In today's world accounting roles form the backbone of comprehensive financial management, strategic growth, and upholding ethical business practices. They instil investor confidence and evaluate performance for better business operations. These roles shoulder various responsibilities, from financial reporting to auditing, and greatly contribute to an organization's stability and growth. Therefore, a career in such roles is a promising career. Many students aspiring for an accounting career pursue the globally recognized ACCA course (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) granted by the UK-based professional body.

If you too aim to build a flourishing career as an ACCA, here's a comprehensive guide on essential details, including the ACCA eligibility, and ACCA duration alongside we will discuss the ACCA course duration after 12th, graduation and CA.

ACCA Qualification: Key Insights and Overview

Before going into the details of ACCA qualification or the ACCA course eligibility, let's first understand what is ACCA. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a worldwide consortium of accounting experts that grants the designation of Chartered Certified Accountant. With accreditation in more than 180 nations, ACCA offers its members and students a thorough and widely recognized degree. ACCA has a significant impact on future corporate executives since it emphasizes professional and ethical standards. 

Looking for a comprehensive guide to ACCA course?Watch this video to learn about the ACCA syllabus, eligibility criteria, registration process, and exam details.

Structure and Subjects of ACCA qualification.

The ACCA qualification can be achieved by three basic things; passing the ACCA exams, Ethics and Professional Skills and gaining Practical Experience. Talking about the ACCA exams, are divided into the categories of Knowledge Level, Skill Level and Professional Level. Here's a brief description:

 

Levels	Exams
Knowledge Level	Business & Technology Management Accounting Financial Accounting
Skill Level	Corporate and Business Law (LW) Taxation (TX) Performance Management (PM) Financial Reporting (FR) Audit and Assurance (AA) Financial Management (FM)
Professional Level	Strategic Business Leader (SBL) Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) Optional Subjects in the Professional Level (Appearing for 2 exams Mandatory) Advanced Financial Management (AFM) Advanced Performance Management (APM) Advanced Taxation (ATX) Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)

Ethics and Professional Skills Module:

Complete a module focusing on advanced ethical and professional skills crucial for workplace credibility and readiness for recruiters.

Practical Experience Requirement: 

Gain 36 months' relevant work experience, achieving 9 performance objectives, signed off by a supervisor, integrating study knowledge into practical work settings.

ACCA Course Duration - What to Expect?

The duration for completing the ACCA certification varies. If you successfully clear the exams in your first attempt, you could anticipate completing the course within a timeframe ranging from 6 months to a maximum of 2 years. However, there are various entry points during which you can pursue the ACCA qualification. The duration of completion also depends on the stage you join the course.

ACCA Course Duration After 12th:

You can begin your ACCA journey after finishing your high school studies. Students are required to take all 13 papers within the ACCA curriculum. No exemptions are granted to students who take up the certification after high school.

The ACCA course duration after 12th spans 2.5 to 3 years and requires comprehensive preparation and evaluation. However, you must note that to pursue this certification, you must complete your higher secondary school examination with an overall aggregate of 65%, specifically in Mathematics or Accounts and English, while maintaining a minimum of 50% in other subjects.

ACCA Course Duration After CA:

One can also pursue the ACCA certification after each stage of CA course. Here's all about the ACCA course duration after CA:

ACCA after CA Foundation:

If you have cleared the Foundation CA (CPT) examination and are yet to finish your undergraduate degree, you get no exemptions towards the ACCA papers. However, once your undergraduate degree is complete along with the Foundation CA exams, the exemptions as previously detailed come into play. This translates to a streamlined ACCA course duration of approximately 2 to 2.5 years, leveraging the exemptions to expedite the journey.

ACCA after CA Intermediate:

Upon completing the Intermediate CA exam (IPCC), you will get a few advantages in your ACCA journey. Individuals clearing the Intermediate CA exam are eligible for exemptions from up to 5 ACCA papers. These papers are:

•  Business and Technology
•  Financial Accounting
•  Management Accounting
•  Audit and Assurance
•  Taxation.

This strategically positions you to complete your ACCA journey in approximately 1.5 to 2 years if you focus on diligent preparation. This expedited duration capitalizes on the gained exemptions, offering a focused and efficient approach to acquiring robust expertise in accountancy and finance, thus paving the way for accelerated professional growth.

ACCA after CA Final:

Completion of the CA journey or success in the Final CA exam extends significant advantages toward pursuing the ACCA qualification. Those achieving this milestone can secure exemptions from 9 of the 13 ACCA papers, covering the Knowledge and Skill level exams. These papers include:

•  Business and Technology
•  Financial Accounting
•  Management Accounting
•  Audit and Assurance
•  Performance Management 
•  Taxation
•  Corporate and Business Law
•  Financial Reporting
•  Financial Management. 

With these exemptions, the remaining 4 ACCA exams can be easily cleared in approximately 1 to 1.5 years with grit and determination.

ACCA Course Duration After Graduation Degree:

A bachelor's degree opens another avenue for pursuing ACCA. Graduates benefit from substantial exemptions, with up to 4 papers waived from the 13-paper ACCA curriculum. For those who complete their bachelor's degree in commerce, exemptions from 4 papers can be secured. These papers are :

•  Business and Technology
•  Financial Accounting
•  Management Accounting
•  Corporate and Business Law. 

This strategic advantage significantly streamlines the ACCA course duration after graduation, reducing it to approximately 2 to 2.5 years.

Why Starting ACCA After 12th Can Propel Your Career Forward?

In conclusion, commencing the pursuit of ACCA accreditation doesn't merely offer a career opportunity but serves as a portal to expertise in financial management and ethical business conduct. Regardless of whether you initiate this journey post-high school, undergraduate studies, or at different intervals of the Chartered Accountancy curriculum, ACCA provides a methodical route for advancing professionally. Through commitment and tactical foresight, individuals can expedite their financial acumen and achieve significant milestones in the field of accountancy.

Curious about the challenges of the ACCA exam? Watch this video to get insights into how tough ACCA really is and what to expect from the exam.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is ACCA course?

ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a global consortium of accounting experts offering a widely recognized Chartered Certified Accountant designation.

What are the levels of the ACCA qualification?

The ACCA qualification consists of three levels: Knowledge Level, Skill Level, and Professional Level, each comprising specific exams covering various aspects of accounting and finance.

How long does it take to complete the ACCA course?

The duration varies depending on factors such as exam success rate and entry point, typically ranging from 6 months to 2 years.

Can I pursue ACCA after completing my CA?

Yes, individuals can pursue ACCA after completing each stage of the Chartered Accountancy (CA) exam, with exemptions available based on their CA credentials, allowing for an expedited ACCA journey.