What Is The Paper Pattern For ACCA Exams?
Do you aspire to have a career in business & finance with the prestigious ACCA qualification? ACCA, which stands for Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, is a globally recognised qualification.
The varied subjects in the ACCA exam prepare you beyond the textbook knowledge. To become an ACCA, you must pass exams in 13 ACCA papers across 3 levels, complete an online ethics module, and gain 3 years of relevant work experience (before, during, or after participation in the ACCA Course).
Before giving you an insight into the ACCA exam pattern and paper patterns, let us take you through some basic knowledge about ACCA papers and their exam pattern.
1. ACCA Curriculum
| Fundamental Level | Professional Level |
|---|---|
| A. Knowledge Module | A. Essentials |
| 1. Business & Technology | 1. Strategic Business Leader |
| 2. Management Accounting | 2. Strategic Business Reporting |
| 3. Financial Accounting | |
| B. Skills Module | B. Optional (any 2 / 4) |
| 4. Corporate & Business Law | 4. Advanced Financial Management |
| 5. Performance Management | 5. Advanced Performance Management |
| 6. Taxation | 6. Advanced Taxation |
| 7. Financial Reporting | 7. Advanced Audit & Assurance |
| 8. Audit & Assurance | |
| 9. Financial Management |
To know about all the different types of questions in the ACCA Exam pattern, watch the video below:
How Many Papers in ACCA?
If you’re thinking about getting the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification, it’s important to know how it’s structured and how many papers in ACCA are there. The ACCA qualification is divided into three main levels, and each level has several exams. Here’s a simple overview of ACCA exam papers:
- Applied Knowledge: 3 ACCA papers
- Applied Skills: 6 ACCA papers
- Strategic Professional: 2 essential ACCA papers + 2 optional ACCA exam papers
ACCA Exam Structure and Pattern
The ACCA exam pattern is an integral part of the ACCA qualification framework. It’s important to understand that the ACCA exam pattern varies across different levels of the ACCA qualification. The ACCA exam paper pattern is designed to test a wide range of skills from basic accounting principles to strategic decision-making in complex business scenarios.
ACCA exams don’t follow one set ACCA exam pattern for all levels. The ACCA exam structure is divided into three levels: ACCA knowledge level papers, ACCA skill level papers, and ACCA professional level papers.
Each ACCA exam level in the ACCA exam structure tests the candidate’s understanding and ability to apply the gained knowledge in real-world scenarios. Every student has to clear these three levels to clear the ACCA exam:
ACCA Knowledge Level Papers:
When studying a particular subject for knowledge-level papers, students aim to grasp the concepts. All 3 subjects in the ACCA exam pattern for knowledge-level papers are compulsory to pass the exam. However, students appearing for ACCA papers in knowledge-level exams might be exempt from some subjects.
ACCA Knowledge Level Papers:The subjects and ACCA exam papers at this level are:
F1: Business & Technology(BT)
F2: Management Accounting (MA)
F3: Financial Accounting (FA)
All three ACCA papers are mandatory, although exemptions may apply depending on previous qualifications as per ACCA guidelines.
ACCA Skill Level Papers:
At the ACCA skill-level papers stage, students deepen their understanding and apply knowledge to real-life situations. All six subjects in the ACCA papers for skill level are required to pass the exam, but now, according to a recent update, students can get up to 5 exemptions after submitting their 1st Semester Marksheet.
ACCA Skill Level Papers: The subjects in ACCA exam papers included for this level are:
F4: Corporate and Business Law (LW)
F5: Performance Management (PM)
F6: Taxation (TX)
F7: Financial Reporting (FR)
F8: Audit and Assurance (AA)
F9: Financial Management (FM)
Students must complete all six ACCA papers, with possible exemptions as specified by ACCA.
ACCA Professional Level Papers:
After clearing the skills level, students have a good idea of their interests, career options, and job roles. They can choose optional subjects in ACCA professional level papers that align with their goals. Of the four ACCA professional papers, 2 ACCA papers are Essentials. Students must choose two from the remaining four optional to clear the ACCA professional-level papers.
ACCA Professional Level Papers: The subjects for exams at this level are:
SBL: Strategic Business Leader (Essential)
SBR: Strategic Business Reporting (Essential)
Choose any two from the following four:
AFM: Advanced Financial Management
APM: Advanced Performance Management
ATX: Advanced Taxation
AAA: Advanced Audit and Assurance
ACCA Papers List
The ACCA qualification has a comprehensive curriculum that covers finance, accounting, and business topics. The ACCA paper list includes three levels: knowledge-based, skill-based, and professional-based.
- In the knowledge level ACCA papers list, students learn about foundational concepts like financial accounting,
- Students must take the skill-oriented exam for the Skill level ACCA papers list.
- The professional-level ACCA papers list includes subjects that can be selected based on their professional interests.
The ACCA exam papers list is designed to guide students through a structured learning journey. Each level builds upon the previous one, ensuring a solid grasp of essential concepts. At the knowledge level ACCA exam papers, students focus on critical topics such as management accounting and taxation. Progressing to the skill level, candidates tackle practical scenarios and case studies, honing their analytical abilities.
Finally, the professional level allows for specialization, enabling students to choose subjects that align with their career aspirations. This flexibility within the ACCA papers list empowers students to tailor their studies, enhancing their employability in the competitive finance and accounting sectors, all while navigating the comprehensive ACCA papers list.
