Must-Have ACCA Study Resources for Every Paper+ Smart Tips to Pass Faster!

The one thing everyone associated with ACCA would agree on is that the ACCA syllabus is vast. Each subject covers an ocean of topics. These topics encompass more than clarity of the subject. It gives you the benefits, practical uses, case works and more. Once you start browsing through the study resources available to help you cover these topics you quickly realise there is an overwhelming amount of them. For each of the 13 papers.

This blog will inform you of the resources available and guide you in figuring out where to start and which study resources to use. Whether you’re self-studying or getting coached, having the right materials and a smart game plan can make a huge difference in your journey. Using the list of must-have ACCA study tools and pro tips you can curate strategies that work for you.

First let’s look at the 13 papers ACCA covers

Understanding the ACCA Qualification Exams

The 13 ACCA qualification exams are divided into 3 levels. These papers, though mandatory, can be exempted based on your prior qualifications and condition to fulfilment of certain criteria. For example, if you have a B.Com degree you are eligible for 5 exemptions (F1 to F5).

Applied knowledge:

These are on-demand examinations that can be taken at any time you feel you are ready to take them. The exams in this level make up the foundation of accounting and its techniques. The knowledge level includes 3 papers –

• Business and Technology (BT)
• Financial Accounting (FA)
• Management Accounting (MA)

Applied Skills:

The skill exams (except LW, an on-demand paper) are available quarterly in the months of March, June, September, December. This level builds on your existing knowledge of finance and accounting. Here you learn practical skills and strategic decision making techniques. The 6 papers in this level are –

• Corporate and Business Law (LW)
• Taxation (TX)
• Financial Reporting (FR)
• Performance Management (PM)
• Financial Management (FM)
• Audit and Assurance (AA)

Strategic Professional:

The last stage of the exams provides you with advanced technical knowledge and professional skills. The SP level has 4 papers, 2 mandatory papers –

• Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
• Strategic Business Leader (SBL)

and 2 optional papers (choose 2 specialisation out the the 4) –

• Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
• Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
• Advanced Taxation (ATX)
• Advanced Performance Management (APM)

 

You can read more about these ACCA exemptions here

ACCA Study Materials for Every Paper

Recommended ACCA Books and Publishers

The best books that help you understand the concepts tested in each exam:

1. Kaplan – One of the two ACCA approved publishers, Kaplan offers thorough explanations of complex topics. Their study text is detailed, well-structured and easy to understand; facilitating comprehensive learning.
2. BPP – They focus more on exam-relevant content like a vast questionnaire. They are ideal to revisit concepts and answer scenario based questions (imitating the style and difficulty of real ACCA exams.

ACCA Study Hub: Official Study Resource

A valuable resource for exam preparation, it is known for their challenging questions which prepares you for the real exam. The concise, summary based concept clarification is best for revisions. It’s study materials include:

• Free study materials that cover the entire ACCA updated syllabus post your registration with ACCA.
• Interactive quizzes after each chapter to test your concept clarity.
• Flashcards and sample questions for quick revisions.
• Structured study guides breaking down complex topics into manageable sections.
• Exam-style questions designed to mirror actual ACCA exam formats.
• Bookmarks and confidence tracking tools to personalise your revision plan.​
• Progress trackers to monitor your study completion rates.

Technical Articles

A key study tool, ACCA’s technical articles are extremely useful in understanding complex topics. These articles go beyond textbooks to provide context, application and insights you won’t find in standard study materials. Written by examiners and subject experts, they ensure your complete grasp on the topics by –

• Breaking down complex topics with real-life examples and case-based explanations.
• Highlighting changes in accounting standards or exam formats.
• Explaining common exam pitfalls and how to avoid them.
• Clarifying tricky areas in Strategic Business Leader, Taxation, and Audit papers.

 

Also Read- Top 6 ACCA Jobs in India for Freshers & Affiliates – Roles You Can Land Now!

ACCA Study Materials Available to Practise for ACCA Exams

Past Exam Papers & Examiners’ Reports

What better way to prepare for an exam than by practicing past exam papers? These help you familiarise yourself with the exam format and style of questions. Additionally, going through the examiners’ report cautions you against common mistakes students make and how to prevent them.

• Get familiar with actual ACCA question patterns and difficulty levels.
• Learn how to structure high-scoring answers using insights from examiner feedback.
• Identify frequently tested topics and recurring question formats.
• Understand why students commonly lose marks and how to avoid those mistakes.
• Use them to develop time management and exam strategy skills.

In-session emails and InFocus webinars

These are two underrated yet valuable resources at your disposal. The in-session emails are weekly mails sent after you book your exam. They guide your exam preparation 

• They signpost key resources
• Assign weekly activities
• And share technical tips for better preparation.

The InFocus webinars are interactive sessions and conducted live. These webinars include –

• Exam tips, techniques, and strategies to get more marks
• Highlighting key points from the latest Examiner’s Reports
• And live Q&A sessions.

CBE Practise Platform

This platform is more than just a place to practice mock exams. Many ACCA approved learning partners like IMS Proschool, and students alike use this platform to test their exam readiness. Here’s how it helps you improve –

• Simulates the ACCA exam interface with section-wise navigation and question styles.
• Allows practice of spreadsheet and word-processing tools used in actual CBEs.
• Includes technical scenarios and real-time timers to build exam temperament.
• Enhances your typing speed, layout planning, and overall digital confidence.
• Excellent for building familiarity with computer-based workflows and minimizing exam day anxiety

 

Also Read- ACCA Scholarship – The Simpson Scholarship | How Can You Get It? How To Apply For It?

Free vs Paid ACCA Study Materials – Which Should You Choose?

