How to Book Your ACCA Exam in 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Booking your ACCA exams may seem like a simple administrative step, but it plays a critical role in how smoothly your preparation and exam journey unfold. Many students run into avoidable issues – not because they lack preparation, but because they rushed or misunderstood how to book ACCA exam slots correctly, missed deadlines, or selected the wrong session or centre. Since ACCA exams follow a fixed global timetable, even a small booking error can delay your attempt by an entire quarter. This 2026 step-by-step guide explains exactly how to book your ACCA exam the right way, what to check before confirming, and how to avoid common mistakes students make during the booking process.
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Booking
Before you can book any ACCA exam, make sure the following basics are in place:
You must be a registered ACCA student
You can only book exams after completing your registration with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and receiving your ACCA registration number.
Your myACCA account must be active and updated
All exam bookings are done through your myACCA portal. Ensure that:
- Your personal details are correct
- Your contact information is updated
- There are no pending documents or compliance issues
If you are still exploring the qualification or registration process, it’s best to understand the full ACCA Course structure before moving ahead with exam bookings.
Step-by-Step: How to Book Your Exam
Here’s a simple breakdown of how ACCA exam booking works in 2026:
Step 1: Log in to your myACCA account
Visit the official ACCA website and sign in using your registration number and password.
Step 2: Open the Exam Planner
Inside your dashboard, go to the Exam Planner section. This tool shows:
- Which papers are you eligible to book
- Available exam sessions (March, June, September, December)
- Exam formats (center-based or remote, where applicable)
Step 3: Select your exam paper and session
Choose:
- The subject you want to attempt
- The exam session (quarter)
- Your preferred exam center or remote option
Always double-check the paper code and level (Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, or Strategic Professional).
Step 4: Review deadlines carefully
Each exam session has:
- Standard entry deadline
- Late entry deadline (higher fees)
Booking early usually saves money and gives you better center availability.
Step 5: Make a payment and save the confirmation
Complete the payment using the available online methods. Once done:
- Download or save your exam booking confirmation
- Check that the exam details reflect correctly in your myACCA dashboard
This confirmation is important for future reference and exam-day verification.
Essential Tips for Booking ACCA Exams
Before you click “confirm,” keep these practical tips in mind:
- Book early to avoid late fees and center unavailability
- Know your deadlines – they differ for each exam session
- Check exam format (center-based vs remote, if applicable)
- Verify personal details to avoid exam-day issues
- Save all confirmations and receipts
A few minutes of verification can save weeks of delay later.
How Synthesis Learning Helps Students with ACCA Exam Bookings
While ACCA exam booking is done directly through the official myACCA portal, many students – especially first-time candidates – prefer guidance to ensure everything is done correctly.
At Synthesis Learning, students are supported beyond just classroom teaching. Our team helps ACCA students with:
- Paper planning support (which exam to book, and when)
- Session and attempt strategy guidance based on preparation level
- Technical assistance during the ACCA book exam process on myACCA
- Verification checks to ensure the right paper, session, and centre are selected before payment
This support becomes especially valuable for students booking their first ACCA exam, re-attempts, or higher-level papers where sequencing matters.
You can explore how this end-to-end academic support works on the Synthesis Learning ACCA page (internal link), where exam planning and booking guidance are built into the overall student journey.
Micro-clarifier:
ACCA bookings are always made on the official ACCA portal; the institute’s guide, they do not book exams on a student’s behalf.
Final Thoughts
Booking your ACCA exam is not just an administrative task; it’s a planning decision that affects your preparation timeline, costs, and exam experience. By understanding the booking process clearly and acting early, you give yourself the best possible setup for exam success.
If you’re unsure about exam sequencing or session planning, take time to review your eligibility and preparation status before booking. A well-timed exam attempt often matters as much as the preparation itself.
At Synthesis Learning, students also have the option to explore structured coaching for the following:
FAQs: ACCA Exam Booking
1. How do I book the ACCA exam for the first time?
To book the ACCA exam for the first time, you must be a registered ACCA student with an active myACCA account. Log in, use the Exam Planner, select your eligible paper and session, and complete payment before the standard entry deadline.
2. Can I reschedule after I ACCA book exam successfully?
Yes, ACCA allows exam changes or withdrawals within a defined timeframe. If you reschedule after you ACCA book exam, additional charges may apply depending on how close you are to the exam date.
3. How many papers can I ACCA book exam-wise in one session?
When you book ACCA exam attempts for a session, there are limits based on the level. Most students attempt one or two papers per session to balance preparation quality and exam performance.
4. Can I reschedule my ACCA exam after booking?
Yes, ACCA allows changes or withdrawals up to a specified deadline. However, fees may apply depending on how close you are to the exam date. Always check the official myACCA policy before making changes.
5. How many ACCA exams can I book in one session?
You can attempt a limited number of exams per session, depending on the level. Most students plan 1–2 papers per session to balance preparation and performance.
6. What happens if I miss the booking deadline?
If you miss the standard entry deadline, you may still book during the late entry period at a higher fee. Once the late entry closes, you’ll have to wait for the next exam session.
