ACCA Course Duration: For Graduates, CA’s, MBA’s & more

The ACCA is a globally recognized accountancy body with over 252,500 members.

Becoming a member of this organisation opens up a plethora of career opportunities for finance professionals in multiple fields. In today’s competitive job market, ACCA offers a pathway to advanced accounting and finance roles around the world.

But how long does it take to earn this prestigious qualification?

The duration of the ACCA course depends largely on your educational background, professional qualifications, and whether you qualify for exemptions.

Let’s explore how graduates, Chartered Accountants (CAs), MBAs, and even non-commerce students can navigate their ACCA journey.

Overview of ACCA: 3 to 5 Years to Completion

The normal duration to complete the ACCA qualification ranges from 3 to 5 years. The exact timeline depends on a student’s prior qualifications, the number of exemptions they receive and their personal pace of study.

The ACCA qualification is not just about passing exams; it requires you to complete three levels of exams, an ethics module, and acquire three years of practical work experience.

ACCA Course Duration For –

Graduates (B.Com, BBA, BAF, etc.)

For graduates with relevant degrees like B.com / BBA / BAF etc. the course duration can be shortened depending on the number of exemptions they receive. Each graduate degree has its own number of exemptions it provides based on the subjects they teach.

For eg. BBA degree allows you to have just 1 ACCA paper exemption while B.Com can provide you upto 5 exemptions. The papers exempted are from the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills levels. Some universities that teach ACCA syllabus also have the option of providing more exemptions as they include it in their normal course.

• Exemptions provided: Upto 5 papers depending on the course, and the university.
• Course Duration: The more exemptions you receive, the shorter your course duration. For example, a graduate with exemptions for 5 papers might complete the ACCA course in 2 to 3 years, depending on their pace of study and work experience.

Joining An Approved Prep Provider Could Significantly Impact Your ACCA Course Duration!

Chartered Accountants (CAs)

For qualified Chartered Accountants (CAs), the ACCA journey can be much faster. Since the CA qualification overlaps significantly with ACCA, many CAs can receive exemptions from a large portion of the ACCA exams.

• Exemptions for CAs: CAs in India may receive exemptions from up to 9 papers, which include the entire Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills levels.
• Course Duration: Due to these exemptions, CAs can often complete the ACCA qualification within 1 to 2 years by focusing primarily on the Strategic Professional exams and fulfilling the practical experience requirements.

Students working towards their CA while not completing it too get exemptions. Those who have cleared the 2 IPCC groups or have scored the required marks (40 marks) in selected subjects can appeal for their exemptions

• Exemptions for CA IPCC: They receive exemptions up to 5 papers.
• Course Duration: This reduces the timeline to 1 to 3 years.

Also Read – All You Need to Know About ACCA Exemptions After CA

MBA Graduates

MBA graduates with a specialisation in finance or accounting may find that some of the ACCA content overlaps with their previous studies. This is why the ACCA board provides them with certain exemptions and helps fast-track their ACCA journey.

• Exemptions for MBAs: MBA graduates may receive exemptions from 9 papers in the Applied Knowledge and skill level.
• Duration: The course duration for MBA graduates typically ranges from 18 months to 3 years, depending on their exemptions, the pace at which they can study, whether they are pursuing ACCA full-time or part-time and most importantly the relevant work experience.
• Fast-Tracking ACCA: MBA graduates who focus on their strong foundational knowledge in finance may complete the ACCA qualification faster than typical commerce graduates, especially if they are already working in the finance industry.

Also Read – How Many ACCA Exemptions Could You Get After MBA in Finance?

For Other Students: ACCA Course Duration For Non-Commerce Graduates

Students undertaking ACCA right after their 12th or those with a background not in commerce face a different set of challenges when pursuing ACCA. Since their academic background might not cover core accounting and finance concepts, they may not qualify for any exemptions. These also include those who may have a commerce background but not from universities recognised by the ACCA board. This means they will likely need to start from scratch and complete all 13 papers.

• Normal Duration: Non-commerce graduates can expect to take around 4 to 5 years to complete the ACCA qualification, depending on their pace, work experience and study commitment.
• Additional Requirements: These students may need additional support in core accounting concepts, especially at the Applied Knowledge level. Preparing well for the earlier exams will be key to building a solid foundation for the more advanced ACCA papers.

Also Read – ACCA Exemptions For B.Com/ BBA/ CA Foundation/CA Inter/ CA Final/ MBA & How to Get Them

ACCA Qualification Requirements

To achieve ACCA membership, students must:

1. Pass All 3 Exam Levels: ACCA has 13 papers divided into three levels—Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. Students must pass all these exams unless exemptions apply.

