Becoming an ACCA in 2024: Essential Steps & Tips By Experts

ACCA is one of the fastest-growing global accountancy bodies that is bound to give you an edge over your peers. A member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is recognised in more than 180 countries. Becoming a part of this organisation showcases that you have the necessary skills and knowledge companies worldwide are actively looking for.

Known for its rigorous qualifications, ACCA is structured to ensure that you gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience required for successful careers in accounting, finance, and management. ACCA also offers flexibility in terms of study, allowing you to progress at your own pace. You can pursue this qualification simultaneously with other courses or while you work.

These are some of the factors that attract people to ACCA, yet the process to apply for it can seem daunting. If you are looking for the right guidance to help you navigate this path with ease, this article is for you. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you complete your ACCA qualification smoothly.

Steps to complete your ACCA Qualification Easily In 2024

1. Check your eligibility

Anyone from a 12th graduate to a professional can pursue ACCA. All you require is 65% in Mathematics/Accounts and English and 50% in the remaining subjects in your 12th exams. Depending on your qualification you can also be eligible for a few exemptions.

For those who are not qualified as per the above requirements can start your journey from ACCA’s Foundations in Accountancy.

2. Check If you are eligible for ACCA Exemptions

To qualify for ACCA you need to clear 13 exams. These exams are divided into 3 levels – Applied Knowledge (3 papers), Skills (6 papers), and Strategic Professional (4 papers). Depending on your education background and in some cases your work experience you might be eligible to claim exemptions and skip them.

Exemptions are granted with the understanding that your knowledge on said subject has already been judged. For example, a commerce graduate has proven their knowledge in business, finance, law and accounting thus, the exams pertaining to these subjects are entitled to exemptions.

If your qualification does not match any of the aforementioned ones, you can always check whether you are eligible for exemptions at ACCA’s exemption calculator. The process to check your eligibility is pretty simple, all you need to do is go to the website, put in your degree and institute, and the calculator will show which exams you are eligible to waive.

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

3. Register with ACCA and pay the fees

Once you’re ready, register as an ACCA student on the official website. You will need documents such as proof of qualifications (your award certificates or mark sheets), your proof of identity (copy of passport or birth certificate), and a passport size photograph. Next, apply for exemptions and upload the necessary documents needed to claim it. Lastly, pay the registration fees and receive your ACCA student ID, which grants you access to the ACCA portal and study materials.

ACCA annual subscription is due every 1st of Jan but if you register before or on the last date of entry of the June exam, you will be required to pay for that year’s subscription during registration. This allows you to sit in on any exam starting from that June itself. Even if you do not take any exam that year you are billed the subscription fees in November.

Keep track of key dates for exam registration and fee payments to avoid any disruptions.

4. Develop a study plan

Creating a study plan for your ACCA exams is essential to manage your time effectively and stay stress-free during your preparation. Start by breaking down the syllabus. Prioritise the subjects based on difficulty and your familiarity with the content. Begin with the fundamentals, then progress to the more complex subjects. Proschool can help you here by offering personalised study plans tailored to your strengths and areas that need more attention.

Once you’ve identified your focus areas, allocate specific time slots each day for studying. Use their mock tests and practice questions to assess your progress. Set weekly goals and revise consistently. With Proschool’s expert guidance and unlimited access to resources, you can stay on track and tackle complex topics with confidence, ensuring a smooth path to clearing your ACCA exams.

Did you know, Proschool has an astonishing 71% ACCA Pass Percentage across all its centres? We have 15+ centres across India!

5. Start appearing for exams

Once your study plan is in place, it’s time to start appearing for your ACCA exams. With 13 subjects spread across three levels, it’s important to tackle each exam with a structured approach. Begin with the subjects you feel most confident in, and progress through the levels systematically, making sure to leave enough time for revision in between.

Take the unmitigated help provided by Proschool in discerning your strengths and improving your weak areas through mock tests. You readily clarify doubts and get insights into difficult concepts from our expert faculty. This personalised coaching can make a significant difference in how effectively you tackle the exams.

