The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a global accounting and finance qualification. So, if you are a graduate and contemplating ACCA, the first thing one has to know is the time frame of the course and the factors which affect the same.
Table of Contents
In this blog, we will be covering:
- The structure of ACCA course
- Duration after graduation
- Exemptions available
- Factors affecting course completion time
- Study with these strategies to make the process faster
Understanding the ACCA Course Structure
The ACCA qualification consists of three levels and an Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM):
- Applied Knowledge Level (3 papers)
- Applied Skills Level (6 papers)
- Strategic Professional Level (4 papers)
In total, there are 13 exams that students must clear to become an ACCA member. Additionally, ACCA requires candidates to complete 36 months of relevant work experience to qualify for full membership.
Get More Details Face to Face ACCA Classes in Pune & ACCA Online Classes
ACCA Course Duration After Graduation
1. General Course Duration
For graduates, the ACCA course duration typically ranges between 1.5 to 3 years, depending on exemptions and the number of exams attempted per session. Since ACCA conducts exams four times a year (March, June, September, and December), students can plan their studies flexibly.
2. Exemptions for Graduates
Graduates in commerce, accounting, or related fields are eligible for exemptions from certain papers, reducing their study duration.
| Qualification | Exempted Papers | Remaining Papers |
| B. Com (Bachelor of Commerce) | Up to 5 papers (Applied Knowledge & a few from Applied Skills) | 8-9 papers |
| M.Com (Master of Commerce) | Up to 6 papers | 7-8 papers |
| CA Inter | Up to 6 papers | 7-8 papers |
| CA Final | Up to 9 papers | 4 papers |
| MBA (Finance) | Up to 5-6 papers | 7-8 papers |
If you have a background in finance or accounting, you should check the official ACCA Exemptions Calculator to know your exact exemptions.
3. Fast-Track Route for CA & Other Professionals
Qualified CAs, CMAs, and CPAs receive maximum exemptions and can complete ACCA in 6-12 months by appearing for only the remaining Strategic Professional level papers.
How Long Does It Take to Complete the ACCA?
For a graduate, there are several factors that decide how fast he can complete the ACCA qualification:
- Number of Papers Attempted Per Exam Session
Up to 4 papers may be attempted in an ACCA session. Anyways, most of the students would rather take 1-2 papers in a session to balance studies and work.
- Aggressive approach: 3-4 papers per session → Completion in 1.5 years
- Moderate approach: 2 papers per session → Completion in 2 years
- Relaxed approach: 1 paper per session → Completion in 3+ years
- Study Modes: Self-Study Vs. Coaching
- Self-Study: Perfect for students who already know a significant amount of accounting and are self-disciplined. If the underlying concepts are not clear, it may take longer.
- Coaching or Online Classes: Accelerates learning with structured lessons, mentorship, and professional assistance.
- Work Experience Requirement
Once students finish their exams, they still need to acquire 36 months of relevant work experience before becoming an ACCA member. Most finish their experience with the tests to avoid prolonging the process.
- Time Spent on EPSM
Complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module EPSM (Mandatory, approx. 15-20 hours). When you complete it sooner it enhances your exam results.
Is ACCA Worth Doing After Graduation?
- Global Recognition
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is approved in more than 180 countries worldwide, the most popular ones include the UK, UAE, Canada, Australia, and Singapore. It offers worldwide employment in auditing, finance, and taxation.
- Scope of Salary and Career Growth
ACCA members are employed by top firms such as Big 4 (PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG), banks, MNCs, etc. ACCA professionals in India with average salaries range from ₹6-12 LPA, which is between 4.8 to 9.5 lakhs and gradually increases with experience.
- Flexibility & Work-Life Balance
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is a step above CA or CPA as ACCA lets you take the tests at your own schedule and entitles students to work as they can balance well during their graduation.
Final Thoughts
In the case of graduates, the duration of the ACCA course is between 1.5 to 3 years based on exemptions, the number of attempts made in one session, and mode of study. If you put together a great plan, stay disciplined, and work with the right tools, you can pass ACCA in no time and fine-tune your career within finance and accounting.
Get international opportunities if you are a graduate with ACCA and ensure a global career!
FAQs on ACCA Course Duration After Graduation
- Duration of ACCA after Graduation
Its duration is between 1.5 to 3 years, which again depends on exemption, pace of study, and number of passed exams in each session.
- How many exemptions can a graduate obtain from ACCA?
Graduates in finance and commerce-related fields (B. Com, M. Com, CA Inter, MBA) are eligible to receive up to 6 exemptions depending on their qualification.
- Is ACCA possible to finish in one year?
Yes, when you are entitled to max exemptions and you take 4 exams in a session; the time frame to complete it within 12−18 months is very possible.
- Can ACCA be tough to crack after graduation?
What is the expectation of ACCA and can it be handled? It involves studying consistently, practicing past papers, and grasping core financial concepts.
- Is work experience necessary to complete ACCA?
You need to have 36 months of relevant work experience in addition to passing all exams in order to qualify as a full ACCA member.
Get More Details Face to Face ACCA Classes in Pune & ACCA Online Classes