Free materials like ACCA’s technical articles, study hub resources and past papers are fantastic for revising topics and reinforcing your understanding of key concepts. However, they might fall short if you’re just starting out or need structured guidance as they lack in-depth explanations.

Paid resources, from trusted names like Kaplan, are designed to offer a comprehensive and strategic approach to studying. They provide well-structured learning paths, full coverage of the syllabus, regular mock exams, chapter-wise assessments and content that is updated regularly.

The most effective way to use these acca study materials is to combine both— free and paid resources. Use the free resources to get a feel of the topics and for revisions; use paid ones for deeper understanding of complex problems and mock exams.

NOTE: Enrolling with an ACCA-approved learning partner (like IMS Proschool) ensures you utilise these resources well. For example, your instructors can review your answers on the CBE Practice Platform and give you real-time feedback.

7 Ways To Use ACCA study resources Effectively

Create an effective study plan

Go through the entire syllabus and create an effective study plan. Keep a few things in mind while doing so — give enough time for both revision and learning difficult concepts. It should also include planning the order in which you give your exams.

Match your study materials to each learning phase

• Start with Kaplan/BPP study texts to build your foundation.
• Switch to the Study Hub and technical articles during the revision phase.
• Use past papers and the CBE Practice Platform for final exam preparation and real-time practice.

Mix question practice with theory

Don’t wait to finish a full chapter before solving questions. Take advantage of Kaplan’s question sets after each topic. This active recall method is proven to enhance retention.

Use technical articles to master tricky areas

As aforementioned, these articles are best used to understand difficult topics. It is touted as the best resource for subjects like consolidation (FR), risk and control (SBL), or performance evaluation (PM).

Practice CBE mock exams

Practising mock exams on this platform builds your speed, boosts confidence with digital tools, and mimics real exam conditions..

Enrol at an ACCA Approved coaching institute

ACCA Approved Learning Partners strictly adhere to ACCA’s level of education. Enrolling with them ensures you’re using study resources the right way. Institutes like IMS Proschool provide curated study plans, regular doubt-solving sessions and expert mentorship.

Track your progress and confidence levels

Use the Study Hub’s built-in progress tracker and bookmark tools. They help you identify your weak areas and prioritise them during revision weeks.

Also Read-  Ace Your ACCA: Top Study Materials Revealed By Experts in 2025

Tips and tricks to Crack ACCA Exams

Smart Study Strategies

• Use updated material – Before you start studying, check whether the study materials you are using are ACCA approved, right and up-to-date.

• Take mock exams every week – Many students who passed with high marks say they practiced at least one mock per week in the final month.

• Chart your study – Set weekly goals, revise regularly and revise high-weightage topics first.

• Join study forums & communities – Engage with peers to share resources, solve doubts, and stay motivated.

Time Management Tips

• Identify hard concepts and master them first – Use mocks to identify which concepts would require more time to learn and take them on first.

• Use the Pomodoro Technique for better focus – As per ACCA’s study guide, the Pomodoro Technique helps increase focus and prevents burnout. The technique is to take a 5 minute break after every 25 minutes of study.
• Avoid passive reading – Use active recall methods like quizzing yourself regularly to boost long-term memory.
• Take the help of flashcards, mind maps & mnemonics – Visual tools like mind maps and flashcards are perfect for subjects like Audit and Tax where you need to recall concepts quickly.

Study With an ACCA Approved Coaching Partner

A reputable ACCA Approved Learning Partner (ALP) is a support system that ensures you are well-prepared for your exams. Enrolling with a learning partner gives structure, accountability, and personalised guidance. These institutes employ experienced ACCA professionals who bring in-depth knowledge and practical insights to the learning process. Moreover, they help you track your progress, assess mock exams and explain difficult concepts in simpler ways.

Choosing a coaching institute like IMS Proschool (with a higher pass rate than the global average) increases the probability of you clearing your exams. This Gold ALP offers a complete ACCA preparation experience

• Personalised Learning Plan which includes a step-by-step study roadmap to help you stay on schedule, balance subjects effectively and maximise retention.
• Build employability skills through complimentary Financial Modeling course, worth ₹40,000.
• Regular mock tests simulating actual ACCA exams for exam preparation.
• Concise PowerPoint presentations providing quick summary of key topics for revision.
• Classroom training available in more than 15 centres across india.
• Take advantage of their unlimited classroom and doubt-solving sessions in case you fail ACCA Exams.
• Solve 600+ questions for each of the ACCA subjects to ace the exams easily.
• If you miss a class, Proschool offers recorded sessions that ensure you never fall behind and can revisit complex topics whenever needed.

Conclusion

Mastering the ACCA syllabus is not just about hard work but working smart with the right tools. With the vast number of resources available today, it’s important to know what to use and when. From foundational textbooks to technical articles and real-time exam platforms, every tool plays a strategic role in your preparation. And when you combine these with expert mentorship from an ACCA-approved partner like IMS Proschool, your chances of success multiply.

FAQ

• Which is better – self-study or coaching classes?

If you’re disciplined and good with time management, self-study can work. But for most students, coaching provides structure, expert guidance, and faster results.

• Can I clear ACCA exams using only free resources?

Free resources are great for revision, but they usually don’t cover the entire syllabus or exam techniques. Paid study kits and mock tests are crucial.

• How much do ACCA study materials cost in India?

Kaplan or BPP books cost between ₹2,000–4,000 per paper. Coaching institutes may bundle materials into course fees.

• How do I choose between Kaplan and BPP for ACCA books?

Kaplan is great at learning the concepts clearly. BPP is more exam focused and may not be great as a study text.