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

6. Complete your PER

After passing your ACCA exams and ethics module, the next step is completing your Practical Experience Requirement (PER). This involves gaining 36 months of relevant work experience in the accounting field. It’s a vital component for becoming an ACCA member, as it allows you to apply the knowledge you’ve learned in a real-world environment. You’ll work under a practical experience supervisor who will guide you, monitor your progress, and review your performance.

As you gain hands-on experience, you’ll be able to refine your knowledge and fine-tune it that will help you grow as a professional, preparing you for a successful career in accounting.

Also Read – ACCA PER | How To Get ACCA Practical Experience | Are 36 Months Enough? What Are The Objectives?

7. Become an ACCA member & Get a Job

Once you’ve passed your ACCA exams and completed the 36-month Practical Experience Requirement (PER), you’re eligible to become an official ACCA member. This globally recognized status gives you a competitive edge in the accounting and finance industry, unlocking opportunities for prestigious roles in top companies worldwide.

As a member, you’ll join a global professional body renowned for its standards of ethics, and integrity. Achieving ACCA membership marks the start of your professional journey. You can build a rewarding career, gain access to a wealth of resources, and benefit from a range of learning opportunities. With your new qualifications, you’ll be equipped to take on significant roles and responsibilities in the accounting world.

Proschool can help ease this journey by offering valuable support. To help you make this transition smoothly, we offer job placement support, ensuring you’re well-prepared for interviews and the competitive job market.

Also Read – Countries where ACCA holders have the signing authority

How can Proschool help in your ACCA qualification journey

Proschool has established itself as a leading provider of ACCA coaching in India. The course’s unique personalised study plans, access to top-notch faculty with real-world experience, and extensive practice exams helps students get on the fast track towards becoming experts in the field. Proschool’s flexible learning options, both online and offline, cater to different student needs. The institute also offers mentorship, ensuring that students receive ongoing support throughout their ACCA journey. In addition, the placement cell is dedicated to helping students secure jobs at reputable companies.

Highlights of taking Proschool ACCA course

• By affiliating with Proschool, your registration fees are waived, and training costs are significantly reduced.
• Proschool helps you to check which exemptions you are eligible for and helps you get a discount for the exemption fees that ACCA requires you to pay.
• Unlimited classroom and doubt-solving sessions till you pass your exams.
• Ace your exams with more than 600 questions to solve for each of the ACCA subjects.
• Proschool’s ACCA passing rate is more than the global ACCA passing rate.
• To help prepare for your exams, Proschool provides you with dedicated revision classes ensuring all your concepts are clear. We also take mock exams to simulate real exam conditions to prepare you better.
• Students applying for entry-level roles are assured at least 3 shortlists within 6 months of course completion.

Conclusion

Achieving your ACCA qualification in 2024 doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a streamlined plan, consistent effort, and the right support from Proschool, you can navigate each step smoothly, from registering as a student to securing your dream job. Invest in your future today and embark on the path to becoming an ACCA professional.

FAQs

• Do I need to be a CA to become an ACCA?

No, you need not be a CA to apply for ACCA. To apply for ACCA you only need to have completed your 10+2 thus. Though if you are a CA, you are exempted from 2 levels ie. applied knowledge and skills and only have to give the 4 remaining strategic professional exams.

• Can I practise ACCA from India?

Yes, you can practise as an ACCA member in India. ACCA is recognized globally, including in India, where you can work in various sectors such as accounting, finance, and management. India has a growing demand for ACCA professionals, and many multinational companies and local firms seek out ACCA-qualified individuals for their expertise.

• How long does it take to become an ACCA?

Students usually complete their ACCA qualification in 3 – 5 years. Each individual’s timeline for becoming an ACCA varies depending on where they start, the time they can give to their studies, and gain the required practical experience. For example, students who claim 8-9 exemptions might complete it in 6-8 months as well.

• Is ACCA more difficult than CA?

The CA is known for highly rigorous exams that are difficult to clear. In comparison, the ACCA exams have a higher passing rate. The ACCA exam structure is more flexible than the CA. That doesn’t mean that the ACCA isn’t difficult on its own. You will still need to work hard to clear the ACCA exams.