ACCA Course Duration: How Many Years After B.Com and 12th?
If you’re considering the ACCA qualification, be prepared for a demanding journey that requires time, commitment, and financial investment. Whether you’re starting after 12th grade, during graduation, or after completing your B.Com, the road to becoming a certified ACCA professional isn’t short—and certainly not easy.
In this blog, we explore the ACCA course duration, the exam structure, the impact of exemptions, and the realistic timeline based on your education level. Let’s break it down.
What is the ACCA Course?
ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants—a globally recognized professional qualification in accounting. With over 200,000 members and 600,000 students across 180+ countries, it opens doors to international careers in audit, taxation, consulting, and finance.
ACCA is ideal for those aiming for careers in accounting, finance, and management roles with global mobility. But while the recognition is prestigious, the journey to qualification can be long and intense.
What is the ACCA Exam Structure?
ACCA is split into three key levels:
- Applied Knowledge
- Business and Technology (BT)
- Financial Accounting (FA)
- Management Accounting (MA)
- Applied Skills
- Corporate and Business Law (LW)
- Taxation (TX)
- Financial Reporting (FR)
- Performance Management (PM)
- Financial Management (FM)
- Audit and Assurance (AA)
- Strategic Professional
- Essentials (Mandatory):
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
- Options (Choose any 2):
- Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Taxation (ATX)
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
- Essentials (Mandatory):
In addition, students must complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM) and gain 36 months of practical work experience.
How Many Exams Are There in ACCA?
ACCA consists of 13 exams across the three levels:
- Applied Knowledge: 3 exams
- Applied Skills: 6 exams
- Strategic Professional: 4 exams (2 mandatory, 2 optional)
Exemptions are available depending on your academic or professional background.
How Long Does It Take to Complete ACCA?
Here’s a closer look at the typical ACCA duration based on your education level:
- After 10th Grade
You must first complete the Foundation in Accountancy (FIA). Afterward, you can move on to the ACCA qualification. The entire process typically takes around 4 to 5 years.
- After 12th Grade
Without any exemptions, you’ll need to complete all 13 exams. Most students take 3–4 years, depending on how many papers they take per exam sitting. While the flexibility of quarterly exams is beneficial, it can also lead to procrastination and delay.
- During Undergraduate Studies
Students pursuing a degree like B.Com can begin ACCA simultaneously. If managed wisely, you can finish both your degree and ACCA within 3 to 4 years. However, balancing academics and a professional course can be stressful and may affect performance in both.
- After B.Com
This is where the ACCA journey can be significantly shorter. B.Com graduates are often eligible for up to 5 exemptions, meaning they only need to clear 8 exams. With consistent effort, you can complete ACCA in 2 to 2.5 years after graduation.
- For Chartered Accountants (CAs)
Qualified Indian CAs can claim up to 9 exemptions, leaving just 4 papers. Many CAs complete ACCA in as little as 6 to 9 months, making it a fast-track route. However, this is a small fraction of candidates.
Factors Affecting ACCA Duration
- Exemptions: The more exemptions you have, the shorter your journey.
- Exam Frequency: ACCA allows exams in March, June, September, and December.
- Study Mode: Full-time students typically progress faster than working professionals.
- Self-Discipline: Despite flexible scheduling, poor planning and procrastination can delay your progress significantly.
- Practical Experience: The 36-month PER (Practical Experience Requirement) is mandatory for certification.
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Financial Commitment of ACCA
Another reality check: ACCA is not cheap. While it’s more affordable than some global MBAs, the exam fees, annual subscriptions, tuition, and study materials can add up quickly, making it a financial challenge for many students.
