ACCA Exemptions by Degree: Which UK Universities Give the Most Exemptions?
What Are ACCA Exemptions?
ACCA exemptions allow candidates with relevant degrees or prior qualifications to skip certain ACCA papers, reducing the number of exams needed to qualify. Exemptions are granted for the Applied Knowledge (BQ) and Applied Skills papers only - the Strategic Professional papers must be passed by all candidates.
How ACCA Exemptions Work
ACCA partners with universities and professional bodies to accredit programmes. When your degree is from an ACCA-accredited programme, you may be eligible for up to 9 paper exemptions (covering the full Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills levels). This means ACCA-accredited accounting degree holders can potentially start directly at Strategic Professional level. Non-accredited degrees may still receive exemptions for individual papers depending on content alignment.
Maximum Exemptions: 9 Papers
The maximum ACCA exemptions available are 9 papers - covering Business and Technology (BT), Financial Accounting (FA), Management Accounting (MA), Corporate and Business Law (LW), Performance Management (PM), Taxation (TX), Financial Reporting (FR), Audit and Assurance (AA), and Financial Management (FM). Only candidates from ACCA-accredited programmes with the right content coverage qualify for all 9.
Which Degrees Give ACCA Exemptions?
Accounting, Finance, and Business degrees from UK universities are most commonly accredited. Many Russell Group universities have ACCA-accredited programmes. Specific exemptions depend on the content of your degree modules - check the ACCA website's exemptions search tool for your specific university and degree combination. Degrees in non-accounting subjects (Engineering, Law, Humanities) typically receive fewer or no exemptions.
How to Apply for Exemptions
When registering with ACCA, you declare your prior qualifications. ACCA checks these against their records. You may be asked to submit your degree certificate and transcript. Exemption decisions are made by ACCA and communicated when you register.
AAT to ACCA Exemptions
AAT Level 4 (MAAT) typically provides exemptions for the three BQ papers (BT, FA, MA) plus up to three Applied Skills papers. This is one of the most valuable exemption routes for those who studied AAT first.
FAQ
Do ACCA exemptions expire?
No - ACCA exemptions do not expire. If you received exemptions when you first registered but then paused your studies, the exemptions still apply when you return. However, ACCA paper structures can change, so exemption mapping may be updated for new exam formats.
Further Reading
Study with Learnsignal
Whether you have 0 or 9 ACCA exemptions, Learnsignal has the right course for where you are starting. Start your free trial
This page was last updated:
Learnsignal Education Team
Expert Tutor at Learnsignal
Qualified professional with years of experience in teaching and helping students achieve their accounting qualifications.
View all posts by Learnsignal Education Team
