FAQs

1. How do I qualify as an accountant?
2. Do I need to have an accounting degree?
3. How do I get exemptions?
4. Do I need a certain number of UCAS points?
5. Where can I study?
6. What is the ethics module?
7. How do I get the practical experience?
8. Where can I work?
9. Can I work overseas?
10. How do I get a work permit or student visa for the UK?
11. What is the difference between the various accounting qualifications?
12. Who decides which qualification I do?
13. How much does it cost?
14. When are the exam entry closing dates?

1. How do I qualify as an accountant?
To qualify as an ACCA member you need to pass (or be exempt from) 14 exams, complete at least 3 years full-time equivalent of relevant, supervised training (fulfilling the competency requirements) and complete an on-line ethics module.

Most trainees qualify in 3-4 years. However, we have a 10 year time limit to complete the qualification, should you choose to take longer.

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2. Do I need to have an accounting degree?
No. you can start studying ACCA without any prior accountancy knowledge. The ACCA Qualification will provide you with all the skills and knowledge you need to work as an accountant.

If you have an accountancy degree, you may be eligible for exemptions from some of the ACCA examinations. For further information about exemptions visit the Claiming exemptions  page.

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3. How do I get exemptions?
Exemptions are awarded on the basis of relevant content and on an individual basis when you register - the modules you have studied as part of your course are compared to the ACCA syllabus. Therefore, if you have covered exactly the same subject, at the same depth and it has been assessed in the same way you may be entitled to exemption.

This means that some subject areas such as law, business studies and IT are eligible for exemptions whilst other subjects such as maths and economics courses generally are not. For further information about exemptions visit the Claiming exemptions  page.

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4. Do I need a certain number of UCAS points?
There is no minimum requirement of UCAS points to register with ACCA.

Some large graduate employers do stipulate a certain number of points in their recruitment criteria. However, if you do not meet their minimum requirements, contact the employer directly to find out your alternatives.

Many companies, in particular smaller companies, do not have defined graduate schemes, are more likely to be interested in your degree and personal profile than UCAS points.

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5. 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. For further information visit the How and where to study  pages.

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6. What is the ethics module?
As part of your ethical development, you will be required to complete an online Professional Ethics module, developed by ACCA. This will give you exposure to a range of ethical perspectives, and includes several self-tests to reflect on your own ethical behaviour and values.

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7. How do I get the practical experience?
Practical experience is gained through working in an accountancy-related position. ACCA allows you to work for any company in any sector. However, it is your responsibility to secure your employment.

To become qualified, you need to demonstrate that you have completed 36 month's full-time equivalent practical experience. This is done by completing your online My Experience record that is signed by your workplace mentor.

ACCA recognises experience gained before, during or after your studies. This means, if you have prior relevant experience (such as a previous job or a placement during university) it can count towards your three years' practical experience requirement.

Part time and temporary work will count on a pro-rata basis but it is sometimes difficult to get sufficient breadth and depth of experience to count towards the 13 performance objectives you need to achieve.

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8. 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. ACCA operates an accreditation scheme for employers to indicate where you will find the best study packages and support.

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9. Can I work overseas?
Yes. ACCA has students and members in over 170 countries worldwide. Our exams are written to International Accounting Standards and we have nearly 80 staffed offices and other centres globally. ACCA national offices provide useful guidance to students, affiliates and members looking to move across national boundaries. To find the national office of the country you are interested in visit ACCA's global office network  page.

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10. How do I get a work permit or student visa for the UK?
If you wish to work or study in the UK, it is your responsibility to obtain the required visas.

If you are applying to study ACCA with a UK tuition provider, they will be able to provide you with guidance about obtaining a student visa.

If you are planning to work in the UK, check with your prospective employer if they will support an application for the correct visa for you. However, you should be aware that not all employers will accept applicants requiring visas.

Unfortunately ACCA cannot assist you with applying for visas.

For further information, visit the Home Office's specialist advice website 

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11. What is the difference between the various accounting qualifications?
There are several professional accountancy bodies in the UK. All bodies offer similar quality of qualifications to maintain consistency throughout the industry.

The syllabi of the bodies share similarities but have distinctive differences, mainly relating to areas of specialisation.

ACCA has a broad syllabus which gives you a grounding in all areas of accounting before enabling you to specialise at the final stage. This allows you to work in all sectors, all over the world and be in control of how you achieve the qualification. You choose where to work, how to study and how long to take.

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12. Who decides which qualification I do?
Some employers will prefer you to study a certain qualification or give you a choice. 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.

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13. How much does it cost?
On registration you will be asked to pay an initial subscription fee. Then on 1 January each year, an annual subscription fee will be due. As you enter for exams or claim exemptions, a payment will be requested.

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14. When are the exam entry closing dates?
Exam entry is available all year round, and for each exam session there are three closing dates. But don't worry. We've made it easy to remember because in each case, the date is 8.

If you're entering for June exams:

8 March - early online entry deadline
8 April - standard entry deadline
8 May - late entry deadline

If you're entering for December exams:

8 September - early online entry deadline
8 October - standard entry deadline
8 November - late entry deadline

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