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ACCA Applied KnowledgeApplied Knowledge

Business and Technology

Build a solid foundation in business organisation, management, and the role of technology in accounting. Understand the business environment, governance structures, and professional ethics that underpin all ACCA studies.

Exam Duration

2 hours

Pass Mark

50%

Students

30,000+

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Overview

ACCA Business and Technology

Business and Technology (BT) is the first paper in the ACCA Applied Knowledge module. It introduces students to the business environment within which accountants operate, covering the key aspects of business organisation, structure, and the external environment that influences business operations.

The paper covers organisational structure, culture, governance, and sustainability, providing the contextual understanding that underpins all subsequent ACCA studies. Students explore business functions, leadership and management concepts, personal effectiveness, and professional ethics.

BT also addresses the growing importance of technology in business, including financial systems, internal controls, and the impact of advances in technology on the accounting profession. This makes it a comprehensive introduction for anyone beginning their ACCA qualification journey.

What You'll Learn

  • Understand the purpose and types of business organisations and their stakeholders
  • Explain organisational structure, culture, governance, and sustainability
  • Describe business functions and the role of technology in accounting
  • Apply leadership and management concepts in business contexts
  • Demonstrate personal effectiveness and communication skills
  • Apply fundamental principles of professional ethics

Career Relevance

BT provides the foundational business knowledge essential for all accounting roles. Understanding business organisation, governance, and technology equips you for entry-level positions in accounting practices, corporate finance departments, and public sector organisations.

Exam Format

  • Duration:2 hours
  • Pass Mark:50%
  • Format:Objective test questions including multiple choice, multiple response, and fill in the blank

Prerequisites

No prerequisites — this is an entry-level ACCA paper suitable for those beginning their ACCA qualification.

Syllabus

BT Exam Syllabus

The BT syllabus covers the key topics you'll be examined on.

Total Topics:6
A
The Business Organisation and Its External Environment
9 subtopics
  • The purpose and types of business organisation
  • Stakeholders in business organisations
  • Political and legal factors affecting business
  • Macroeconomic factors
  • Microeconomic factors
  • Social and demographic factors
  • Technological factors
  • Environmental and sustainability factors
  • Competitive factors
B
Organisational Structure, Culture, Governance and Sustainability
5 subtopics
  • The formal and informal business organisation
  • Business organisational structure
  • Organisational culture
  • Governance in business organisations
  • Sustainable business practices
C
Business Functions, Regulation and Technology
7 subtopics
  • The relationship between accounting and other business functions
  • Accounting and finance functions within business organisations
  • Regulation and financial crime
  • Financial information provided by business
  • Financial systems and technology
  • Internal controls
  • The impact of advances in technology
D
Leadership and Management
6 subtopics
  • Leadership, management, and supervision
  • Individual and group behaviour in business organisations
  • Team formation, development, and management
  • Motivating individuals and teams
  • Learning and training at work
  • Review and appraisal of individual performance
E
Personal Effectiveness and Communication in Business
5 subtopics
  • Personal effectiveness
  • Consequences of ineffectiveness at work
  • Competence frameworks and personal development
  • Sources of conflicts and techniques for conflict resolution
  • Communicating in business
F
Professional Ethics
4 subtopics
  • Fundamental principles of ethical behaviour
  • The role of regulatory and professional bodies in promoting ethical and professional standards
  • Corporate codes of ethics
  • Ethical conflicts and dilemmas
Exam Format

ACCA BT Exam Structure

Everything you need to know about the BT exam format, timing, and what to expect on exam day.

Format

Computer-Based Exam (CBE)

Duration

2 hours

Structure

Objective test questions including multiple choice, multiple response, and fill in the blank

Exam Sessions

Available on demand at ACCA exam centres

Pass Mark

50%

Exam Tips

Your Guide To Pass ACCA BT

Expert tips from our tutors to help you prepare effectively and pass your BT exam on the first attempt.

Cover the Full Syllabus

BT covers a wide range of business topics. Make sure you study all six syllabus areas as questions are drawn from across the entire syllabus.

Practice Objective Tests

The BT exam consists entirely of objective test questions. Practice extensively with multiple choice and multiple response formats to build speed and accuracy.

Understand, Don't Memorise

Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote memorisation. The exam tests application of knowledge to scenarios, not just recall of definitions.

Use the ACCA Practice Platform

Familiarise yourself with the CBE environment before the exam. The ACCA practice platform replicates the exam experience and helps reduce exam-day anxiety.

Link Topics Together

Many BT topics are interconnected. Understanding how leadership relates to culture, or how governance links to ethics, helps you answer integrated questions.

Study with Learnsignal

Learnsignal provides structured BT courses with expert tutors, practice questions, and study plans designed to help you pass on your first attempt.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About BT

Everything you need to know about the Business and Technology exam and how to prepare for it.

Business and Technology (BT) is the first paper in the ACCA Applied Knowledge module. It provides a broad introduction to the business environment, organisational structure, management, and the role of technology in accounting. It is one of three papers at the Applied Knowledge level.

No. BT is an entry-level paper and the starting point for most ACCA students. There are no prerequisite exams or qualifications required to sit this paper, though some students may be exempt based on prior qualifications.

The BT exam is 2 hours long. It is a computer-based exam (CBE) consisting entirely of objective test questions, including multiple choice, multiple response, and fill-in-the-blank style questions.

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