How to Register for ACCA: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Register for ACCA: A Step-by-Step Guide

Registering for ACCA is straightforward — but the process involves eligibility checks, fee payments, and decisions about exemptions that are worth understanding before you start. This guide walks you through every step: what you need to be eligible, how to register on the ACCA website, what registration costs, and what to do once you're registered and ready to book your first exam.

Am I eligible to register for ACCA?

ACCA has minimum entry requirements for the standard registration route. You need at least 2 A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) and 3 GCSEs including Maths and English at grade C or above (or equivalent). Alternatively, a relevant degree or professional qualification may entitle you to exemptions from some papers.

If you don't meet the standard entry requirements, ACCA offers a separate route via the Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) qualification — a preparatory qualification that can lead into the full ACCA qualification once completed. If you have a relevant degree or professional qualification, you may be eligible for exemptions from some or all of the Applied Knowledge papers (BT (Business and Technology), MA (Management Accounting), FA (Financial Accounting)) and potentially some Applied Skills papers. ACCA's exemptions tool on acca.global shows which papers your specific qualification exempts you from. Exemptions are not automatic — you must apply and pay the relevant exemption fee.

What you need before you register

Before starting the ACCA registration process, have the following ready: Personal details — full legal name, date of birth, nationality, contact address. Evidence of qualifications — scanned copies or photos of your A-level certificates (or equivalent), GCSE certificates including Maths and English, and any relevant degree certificate if you are claiming exemptions. Payment method — credit or debit card for the registration fee and initial exam fees.

How to register for ACCA — step by step

Step 1: Go to acca.global and create an account. Navigate to the ACCA website and select "Register." You will be asked to create a personal account with your email address and a password. This account becomes your main ACCA portal — you will use it to register for exams, access study materials, and manage your membership.

Step 2: Complete the registration form. The registration form asks for your personal details, qualifications, and the country you are registering from (which affects the applicable fees and exam availability). Complete all sections accurately — your legal name on the ACCA register must match your identification for exam entry.

Step 3: Upload your qualification evidence. Upload scanned copies of your qualification certificates as proof of meeting ACCA's entry requirements. If you are applying for exemptions, upload the certificate for the qualifying degree or professional qualification at this stage.

Step 4: Pay the registration fee. ACCA charges a one-time registration fee payable at the time of registration. Fees vary by country — check acca.global for the current fee applicable in your location. As of 2026, the registration fee for students in the UK and Ireland is approximately £89 / €99 (subject to change — verify on acca.global before registering).

Step 5: Pay your annual subscription. In addition to the one-time registration fee, ACCA charges an annual subscription. This is billed annually and covers your student membership for the year. The annual subscription is typically due on 1 January each year after initial registration.

Step 6: Receive your ACCA student number. Once your registration is approved, ACCA sends you a student number (your unique ACCA identifier) and confirmation of your registration. This number is used for all exam bookings and communications with ACCA.

How much does it cost to register for ACCA?

ACCA's fees have multiple components. The registration fee is approximately £89 / €99 (UK/Ireland, 2026), paid once at registration. The annual subscription is approximately £122 / €133, paid annually from the second year. Exam fees range from approximately £82–£199 per paper depending on level, paid at exam booking. Exemption fees are approximately £89 / €99 per paper exempted, paid at registration if applicable.

Note: All fees are set by ACCA and subject to change. Always verify current fees on acca.global before registering. The total cost of the full ACCA qualification — registration, subscriptions, all exam fees, and any exemption fees — typically ranges from £2,500–£3,500 for students completing the full 13 papers over 3–5 years. Students who receive employer funding for ACCA significantly reduce their personal out-of-pocket cost.

What happens after you register?

Once you are registered as an ACCA student, you can book your first exam — ACCA's Applied Knowledge papers are available on demand at approved test centres using the computer-based exam (CBE) format. You book directly through your ACCA online account, choose a date and location, and pay the exam fee. Most students book their first paper within a few weeks of registering.

Access ACCA's student resources — ACCA provides registered students with access to practice tests, past exam questions and marking schemes, and the ACCA Practice Platform for CBE exam simulation. These are free with your student registration. Choose your study approach — ACCA does not require you to use a specific tuition provider. You can self-study, use approved learning partners, or a combination. Most students use structured tuition for at least the Applied Skills and Strategic Professional papers.

Start the Ethics and Professional Skills module (EPSM) — an online module (not an exam) that all ACCA students must complete before Strategic Professional level exams. You can start it at any point during your studies — many students complete it during Applied Skills. Begin recording your Practical Experience Requirement (PER) — if you are working in a relevant finance role, you can begin recording your work experience in ACCA's My Experience portal from the day you register. The 36 months of required experience can accumulate while you are still sitting exams.

Can I register for ACCA without a degree?

Yes. ACCA's standard entry requirement is 2 A-levels and 3 GCSEs (including Maths and English), not a degree. A degree is not required to start ACCA. If you have a degree in a relevant subject, you may be eligible for exemptions from some Applied Knowledge papers. If you have a degree in an unrelated subject, you start from the Applied Knowledge papers with no exemptions — the same starting point as students without degrees.

Can I register for ACCA from outside the UK or Ireland?

Yes — ACCA is a global qualification with students in over 180 countries. The registration process is the same regardless of location. Exam fees and subscription fees vary by country — check acca.global for the fee schedule applicable in your country. Exams are available at ACCA-approved test centres worldwide.

FAQ

Q: How do I register for ACCA? Register at acca.global by creating a personal account, completing the registration form with your personal details and qualification evidence, and paying the one-time registration fee. Once approved, you receive your ACCA student number and can book your first exam.

Q: How much does it cost to register for ACCA? The registration fee is approximately £89 / €99 (UK/Ireland, 2026 — check acca.global for current fees). This is a one-time fee payable at registration. Annual subscription fees and per-paper exam fees are additional. The total cost of the full qualification over 3–5 years is typically £2,500–£3,500 for students sitting all 13 papers.

Q: Do I need a degree to register for ACCA? No. ACCA's standard entry requirement is 2 A-levels and 3 GCSEs (including Maths and English), not a degree. A degree in a relevant subject may entitle you to exemptions from some papers, which reduces the number of exams you need to sit but requires payment of an exemption fee.

Q: How long does ACCA registration take? The registration process typically takes a few days once you have submitted your application and supporting documents. ACCA reviews your qualification evidence and sends your student number by email. You can usually book your first exam within a week of registering.

Q: Can I register for ACCA if I live outside the UK? Yes — ACCA is a global qualification available in over 180 countries. The registration process is the same worldwide. Fees and exam availability vary by country — check acca.global for details applicable to your location.