When Should I Start Preparing for Acca | How Much Time is Required for Clearing Each Acca Subject?

The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification opens up a world of opportunities in the finance and accounting industry. Known for its depth and diversity, ACCA prepares its students with a comprehensive curriculum; covering areas like taxation, auditing, financial management, and corporate ethics, that builds both their technical skills and practical knowledge.

ACCA’s flexibility allows students to manage their studies around work or other commitments, making it one of the most adaptable qualifications available.

ACCA is designed to meet the demands of a fast-paced industry. The accountancy board’s focus on building a solid foundation ensures their graduates are well-prepared to take on challenging roles, navigate complex financial landscapes, and pursue a variety of career paths. By equipping students with a holistic understanding of finance the ACCA qualifiers are prepared to excel in various roles.

Also Read – Your First Step to ACCA: Check If You’re Eligible [Updated 2025]

ACCA Qualification Criteria and Time Taken

The ACCA qualification combines both theoretical concepts and practical skills, preparing candidates for real-world finance and accounting roles.

A student has to fulfill 3 qualification criterias to achieve ACCA. These are –

ACCA Exam Requirements

You need to pass 13 ACCA exams which are divided into 3 levels

1. 1. ACCA Applied knowledge Level: The knowledge level includes 3 papers— Business and Technology (BT), Financial Accounting (FA) and Management Accounting (MA). These examinations are available on-demand and to be taken remotely. As they test your foundational information, pre-qualified students who have this knowledge (like a B.Com graduate) are given the option of skipping these exams. (The number of exemptions given depend on the qualification and the subjects studied)
      • Time To Complete ACCA Knowledge Level: As all the papers in this level are available on-demand, the time taken can be as less as 1 month including the preparation stage.

1. 2. ACCA Applied Skills Level: This level builds on your existing knowledge and provides practical skills and strategic understanding of finance and accounting. Thus, they test you on— Corporate and Business Law (LW), Taxation (TX), Financial Reporting (FR), Performance Management (PM), Financial Management (FM) and Audit and Assurance (AA). Papers in this level can also be available for exemptions depending on your prior qualification.
      • Time To Complete ACCA Skills Level: Except one, all skill level papers are session based. In 1 session you are allowed to appear for 4 exams. Taking into account the preparation time, usually, both the knowledge and skills level take around 18 – 24 months to complete.

1. 3. Strategic Professional: The main and mandatory level of ACCA exams, professional level makes the students ready for the leadership roles. It has 4 papers, 2 essential— Strategic Business Reporting (SBR), Strategic Business Leader (SBL) and 2 optional— Advanced Financial Management (AFM), Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA), Advanced Taxation (ATX), Advanced Performance Management (APM). The options are the specialisation that you may choose to study.
      • Time To Complete ACCA Professional Level: The professional level takes longer as it needs an in-depth understanding on the subjects with practical and strategic thinking, meaning the study time you need is longer. Clearing this level takes around 12 – 18 months.

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

ACCA Ethics and Professional Skills Module

A 20 hour self-learning module helps you gain critical skills and ethical insight to excel with recruiters and succeed professionally. The module is divided into different segments which can be completed in as less time as a netflix episode.

Work Experience Or PER

One of the most important parts of becoming an ACCA is to embody the confidence of a trusted professional. This comes only with experience, hence to become an ACCA you need to finish 36 months of relevant work experience and earn 9 performance objectives.

Typically, completing all the above steps and becoming an ACCA member takes between 3 to 5 years. This timeline is entirely dependent on various factors like available exemptions, personal or professional commitments and their starting point. While some choose to pursue ACCA after high school, others begin during or after their undergraduate studies, or even later as working professionals.

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

When Should I Start Preparing for ACCA?

