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FAQs
How do I qualify with ACCA?
To qualify as an ACCA you need to pass 14 exams and complete at least 3 years of relevant, supervised training.
How long will it take me to qualify?
Most students qualify in 3-4 years. However, we have a 10 year time limit to complete the qualification, should you choose to take longer.
Do I need to have passed AAT to continue on to ACCA?
No. ACCA exams assume no prior knowledge of accountancy and take you stage by stage through accounting areas.
So, was my AAT qualification a waste of time?
Not at all. If you have passed AAT you may be eligible for exemptions from papers F1-F3. From an employers point of view an AAT qualification is a good starting point for a career in accountancy.
Who decides which qualification I do?
Some employers will prefer you to study a certain qualification or give you a choice of two. However, the majority will leave the decision to you. As you will hold this qualification for the whole of your career, it's important you really think about what you want to do. You may have many employers but only need one qualification. Choose the one that is right for you.
Where can I work?
You can work in any company, anywhere in the world, as long as the work you are doing is relevant and supervised. To help with your job search, we operate an accreditation scheme for employers to indicate where you will find the best study packages and support. We also have a training vacancies database where employers can advertise jobs.
Where can I study?
There are colleges and universities all over the world, as well as distance learning providers, that offer tuition for ACCA qualifications. We operate a registration and accreditation scheme for tuition providers, details of which can be found on our website.
ACCA is recognised in over 170 countries worldwide. Our exams are written to International Accounting Standards and we have over 70 staffed offices and other centres globally. For details of recognition in specific countries, please consult our website.
How do I claim exemptions?
AAT candidates benefit from an extended deadline for claiming exemptions – 28 February for the June exams and 31 August for the December exams. You can either submit an official copy of your AAT Certificates and Statements of Achievements to ACCA or you can ask AAT to send the results directly to ACCA. To find out more visit the AAT site.
How do I get the practical experience?
Your practical experience counts toward your qualification as long as it is relevant and supervised. ACCA does not operate a mandatory training contract system so you have total freedom over who to work for*, where to work, what sector to work in and when to change your job. However, we can assist with these decisions. We operate an accreditation scheme for employers to indicate where you will find the best study packages and support. We also have a training vacancies database where employers can advertise
*If your aim is to run your own accountancy practice, then you should obtain your supervised experience with an ACCA approved employer.
Will my previous experience count?
Yes, as long as the work is relevant and supervised. You can count any relevant work experience, regardless of whether it was done before, during or after taking ACCA exams.
Does part-time and temp work count?
Yes, as long as it is relevant and supervised. You will need to be able to contact your supervisor at any previous companies you may have worked at to sign off your experience.
Will I be able to run my own accountancy practice once I have qualified?
You can run your own practice if the services you provide direct to the public are limited to bookkeeping, payroll and VAT. However, if you wish to provide services of a public practice nature, such as completing tax returns and accounts preperation, you must hold an ACCA practising certificate (an AAT practising certificate will not suffice). In order to be eligible for an ACCA practising certificate, you will need to complete three years of supervised experience with an ACCA approved employer, at least two of which must be completed after your date of admission to ACCA membership.
I am already running my own accountancy practice. How do I obtain my supervised experience?
ACCA students (and members without practising certificates) are not permitted to carry out work of a public practice nature unless they do so under supervision. Holding an AAT practising certificate will not suffice. So if you are already running your own practice, we will be able to accept you as an ACCA student if the services you provide direct to the public are limited to bookkeeping, payroll and VAT. You can then gain your supervised experience by providing public practice services to one or more ACCA approved employers on a sub-contract basis. There is no need to enter into formal employment to obtain such experience. Some ACCA students build up a portfolio of experience for membership purposes and then, as members, continue to acquire experience towards a practising certificate in this way.