The journey towards ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification involves completing a series of 13 examinations divided into three levels: Knowledge, Skills, and Professional. Depending on your prior qualifications, you can attain ACCA status within two to three years by claiming exemptions. These exams are computer-based exams (CBEs), offering the convenience of taking them from home or at designated centres.
While you have the flexibility to choose the sequence of exams, it’s essential to pass all exams at one level before progressing to the next. Each level has its own examination structure and format, with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) being common in the initial two levels. Success in ACCA exams requires scoring a minimum of 50% in each subject, with no penalty for incorrect answers.
The exams are divided into three levels:
Knowledge:
At the Knowledge level, exams are available on-demand throughout the year. These papers consist entirely of MCQs, testing your grasp of foundational accounting principles. Each exam at this level lasts for two hours and is compulsory, although exemptions may be granted based on previous qualifications.
| Exams | Pattern |
|---|---|
| Business technology | Section A:46 questions(Each question is marked either 1 mark or 2 marks). Section B:6 questions(Each question carries a weight of 4 marks). |
| Management accounting | Section A:35 questions(Each question carries a weight of 2 marks). Section B:3 questions(Each question carries a weight of 10 marks). |
| Financial accounting | Section A:35 questions(Each question carries a weight of 2 marks). Section B:2 questions(Each question carries a weight of 15 marks). |
Skills:
You can take the Skills level exams every quarter, namely in March, June, September, and December. This level comprises six mandatory exams, with exemptions available based on prior qualifications. The exams feature a combination of multiple-choice and subjective-type questions, aimed at deepening your knowledge and enabling its application in real-life business scenarios within a three-hour timeframe.
| Exams | Pattern |
| Business and corporate law
|
· Section A: 45 questions (25 MCQs for 2 marks and 20 MCQs for 1 mark each)· Section B: 5 questions (5 MCQs/multiple task questions for 6 marks each) |
| Financial reporting
Performance management Financial management |
· Section A: 15 questions (Each MCQ is worth 2 marks)· Section B: 3 case studies (Each question is worth 10 marks)· Section C: 2 questions (Each subjective question is worth 20 marks) |
| Audit and assurance | · Section A: 35 questions (Each question carries a weight of 2 marks)· Section B: 2 questions (Each question carries a weight of15 marks) |
| Taxation | · Section A: 15 questions (Each MCQ carries a weight of 2 marks)· Section B: 3 case studies (1 case study is worth 10 marks)· Section C: 3 questions (1 subjective question for 10 marks and 2 questions for 20 marks) |
Professional:
As part of this level, you will sit for two mandatory exams and select two exams from four options for specialisation. These exams feature subjective questions, allowing you to apply critical thinking to solve complex business problems within a three-hour timeframe. Professional level exams can be taken quarterly, in March, June, September, and December. Exemptions are not applicable at this level.
| Exams | Pattern |
| Strategic business reporting
|
· Section A: 2 questions (1 question for 30 marks and 1 question for 20 marks)· Section B: 2 questions (Each question is worth 25 marks) |
| Strategic business leader | · 1 question (3 tasks worth 100 marks) |
| Choose any 2:
Advanced audit and assurance Advanced performance management Advanced financial management Advanced taxation |
· 3 questions (2 subjective questions for 25 marks and 1 question for 20 marks) |
Understanding the structure of each exam can help you plan your preparation effectively, enabling practice and revision of key concepts. Progressing through the three levels of ACCA examinations also shapes your perspective on various business scenarios and enhances your problem-solving abilities, contributing to personal development.
As a Gold Approved Learning Partner and Employer by ACCA, LearninGT by Grant Thornton Bharat recognises the demands of the accounting industry. Our training approach prioritises experiential learning, utilising real-world industry examples, simulations, and live projects to bolster practical skills and readiness for the accounting field. We strive to strike a balance between technical knowledge and theoretical understanding, equipping aspirants for the dynamic business landscape.
Explore our ACCA programme here.