Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Examination

Course details

The ACCA Qualification will provide you with skills and knowledge relevant to any business, which means you are free to choose which type of accountancy role and organisation you want to work for.

There is a strong focus on professional values, ethics and governance. This is essential because the profession is moving towards strengthened codes of conduct, regulation and legislation, which is why their qualification has an increased focus on professionalism and ethics in accounting.

Professionalism and ethics is examined at the highest level in the ACCA Qualification. It is also a main part of the practical experience you must complete to qualify.

To qualify as an ACCA member, you will need to complete:

• exams - a minimum of five of 14 exams (nine are eligible for exemption*)
• experience - record 36 months' experience in a relevant role
• ethics - the Professional Ethics module.

*Nine of the exams which are part of the qualification will not need to be taken if you have other relevant qualifications at the same level. You will need to provide proof of your previous qualifications so you can claim exemptions.

Achieve qualifications along the way

On your way to ACCA membership, there are lots of qualifications you can gain along the way. This is a great way to show your knowledge and skills to employers and helps keep you on track and motivated. You can achieve:

• a Diploma in Accounting and Business
• an Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business
• a BSc (Hons) degree in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University

DIPLOMAS & BSC

Diploma in Accounting and Business

If you decide to complete the ACCA Qualification, you will be awarded the Diploma in Accounting and Business on your way to completing the ACCA Qualification. What's involved?

You will need to register as a student on the ACCA Qualification and complete:

the first three exams of the ACCA Qualification. These are: F1, Accountant in Business, F2, Management Accounting and F3, Financial Accounting

a professionalism and ethics module called Foundations in Professionalism.

How long will it take to complete?

It's up to you but please note there is a 10-year time limit to complete the exams when achieving the ACCA Qualification. You can sit the exams on demand as computer-based or paper-based exams in June and December. You can complete Foundations in Professionalism before or after the exams. So you could complete this Diploma in six to 12 months. 

Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business

If you decide to complete the ACCA Qualification, you will be awarded the Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business on your way to completing the ACCA Qualification. 

What's involved?

You will need to register for the ACCA Qualification. When you have completed the Fundamentals level exams (F1-F9) and also the Foundations in Professionalism module, you will be awarded the Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business. You can progress to the Professional level to continue your ACCA Qualification. 

How long will it take to complete? 

It's up to you, but please note there is a 10-year time limit to complete the exams when gaining the ACCA Qualification. You can sit the exams in June and December. You can complete Foundations in Professionalism before or after the exams. So you could complete this Diploma in 12 to 18 months. 

BSC Degree in Applied Accounting

If you didn't study an undergraduate degree course at university, then you can still have the chance to gain a degree while studying to become a qualified accountant with ACCA.

ACCA has a partnership with Oxford Brookes University. This means you can get a BSc Honours degree in Applied Accounting while you work towards achieving your ACCA Qualification.

And you won't have to double your workload. It is the perfect way to enhance your ACCA Qualification and broaden your skills set. This will make your CV sit at the top of the pile with future employers. 

Avaerage Teacher to Student Ratio

1:20

Course Topics

• Fundamental 1 - Accountant in Business
• Fundamental 2 - Management Accounting
• Fundamental 3 - Financial Accounting
• Fundamental 4 - Corporate & Business Law
• Fundamental 5 - Performance Management
• Fundamental 6 - Taxation
• Fundamental 7 - Financial Reporting
• Fundamental 8 - Audit & Assurance
• Fundamental 9 - Financial Management

• Professional 1 - Governance, Risk & Ethics
• Professional 2 - Corporate Reporting
• Professional 3 - Business Analysis
• Professional 4 - Advanced Financial Management
• Professional 5 - Advanced Performance Management
• Professional 6 - Advanced Taxation
• Professional 7 - Advanced Audit & Assurance

Entry Criteria

Minimum entry requirements:

• Two A Levels and three GCSEs or equivalent in five separate subjects, including English and Mathematics.

Mature Student Entry Route (MSER):

• Normally over age 21
• Must pass the equivalent of Papers F2, Management Accounting and F3, Financial Accounting within two years before further progression to the ACCA exams is permitted.

If you are over 21 years old and do not fulfill the entry requirements of the Professional Examination Route, you will automatically be considered for the MSER (mature Student Entry Route). MSER candidates have a maximum of two years from the date of your first eligible ACCA examination session to pass Papers M1 & M2 (the equivalent of Papers 1.1 & 1.2). If successful, you will be transferred on to the professional register and exempted from Papers 1.1 & 1.2.

Assessment Mode

100% Examination Based

Award Criteria

• Transcript will be given for each subject passed (50% mark)
• A certificate will be awarded after clearing F1 – F9 subjects
• Total 14 papers are to be cleared with up to 10 years
• In order to become an ACCA-qualified accountant you will need to complete the practical experience requirement 
• Minimum 75% attendance is required for each subject to qualify for a Certificate of Attendance if requested