self-paced, so you can spread it across several weeks or complete it in a shorter burst. There is no exam — completion is recorded automatically when you finish all required sections.

How Much Does the EPSM Cost?

The EPSM is included in your ACCA annual subscription — there is no separate fee to access or complete it. You access it through the ACCA student portal.

Is the EPSM Assessed?

The EPSM is not assessed by a pass/fail exam. It is a completion-based module — you must work through all the required content and submit your reflections. ACCA records your completion, and it is marked as done on your student record. There are no grades and no possibility of failing, though you must engage genuinely with the material rather than skipping through it.

Why Does the EPSM Matter?

Beyond the requirement for membership, the EPSM develops skills that are genuinely valued by employers and that directly support your performance at Strategic Professional level. SBL in particular is a paper that rewards the kind of ethical and professional judgement the EPSM cultivates. Students who engage seriously with the EPSM often find it useful preparation for the commercial and leadership dimensions of senior finance roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I complete the EPSM before finishing all my exams?

Yes. ACCA recommends completing it after Applied Skills, but you can complete it at any point after registering as a student. Many students start it earlier to get it out of the way.

Where do I access the EPSM?

Through your ACCA student portal at myACCA. Log in, navigate to your study resources, and the EPSM is listed there. You can complete it in sections across multiple sessions.

Does the EPSM expire?

No. Once completed, it is permanently recorded on your ACCA record.

What happens if I don't complete the EPSM?

You cannot be admitted to ACCA membership. The EPSM is a mandatory requirement alongside exam passes and the practical experience requirement. You will not receive your membership until all three are satisfied.

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