One of the best things about ACCA is its flexibility, which allows you to start anytime that works best for your career goals and personal circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of various starting points for ACCA:

• If Pursuing After 12th: Students can begin ACCA after 12th grade, giving them an early start in building professional credentials. However, balancing this with college studies may require effective time management and planning.
• Along with Graduation: Many students pursue ACCA alongside their undergraduate studies, which can streamline their entry into the workforce. Starting early can give them a head start in acquiring exemptions and gradually progressing through the exams.
• After Graduation (Including CA): ACCA can be pursued post-graduation as a way to enhance professional credentials. Graduates, including those with a CA qualification, often find ACCA beneficial for exploring international opportunities and expanding their expertise.
• For Working Professionals: ACCA’s flexibility makes it ideal for working professionals looking to add global qualifications to their resume. ACCA offers exemptions based on work experience, which can make the qualification process shorter and more manageable.

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

Factors Affecting ACCA Preparation Time

The time required to complete ACCA varies depending on several factors:

• Eligibility for Exemptions: Depending on your prior qualifications, you may receive exemptions from certain exams, reducing your time to qualify.
• Work and Other Commitments: Balancing work and study affects preparation time. Full-time professionals might take longer to complete ACCA than full-time students.
• Study Pace and Planning: An organised study schedule and a commitment to continuous learning help in covering the syllabus effectively, thereby reducing the preparation time.

Tips to Prepare for ACCA Exams

Passing the ACCA exams requires strategic preparation. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

1. Create a Study Plan: ACCA exams cover a broad syllabus, so it’s essential to develop a study plan that outlines daily, weekly, and monthly goals to stay on track.
2. Practice Mock Exams: Mock exams provide insights into question formats and time management. Practising regularly helps build confidence and prepares you for the actual exam environment.
3. Leverage Flexible Learning Options and Exemptions: ACCA’s flexible scheduling and options for online study make it easier to fit study sessions around other commitments.
4. Use Learning Providers’ Help: Partnering with a trusted learning provider like Proschool can give you access to quality study materials, expert guidance, and additional resources to optimise your preparation.

Also Read – Quick Guide About ACCA Each Level Exam – Requirement, Course & Job Opportunities

How Can Proschool Help You Prepare for ACCA?

At IMS Proschool, we don’t just prepare you for the ACCA exams—we set you up for success in your accounting and finance career. With a proven track record of excellence and unmatched student support, here are 6 reasons why you should join Proschool’s ACCA Prep Course:

1. Save on Registration Fees & Training Costs – Proschool helps you save both time and money with exclusive benefits on registration fees and reduced training costs, ensuring the ACCA journey is budget-friendly.
2. Exemptions Made Easy – We assist you in identifying and obtaining exemptions based on your prior qualifications, helping you fast-track your ACCA journey.
3. ACCA Classroom Training in 15+ Cities – Prefer offline learning? Proschool offers classroom training in 15+ major cities across India, with the flexibility to choose what works best for you.
4. Exam Pass Commitment – We’re committed to your success! If you face challenges, Proschool offers unlimited classroom sessions and doubt-solving classes at no extra cost until you clear your ACCA exams.
5. Higher Pass Rates Than the Global Average – At Proschool, we’re proud to achieve a pass rate (~71%) that exceeds the global ACCA pass rate (40-50%), a testament to the quality of our training and support.
6. Job Assurance for Entry-Level Roles – Your career starts here. Proschool guarantees at least 3 job shortlists within 6 months of course completion, ensuring you land a strong role as you begin your journey.

Conclusion

Completing ACCA is a major achievement, one that sets you up for a dynamic and rewarding career in finance and accounting. With Proschool’s support, you can navigate the ACCA journey effectively, gain the skills needed to thrive, and position yourself for a bright future in the industry.

FAQs

1. Can I work and prepare for ACCA at the same time?

Yes, many ACCA students balance work and studies due to ACCA’s flexible learning structure. Time management is crucial, and leveraging resources like Proschool’s online classes can help.

2. What are the key factors that affect ACCA preparation time?

Preparation time can be affected by factors like eligibility for exemptions, work commitments, study pace, and access to quality study resources.

3. How do I know if I’m ready for an ACCA exam?

You’ll know you’re ready when you feel confident in answering past papers and mock exams within the time limits. Proschool mentors can also help assess your readiness.

4. Do I need to study for ACCA full-time?

No, ACCA is designed to be flexible, allowing both full-time and part-time study. With proper planning, you can pursue ACCA alongside work or other studies.