How Many ACCA Exams Are There? Structure, Levels and What to Expect

How Many ACCA Exams?

ACCA has 13 exams in total across three levels: Applied Knowledge (3 papers), Applied Skills (6 papers), and Strategic Professional (4 papers — 2 compulsory plus 2 from a choice of 4 options). You may be exempt from some papers depending on your degree or prior qualifications, reducing the number you need to sit.

Applied Knowledge (3 papers)

BT (Business and Technology), MA (Management Accounting), and FA (Financial Accounting). These are the foundation papers, available on-demand as computer-based exams. Most candidates with accounting degrees are exempt from all three. Pass mark: 50%.

Applied Skills (6 papers)

LW (Corporate and Business Law), PM (Performance Management), TX (Taxation), FR (Financial Reporting), AA (Audit and Assurance), and FM (Financial Management). These are session CBEs, available quarterly. Each is more demanding than the Knowledge papers. Pass mark: 50%.

Strategic Professional (4 papers)

Compulsory: SBL (Strategic Business Leader) and SBR (Strategic Business Reporting). Optional — choose 2 from 4: AFM (Advanced Financial Management), APM (Advanced Performance Management), ATX (Advanced Taxation), AAA (Advanced Audit and Assurance). Pass mark: 50%.

How Long Does It Take?

Most candidates sit 2–3 papers per sitting, with 4 exam windows per year (March, June, September, December). A full-time employee with typical exemptions typically completes ACCA in 3–4 years. Candidates with no exemptions may take 4–5 years.

What Else Is Required Besides Exams?

The Professional Ethics module (online, mandatory) and 36 months of relevant supervised work experience (the Practical Experience Requirement). Both must be completed before applying for ACCA membership.

Further Reading

• ACCA Qualification Guide
• ACCA Cost Breakdown
• ACCA Exemptions Guide

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