ACCA Syllabus 2026: What Each Paper Covers and How It Has Changed

The ACCA syllabus covers 13 papers across three levels, taking candidates from fundamental business and accounting concepts through to advanced strategic and professional skills. This guide sets out exactly what each paper covers and what you need to know about recent developments in the qualification structure.

The Three-Level ACCA Structure

ACCA is organised into three levels, with papers at each level building on those below:

• Applied Knowledge: 3 papers — introduces core accounting, management accounting, and business technology concepts
• Applied Skills: 6 papers — develops technical competence across financial reporting, audit, taxation, performance management, financial management, and law
• Strategic Professional: 4 papers (2 compulsory + 2 optional) — develops strategic and professional skills for senior finance roles

Applied Knowledge Papers

BT — Business Technology: Covers the business environment, organisational structure, technology in business, and professional ethics. The most accessible of all ACCA papers and can be sat as an on-demand CBE at any time.

MA — Management Accounting: Covers cost classification, costing methods, budgeting, variance analysis, and performance measurement. The foundation paper for all management accounting content in the qualification.

FA — Financial Accounting: Covers the preparation of financial statements for individual entities, the conceptual framework, basic consolidations, and interpretation of financial statements.

Applied Skills Papers

LW — Corporate and Business Law: Covers the legal framework, contract law, employment law, company law, and insolvency. UK, Global, and variant versions available for specific jurisdictions.

PM — Performance Management: Builds on MA, covering advanced costing, performance measurement frameworks (balanced scorecard, benchmarking), divisional performance, and decision-making techniques.

TX — Taxation: Covers income tax, corporation tax, VAT, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax. UK, Irish, and other jurisdiction variants are available.

FR — Financial Reporting: Covers preparation and interpretation of financial statements for individual entities and groups under IFRS, including complex consolidations and accounting standards.

AA — Audit and Assurance: Covers the audit framework, risk assessment, audit procedures, evidence, and reporting. Builds the professional judgment and ethics competency central to auditing.

FM — Financial Management: Covers investment appraisal, business finance, cost of capital, working capital management, and business valuations.

Strategic Professional Papers

SBL — Strategic Business Leader (Compulsory): An integrated, case-study-based paper covering strategy, leadership, governance, risk, and technology in a business context. Tests application of professional judgment across multiple disciplines.

SBR — Strategic Business Reporting (Compulsory): Advanced financial reporting under IFRS, including complex consolidations, financial instruments, leases, and professional ethics in reporting.

Optional papers (choose 2):

• AFM (Advanced Financial Management): Advanced investment appraisal, treasury management, mergers and acquisitions, and financial risk management
• APM (Advanced Performance Management): Advanced performance measurement, strategic performance systems, and organisational performance in a global context
• ATX (Advanced Taxation): Advanced corporate and personal tax planning, international tax, and tax avoidance vs evasion
• AAA (Advanced Audit and Assurance): Advanced audit planning, risk, complex audit scenarios, and ethical issues in assurance engagements

Recent Syllabus Changes (2025–2026)

ACCA periodically updates its syllabuses to reflect changes in professional practice, legislation, and the business environment. Key areas of recent development include increased coverage of digital technologies, data analytics, sustainability reporting, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks — particularly relevant in SBL, SBR, and PM. Always check the current Study Guide for your paper on accaglobal.com before starting revision, as syllabus updates take effect from specific exam sittings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many papers do I need to pass for ACCA?

13 papers in total — 3 Applied Knowledge, 6 Applied Skills, and 4 Strategic Professional (2 compulsory + 2 optional). You also need to complete the Ethics and Professional Skills module (EPSM) and satisfy the Practical Experience Requirement (PER).

Can I get exemptions from any ACCA papers?

Yes — ACCA grants exemptions for relevant prior qualifications, including other accounting degrees and professional qualifications. You can check your exemptions on the ACCA website using the exemptions calculator. Maximum exemptions are available up to Applied Skills level — you must sit all Strategic Professional papers.

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