For everyone who dreams to pursue the ACCA qualification, ACCA eligibility is the first concern that arises. ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is an accounting qualification that is known worldwide and, as such, creates a lot of room for working in many companies focusing on finance and business. All those who wish to become members of ACCA must meet some academic and professional requirements. This article answers the common questions when it comes to ACCA eligibility in terms of age and education, how long is the ACCA program.
What is ACCA?
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is one of the world’s prominent accounting organizations, which offers a highly regarded qualification to individuals looking into professional careers in economics, accounting, and business-orientated strategies. Founded in 1904, with its main office in the fourth largest city in the United Kingdom, ACCA certifies individuals in more than 180 countries. The ACCA training prepares candidates in skills that range from auditing, taxation, financial management, and business law, thereby allowing them to operate in various industries.
Key Features of ACCA:
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- Universal Acceptance: Employers across the globe recognize ACCA certification.
- Multiple Career Choices: One can be an accountant, auditor, chief financial officer, or even a consultant, for that matter.
- Free Time Learning System: ACCA enables participants to finish the program at their speed with the help of online and physical class attendance.
- Ethics Oriented: The coursework insists on ethical behavior, meaning that the aspirants transform their attitudes into strong professional beliefs.
The ACCA qualification appeals to many students and workers, as well as career changers to finance due to its adaptability and global relevance. Nevertheless, applicants have to satisfy the ACCA registration requirements before they can apply.
ACCA Eligibility
To attain the ACCA qualification, there are certain educational and age requirements that candidates must meet. This can apply to a high school student, a graduate, or even a working professional. ACCA has different entry points that are sensitive to your status. Below are the eligibility requirements in detail.
Basic ACCA Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum Age Requirement: It is a must for the candidates to be 16+, in other words, old enough to apply.
- For ACCA qualifications after 12: The candidates should have attempted and passed at least 5 subjects inclusive of 65% in both English and Mathematics and an overall of 50% above, to be eligible.
- Graduate Degree Holders: Graduates in business, finance, or any of the relevant fields are qualified to apply straight away usually without sitting for some exams.
ACCA Eligibility in India
- For Indian students, it is mandatory to complete the 10+2 examinations with a minimum score of 65% in either Mathematics or Accounts, English, and an average of 50% in all five subjects.
- Professional qualifications such as CA, i.e., Chartered Accountancy also qualify students to pursue ACCA with extra exemptions.
- In case the basic 10+2 criteria are not met, one may opt for the Foundation in Accountancy (FIA), which also leads to ACCA.
ACCA Salary
There is good earning potential associated with the ACCA qualification with pay differing from one person to another depending on the geographical location, level of experience and even the job title. Here below is a comprehensive discussion of the salaries associated with ACCA.
Global ACCA Salary Range
- Entry-Level Professionals: $30,000 – $45,000 per year
- Mid-Level Professionals: $50,000 – $70,000 per year
- Senior Roles (CFO/Finance Director): $100,000+ annually
ACCA Salary in India
- Freshers with ACCA: ₹6 – ₹8 lakh per annum
- Mid-Level Professionals: ₹10 – ₹20 lakh per annum
- Senior-Level Professionals: ₹30 lakh or more annually
The nature of the industry, geography, and other competencies play a role in determining the salary that one earns with a qualified ACCA professional. Indeed, demand eases for qualified ACCA who are even more present in the financial centers like the UK, UAE, and India with banks, consulting, or auditing services offering some of the premier pay structures imaginable.
ACCA Exemption
The ACCA program avails students discounts on their tuition fees based on their previous academic and professional credentials. This enables the candidates to bypass some tests and hence cut down the duration needed to qualify.
Who Can Get ACCA Exemptions?
- Commerce Graduates: Up to 4 papers exempted in the Knowledge module.
- Chartered Accountants (CA): Up to 9 exemptions are available for qualified CAs.
- MBA Holders: Depending on the specialization, MBA holders may receive exemptions in certain financial or business modules.
How to Apply for Exemptions?
When applying for ACCA, candidates must attach appropriate educational documents. The official site of ACCA offers a Degree Exemption Calculator to enable users to check if they are eligible.
| Qualification | Exemptions Granted |
| Commerce Graduate (B.Com) | 4 papers (Knowledge Module) |
| Chartered Accountant (CA) | Up to 9 papers |
| MBA (Finance Specialization) | 2-4 papers |
Exemptions speed up the completion of ACCA, saving time and effort for qualified candidates.
ACCA Duration
The ACCA certification is flexible in the sense that candidates can decide the pace at which they want to complete it with the complete syllabus. Nonetheless, the average time taken to complete the program is based on the student’s prior knowledge and the total exemptions granted.
Standard ACCA Duration
- Without Exemptions: 3 to 4 years on average
- With Exemptions: 1.5 to 2 years, depending on the number of exempt papers.
Exam Structure & Timeline:
- 13 exams are divided across three levels:
- Knowledge Level (3 papers)
- Skill Level (6 papers)
- Professional Level (4 papers)
- Students can attempt up to four exams per session and complete a minimum of one level per year if pursued consistently.
- ACCA exams are held four times a year—March, June, September, and December.
Enrolling in a part-time study program while employed tends to extend one’s chances of completing the program. ACCA has a modular system that allows students to incorporate their studies without disrupting their work or other commitments.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the pursuit of the ACCA qualification is worthwhile owing to the recognition, prestige, and career prospects its holders enjoy across the globe. The ACCA eligibility requirements are designed such that aspiring applicants, be they secondary school leavers or employed individuals, are adequately ready to begin the process. Given the enticing ACCA salaries, the short period of the program, and the chance to be granted exemptions from some subjects, this certification is perfect for people seeking jobs in finance and accounting. It does not matter if you are a complete novice or possess some previous qualifications; the ACCA has you covered in the export market.