ACCA Exam Schedule
The first 4 ACCA papers, BT, MA, FA & LW, are computer-based objective exams, on-demand, and can be taken throughout the year. On-demand CBEs allow for flexibility in your studies as you can set them at any time of the year. Also, your results are displayed immediately at the end of the exam and uploaded to your account within 72 hours.
From the 5th paper onwards, there are 4 exam windows each year in March, June, September, and December. Exams are Computer Based Exam ( & can be taken either from Home (Remote Exams) or at ACCA-approved Exam Centers.
To Learn Everything You Need To Know About ACCA Exams
To Learn Everything You Need To Know About ACCA Exams
ACCA Exam Flexibility
You can choose how you study and how often you sit for your exams. You can even appear for one paper at a time every 3 months.
Maximum limit:
You can appear for a maximum of 4 exams in 1 attempt. The maximum number of exams the candidate can take in one calendar year is 8.
To know everything about ACCA exams papers, watch the video below:
Duration
A full-time student who wants to complete all ACCA exam papers starting from F1 can technically complete in only 1.5 years with a maximum of 8 ACCA exam papers per year (Total of 13 papers). It would take 2.5 to 3 years on average, assuming you write at least one paper every quarter.
Let us examine the ACCA paper pattern of ACCA with the help of the following table.
To Learn About The Concept Of Exemptions In ACCA
| Subjects | Exam Type | Exam Mode | Exam Duration-Hrs | Exam Evaluation-Marks | Pass Marks | Centers | Examination Months | |
| Knowledge Level | AB,MA,FA | 100% Objective | Computer Based Online Exams (On Demand) | 2 | 100 | 50 | CB Centers Across India | On-Demand Exams |
| Skill Level | LW | 100% Objective | Computer Based Online Exams (On Demand) | 2 | 100 | 50 | CB Centers Across India | On-Demand Exams |
| PM,TX,FR, AA,FM | Objective & Structured | Computer Based Online Exams (Quarterly) | 3 | 100 | 50 | ACCA Approved Centers | March, June, September, December | |
| Professional level | SBL, SBR, AFM, APM, ATX, AAA | 100% Structured | Computer Based Online Exams (Quarterly) | 3 | 100 | 50 | ACCA Approved Centers | March, June, September, December |
To Learn About The Concept Of Exemptions In ACCA
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Conclusion:
The high point of this course is that the syllabus covers Strategic Decision-Making, Business Strategies, and Professional Ethics at an advanced level. This helps you transition from executive to managerial roles, focusing on analytical skills and application-based philosophy.
Students acquire valuable professional skills in business management and strategy and in-depth knowledge of finance and accounting. Hence, ACCA-qualified professionals are highly preferred and highly demanded by employers across an organisation’s hierarchy.
Employers will recognize and respect your global ACCA Qualification in finance, accounting, banking, consulting, and management and know you have the skills needed for the job. Today, ACCA students and members are making a mark in the global world of finance as CEOs, CFOs, and finance heads of organizations, and again – it is beyond accounting.
FAQ’S
What are the ACCA exam fees per person in India?
The ACCA exam fees per person in India can vary based on the specific exam and registration stage. Generally, the fees include registration costs, annual subscription fees, and individual exam fees.
How many ACCA exam papers are there?
There are a total of 13 ACCA exam papers divided into three levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. Each level assesses different competencies and knowledge areas.
Can you explain the ACCA exam pattern?
The ACCA exam pattern consists of a mix of multiple-choice questions and constructed response questions. This format helps assess both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
What is the ACCA exam structure?
The ACCA exam structure is organized into three levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. Each level has specific papers that need to be completed in order to progress.
Are there any updates on the ACCA new exam structure?
Yes, the ACCA new exam structure introduced changes to streamline the assessment process and enhance the learning experience. These changes may include adjustments to the exam format and paper content.
How many papers are included in the ACCA total papers?
The ACCA total papers amount to 13, which are spread across the three levels. Each paper is designed to cover specific aspects of financial and management accounting.
What should I know about the ACCA exam fees per person in India?
When considering the ACCA exam fees per person in India, it’s important to factor in not just the examination fees but also any additional costs related to study materials and resources.
Can you provide details about ACCA papers?
The ACCA papers cover a range of topics in accounting, finance, and business management, designed to prepare candidates for real-world challenges in the accounting profession.
What is the ACCA exam pattern?
The ACCA exam pattern typically includes objective tests and scenario-based questions that require candidates to demonstrate their analytical and problem-solving skills.
Is the ACCA exam pattern the same worldwide?
Yes, the ACCA exam pattern is the same worldwide. The structure and content are standardised to ensure consistency and fairness across all countries and exam centres.
Are there any changes to the ACCA exam pattern in 2024?
The exam structure has seen some updates in recent years, including changes to question types and marking systems. You should always check the latest official ACCA announcements for updates specific to your exam cycle.
How many papers in ACCA do I need to pass before ACCA qualification?
To complete the ACCA qualification, you need to pass a total of 13 papers, though exemptions may reduce this number.
Can you describe the ACCA exam structure in more detail?
The ACCA exam structure involves three progressive levels, with each level building on the knowledge gained in the previous one, culminating in the Strategic Professional level that emphasises strategic thinking.
What are the key changes in the ACCA new exam structure?
The ACCA new exam structure focuses on aligning the syllabus with industry requirements, introducing more practical case studies and real-life scenarios to enhance candidate learning.
How do the ACCA total papers relate to the overall qualification?
The ACCA total papers are crucial for obtaining the ACCA qualification, as candidates must pass all relevant papers to demonstrate their expertise and readiness for a career in accounting and finance.