Commonly, it takes a student 3 years to finish all 13 papers. The knowledge exams can be taken on demand and the skill examinations take place every 3 months and have a limit of 4 papers each session.

Together, they typically take 18 – 24 months to prepare for and clear. The remaining 4 professional exams including the study time take about another 12 – 18 months.

This timeline significantly changes based on the student’s prior qualifications and the exemptions it provides. You can check the exemptions you are allowed to opt for at ACCA’s official exemption calculator.

2. Pass Ethics and Professional Skills Module: ACCA places a strong emphasis on ethics, which is why this module is mandatory. It is a self learning, 20 hour, module which you can take at any time.
3. Complete 36 hours of Practical Experience: This hands-on experience must align with ACCA’s performance objectives and can be gained before, during, or after the completion of the exams. Showcasing work experience in hours ensures that every hour of a student’s work, whether continuous or not, is counted. Those with prior articleship can also include it as part of their work experience.

Also Read – What You Need To Know About ACCA Exams | Exam Structure, Setting Timetables etc.

How IMS Proschool Simplifies Your ACCA Preparation

Choosing to pursue ACCA is a big decision. It opens up incredible career opportunities but can feel daunting—especially if you’re balancing work or other studies. We get it; preparing for ACCA isn’t just about memorizing concepts. It’s about building a career, finding your pace, and staying motivated. Here’s how IMS Proschool steps in to make it easier, smoother, and less overwhelming.

What If You Had a Guide at Every Step?

Imagine being part of a program where you’re not just another student but a future finance professional. Over the years, we’ve trained more than 12,000 students, each with their unique strengths and needs. By tailoring our support, we help you navigate your ACCA journey with clarity.

Think About the Costs – And How You Could Save

Did you know that with Proschool, you might be able to save significantly on registration fees and training costs? We understand that financial pressure can add stress to your studies, so we guide you on saving wherever possible—allowing you to focus on learning, not expenses.

Fast-Track Your Journey with Exemptions and Local Training

Are you eligible for exemptions? Many students don’t realize how much time they could save by having certain papers waived. Our team helps you navigate the exemption process, giving you a head start. And with classroom training available in 10 cities across India, you’re never too far from the structured guidance and support you need.

What If You Could Keep Going Even If You Fail?

Everyone has ups and downs on their learning journey. But if you don’t pass an ACCA exam, we don’t see it as a setback; we see it as a moment to step in with unlimited classroom sessions and doubt-solving. Our commitment? To keep supporting you until you achieve your ACCA dreams.

Practice That Builds Real Confidence

One thing we hear from students is, “I wish I had more practice.” That’s why we created an extensive pool of over 600 questions per ACCA subject—so you’re always prepared. With each question you tackle, your confidence builds, and your understanding deepens.

Monthly Batches Combined With High Pass Rates

You don’t have to wait long to start. With monthly batch intakes and pass rates that exceed the global average, you’ll be in good company, learning with peers who are just as motivated.

Career Support Beyond the Classroom

Completing your ACCA qualification is a huge achievement, but we know your goals don’t stop there. For entry-level roles, our job assurance program ensures you’ll receive at least three job shortlists within six months of course completion, helping you make a strong start in your career.

Conclusion

The ACCA qualification is highly flexible, allowing students from diverse educational backgrounds to tailor their journey according to their prior qualifications and professional experience.

For graduates in commerce or finance-related fields, as well as CAs and MBAs, exemptions can significantly reduce the ACCA course duration. Non-commerce graduates, 10+2 qualifiers, or on -commerce professionals on the other hand, can still complete ACCA with a bit more time and effort.

Regardless of background, ACCA opens up a world of opportunities, making it a smart investment for anyone serious about a career in accounting and finance.

FAQ

Can CAs complete ACCA faster?

Yes, CAs typically receive exemptions for up to 9 ACCA papers, allowing them to complete the qualification in 1 to 2 years, focusing mainly on the Strategic Professional exams and practical experience.

Can working professionals pursue ACCA?

Yes, ACCA is a flexible qualification designed for working professionals. Many candidates balance their studies with full-time jobs, and ACCA offers options like self-paced learning, online courses, and weekend study programs to accommodate work schedules.

Can I pursue ACCA after 12th?

Yes, students can begin their ACCA journey right after completing their 12th grade if they have min 65% in maths, accounts and English and min 50% in other subjects.

Do I need to graduate to start ACCA?

No, you don’t need a graduation degree to start ACCA. However, students with relevant degrees (B.Com, BBA, etc.) may receive exemptions from certain ACCA exams, reducing their course duration.

By understanding how your educational background impacts your ACCA timeline, you can plan your path to becoming a globally recognized finance professional more effectively.