Can I Sit ACCA Exams From Home? Online vs Test Centre Exams Explained

Until recently, many ACCA students could choose between sitting an exam at a test centre and sitting it at home with online invigilation. That choice has narrowed. ACCA's exam availability page says it has withdrawn remote exams in countries where it has exam centre provision, and its FAQs say session exams are held in centres from March 2026, except in countries with no centre provision. This guide has been updated to reflect that. It explains what ACCA publishes, how centre and remote exams differ, and how to prepare for each. Our guide to what changed for ACCA remote exams has the detail on tokens and dates.

At a glance

What has changed

ACCA's FAQs on the limited availability of remote exams say that from March 2026 all ACCA session exams are held in centres, except in countries where ACCA has no exam centre provision. For remote on-demand exams, ACCA says tokens can no longer be bought except where there is no centre provision, and tokens you already hold remain valid until they expire. ACCA's availability page also says exams are offered in centres across more than 100 countries. In practice, if you live in a country with an ACCA centre, you should plan to sit your exams at a centre.

We could not confirm a full list of the countries that still offer remote exams. ACCA's availability table is the place to check, and your booking screen shows what is offered for your country.

Sitting exams at a test centre

A test centre gives you a controlled room, equipment provided for you and staff on site if something goes wrong. You travel to the venue, so allow for the journey and for arriving early. ACCA's exam guidelines say you need original, in-date photo ID, and that very little is allowed at your desk: your ID, a calculator, and a small clear water bottle or glass of water. Phones, cameras and smart watches are unauthorised items and must be switched off and stored as directed. Our ACCA exam day rules sets out the details.

Because centres have limited capacity, book as soon as your entry opens. Our ACCA exam dates and deadlines lists the session timetable, and the ACCA fees guide covers what you will pay.

Sitting exams remotely, where it is still offered

Where remote exams remain, you sit the exam on your own computer while being monitored online. ACCA's remote exam pages describe check-in photos using your phone as a second camera, a desk photo that shows your calculator, and rules on what can be in the room. For remote on-demand exams, ACCA's terms say you cannot use the on-screen calculator, you may have two sheets of scrap paper that you destroy on camera, and VPNs are prohibited because using one can nullify your result. Under-18s need a guardian present at check-in.

Remote vouchers expire six months after purchase and the earliest sitting is seven days after booking, according to ACCA's FAQs. You can reschedule up to 48 hours before the start, and our cancellation and refund rules explain the refund position.

How to choose

If your country has an ACCA centre, the choice is made for you. If remote is still offered where you live, think about what could go wrong on the day. A stable connection, a quiet room and the ability to meet ACCA's check-in and room rules matter more than convenience. If you have a condition that affects how you sit exams, apply for reasonable adjustments through ACCA's additional support route, generally by the standard entry closing date.

Prepare the practicalities

Check your ID is original and in date. Confirm your calculator meets ACCA's rules: a quiet, cordless pocket calculator that may be programmable but must not have a printout or a graphic or word display. Read your booking email for the exact rules for your exam, because ACCA's pages do not agree on every detail, such as phone vibration settings and ID language. Our ACCA computer-based exams guide explains how the exam software works.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still sit ACCA exams from home?

Only where ACCA has no exam centre provision. ACCA has withdrawn remote exams in countries where it has centres.

What happens to my remote token?

ACCA says existing remote tokens remain valid until they expire.

Can I use the on-screen calculator?

ACCA's terms say you cannot in remote on-demand exams from 1 March 2026. Bring an approved pocket calculator where you sit in a centre.

How do I find out what my country offers?

Check ACCA's exam availability and booking page and the options on your booking screen.

Can I reschedule a remote exam?

ACCA's FAQs say you can reschedule up to 48 hours before the start for remote on-demand exams.

Source: ACCA FAQs on the limited availability of remote exams, ACCA exam availability and booking page, ACCA exam guidelines and ACCA remote on-demand exam FAQs. Updated October 2026.

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