How to Pass ACCA in your First Attempt
Last Update On 20th January 2025
Duration: 6 Mins Read
The ACCA course offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is a globally recognised qualification in the field of accounting and finance. This course, offered by the ACCA body in the UK, will allow you to work as an accounting professional, not only in India but also in countries like the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, and the UAE.
The ACCA exam consists of 13 papers in total that are split into 3 levels:Â
- Knowledge Level – 3 papers
- Skill Level – 6 papers
- Professional Level – 4 papers
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While it is possible to claim exemptions from some of the Knowledge Level and Skill level papers depending on your current academic qualifications, if you do not match the requirement, you will have to attempt all of the ACCA 13 papers.Â
Here are some tips and tricks that will help you clear your exams on the first attempt.
1. Make a Detailed Study Plan
The first step in achieving any long-term goal is to make a realistic plan for it. If you fail to plan, then you ultimately plan to fail. So the first thing you need to do when you start preparing for your ACCA exams is to take a look at the syllabus and exam structure. Then, determine how much time you would need to prepare for each topic. Mapping out your weeks or days and allotting a specific amount of time to each subject will help you stay organised and on track with your preparation. It might also help to keep a checklist of all the topics that you can tick off as you finish studying them.
2. Start Your Preparation Early
It is important to leave plenty of time for revision when taking the ACCA exams. If you plan to clear the ACCA papers in your first attempt, it is important to not rush into things and allocate a lot of time for preparation. Moreover, after finishing each exam, start preparing for the next one soon afterwards instead of waiting for the results to be announced.
3. Enrol in a Coaching Class
This method will save a lot of time that would otherwise go into understanding concepts on your own and having no one to clear your doubts. Enrolling with a coaching provider, preferably a Platinum Approved Learning Partner of ACCA, will help ensure that your concepts are clear and you have the latest updates about all of your exams. Such ACCA coaching providers as Zell Education also feature ACCA-Qualified faculty members who bring a lot of industrial experience to the table and help you learn the concepts through realistic case studies.
4. Improve your Time Management
Managing your time is a crucial skill that needs to be learnt if you plan to clear your ACCA exam in one attempt. You need to be able to manage your time such that you can accurately answer all the questions you know and still have enough time to attempt every question on the paper. This can be achieved by regularly timing yourself when you solve questions and practice using mock exams. The goal of incorporating timed tests into your routine is to help you get comfortable with the ticking clock and increase your speed of response.
5. Solve a lot of Mock Exams and Practice Tests
This suggestion is in line with the previous point. Solving mock exams and practice tests will help you get acquainted with the style of questions that are asked. It will help your time management skills and will also help you figure out the topics that you aren’t strong in. Another great technique is to attempt MCQ tests of a topic after you are done preparing for that topic. This method helps in improving your recalling ability and also informs you of the topics that need more attention.
6. Take a Look at Examiner Reports
Examiner Reports are some common mistakes and problems faced by students as observed by the examiners. These reports are available on the ACCA Global website and are updated after every exam sitting. There are also examiner approach interviews available on the website that offer insights on what kind of answers the examiners are looking for and on the syllabus areas to focus on.
7. Make Summaries and Mind Maps of the Topics
When you are studying a particular topic, creating short summaries or recaps of each topic will be immensely helpful when you are revising the topic. You can also create mind maps to have a visual representation of each topic.
8. Consistency is Key
The most important factor that helps keep the concepts fresh in your mind and prevents you from falling behind in your studies is remaining consistent. Putting in the effort every single day will keep you in the right mindset before the exam and will combat any tendency to procrastinate.
9. Use ACCA Approved Study Materials
The final thing that will make a big difference in your ACCA preparation is the kind of study material you use. If you have not enrolled in any coaching class for ACCA, make sure you get ACCA-approved study materials. This is where coaching classes like Zell Education help because they provide all the necessary study materials in addition to mentorship, placement assistance, and also exemption fee waivers if you are eligible.
10. Take Care of your Personal Well Being
Students often get so engrossed in their studies when preparing for professional exams like ACCA that they tend to neglect their health and well-being. Make sure you get enough sleep and are keeping healthy throughout your preparation time to be in good condition when the exam date arrives. Taking care of your body is extremely important because nobody wants all your efforts to go to waste.
11. Focus on Understanding, Not Just Memorising
Rote memorisation might help in the short term, but understanding concepts deeply will enable you to apply your knowledge effectively in exams and real-world scenarios. Instead of just memorising formulas and definitions, try to grasp the logic behind them. Use practical examples, case studies, and real-life applications to solidify your understanding of key ACCA concepts.
12. Take Regular Breaks
Studying for long hours without breaks can lead to mental fatigue and burnout. To maximise productivity, use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (study for 25-50 minutes, then take a 5-10 minute break). Short breaks help refresh your mind, improve concentration, and enhance retention. Go for a walk, listen to music, or do some stretching exercises to recharge before getting back to studying.
13. Teach the Material to Someone Else
One of the best ways to reinforce your understanding is to teach what you’ve learnt to someone else. This could be a friend, family member, or even an online study group. Explaining concepts in simple terms not only strengthens your knowledge but also highlights any gaps in your understanding, allowing you to revise more effectively.
14. Focus on Weak Areas
It’s natural to feel more confident in some topics than others, but don’t ignore your weaker areas. Identify subjects or concepts where you struggle and dedicate extra time to mastering them. Revision guides, online courses, and tutor support are also used to clarify doubts and strengthen weaker subjects before the exam.
15. Make a study group
Sometimes, studying by yourself is depressing and boring. However, through study groups, you get the opportunity to discuss a hard topic before your peers. You share the ideas, see the perspectives, and learn and get responsible for your progress while learning.
16. Keep Healthy and Manage Stress
Exam stress cannot be avoided, but proper management makes all the difference. Engage in stress-busting activities, such as yoga and meditation, some form of physical exercise, or deep-breathing exercises. Do not rely on last-minute cramming but instead have an organised study routine. Keeping positivity, maintaining balance, and believing you are prepared would help you be calm and collected on the examination day.
The ACCA qualification is recognized in over 180 countries including Canada, Singapore, and Australia. If you’ve made the decision to become a global CA and are contemplating your next move, we can help you take a step forward. Check out our Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) course to learn more.
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FAQs on How to Pass ACCA in Your First Attempt
What are the eligibility criteria for ACCA?
The eligibility criteria for ACCA is that you need to pass your class 12.
In which countries is ACCA recognised?
ACCA is recognised in over 180 countries across the world, including the UK, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, and the UAE.
In which companies can you work after ACCA?
After ACCA, you will have the opportunity to work for some of the most reputed accounting and finance firms in the world, such as the Big 4 (KPMG, Deloitte, PwC, and EY), Grant Thornton, and BDO.
What is the pass mark for ACCA?
The pass mark for ACCA exams is 50%. To pass, candidates must score at least 50 out of 100 on each exam paper.
Is ACCA easy to pass?
ACCA is challenging but manageable with proper preparation. The Applied Knowledge level is easier, while the Strategic Professional level requires deeper understanding and application.
