What is the ACCA Course Eligibility Criteria?

Have you ever wondered how an international finance qualification could supercharge your career? ACCA is, in reality, the Swiss Army Knife of accounting certifications: versatile, respected, and internationally known. 

Whether you are just out of school or wish to switch careers, there is a pathway into ACCA that relates to your background and enables you to pursue this esteemed certification. Let’s get down to the essential details you should know before embarking on your ACCA journey.

Why Choose ACCA?

The ACCA will be your golden ticket if you are thinking about having a career in accounting or finance. Here’s why:

Global Recognition: ACCA is recognised in more than 180 countries, so it’s a passport to a global career. Whether you want your career in New York or Mumbai, the ACCA qualification lets you enjoy worldwide recognition.

Well-Articulated Syllabus: An ACCA course subjects range from basic accounting to high-level management and leadership practices in business. It prepares you for the diverse challenges that you might face in the global finance sector.

Career Flexibility: The accounting field is not only about the use of arithmetic and numbers but opens up a wide spectrum of careers, ranging from management accounting to auditing, consultancy, and advisory. It shows that the skills developed are transferable across many business sectors and industries.

High Earning Ability: There is a great demand for professionals who pass the ACCA exam. They command competitive salaries, and thus, their career growth is wonderful. It shows you as a highly employable candidate.

Pathway to Leadership: ACCA qualification instils strategic and leadership skills in these people, hence making them ready for senior management roles. It is not all about technical knowledge; it’s about leading teams and making decisions.

Flexible Study Options: ACCA offers flexible, varied study options that include full-time and part-time courses, online classes, and face-to-face classes. This allows students to balance their studies with their work and personal commitments.

Support and Resources: ACCA offers a great deal of resources and support to the program with study materials, online forums, and professional development opportunities. You’ll never be alone when pursuing ACCA with its active support network to help you throughout its curriculum.

ACCA Course Eligibility

ACCA course eligibility differs depending on your previous qualifications and experience, we have mentioned some of the eligibility criteria below: 

ACCA Course Eligibility After 10th

For those students who want to take the ACCA after the 10th, another level called Foundation in Accountancy is available. It is designed for students with no background in accountancy and for students who want to start pursuing ACCA after 10th. Students who do not enter via the FIA route will study three ACCA levels: Knowledge Level, Skills Level, and Professional Level, which comprise a total of 13 exams. The Foundation in Accountancy comprises: 

• Certified Accounting Technicians (CAT)
• ACCA Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting (RQF Level 2)
• ACCA Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting (RQF Level 3)
• ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business (RQF Level 4)

ACCA Course Eligibility After 12th

For ACCA after higher secondary education, a candidate should have attained at least 18 years of age. They should have secured at least 65% in either Mathematics or Accounting and English, and an aggregate of 50% in other papers.

ACCA Course Eligibility After Graduation

Students who have taken up commerce at their higher secondary level are eligible to sit for the ACCA exams. Students having a BA/B.Sc. degree from a known university may also pursue ACCA. However, they have to complete the ACCA Foundation diploma as a prerequisite. ACCA course duration after graduation varies between 2 to 3 years.

ACCA Course Eligibility After CA

Indian Chartered Accountants (CAs) can receive up to 9 exemptions from ACCA 13 papers. It provides a direct entry route for Indian CAs to the professional level with just 4 remaining papers to be qualified.

Post IPCC Group 1 internships of CAs can be counted with ACCA’s practical experience. Though CA is believed to have lower pass rates, the pass rate of the ACCA falls within 40-50%, providing the opportunity for everybody.

Candidates are recommended to check the latest eligibility criteria for the 2025 exams on the official website of ACCA. 

Age Criteria: Minimum Limit and Maximum Limit

Students should not be less than 16 years of age for admission to the ACCA Foundation diploma. There is no maximum age limit for pursuing the ACCA certification.

ACCA Course Duration

ACCA course duration varies between 2 to 4 years, depending on the exemptions awarded from prior qualifications, the study pace, and the personal commitments of the candidate. If one is to study part-time and has not been awarded any exemptions, he or she will typically take 3 to 4 years. For the full-time student or the student with prior qualifications that exempt them from some exams of the study, the study period will be shorter.

ACCA Enrolment Procedure:

Once you confirm your eligibility, then the enrollment process of ACCA awaits you. In this process, there are steps to ensure enrollment into the course is easy and efficient. First, one becomes a student with ACCA through registration by filling out an online form. In addition to the form, there are educational certificates, identification proof, and passport-size photos supporting documents you will be requested to submit. On top of that, there will be a registration fee and an annual subscription fee to be paid for the completion of your registration process.

ACCA Admission Process for 2025

The following step-by-step instructions will help you in your ACCA admission process for 2025: 

The following step-by-step instructions will help you in your ACCA admission process for 2025: 

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Applying after 12th, with 65% in English, Math or Accounts, and 50% in the remaining subjects (above 18+). ACCA has direct applications for commerce graduates and avails exemptions based on their degrees. If one does not have an accountancy background, he/she can start with the ACCA Foundation after the 10th grade.

Step 2: Register Online

Register with ACCA, fill out the form in detail, provide academic documents and ID, and then it enables you to review your information before finally applying. Submit the form and complete your registration by paying the registration fees.

Step 3: Pay the Registration Fee

Once you are done with the application, you will have to pay the registration fee when you submit it. The fees might vary, so always check the most updated ACCA 2025 fee guide for accurate information. There are diverse payment methods online.

Step 4: Wait for the Confirmation from ACCA

Once you have submitted an application along with payment, your details get processed by ACCA. You will be provided with the confirmation email along with a MyACCA login giving further instructions.

Step 5: Organisation of Exams and Initiation of Study Plans

After registration, you can now begin preparing for the ACCA exams. ACCA examinations are conducted four times a year, so you can sit the exams at any time that is convenient for you. ACCA has also provided flexible arrangements to meet self-study as well as supported learning through approved learning providers.

ACCA Qualification:

The ACCA Qualification is well accepted globally and rewards the intended accountant with a fully developed range of knowledge, skills, and competencies in the accounting and finance sector. The qualification is split into three levels: Knowledge level, Skills level, and Professional level.

Each of the levels of qualification has certain modules and exams that will test your understanding and competence in topics ranging from financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, audit, and business strategy.

Apart from the academic modules, you are also required to complete the PER. PER is designed to give you practical exposure to relevant accounting roles. This practical exposure is an integral part of the ACCA qualification, ensuring that you gain both the professional competencies and skills required to deliver in real accounting settings.

To know more about the ACCA qualification, read our blog on What is ACCA? Course Details, Fees, Syllabus & Eligibility Criteria.

ACCA Levels and Exams 

1. Applied Knowledge:

Business Technology (BT): Dealing with technology problems and their various implications on business.

Management Accounting (MA): Learning cost accounting techniques for decision-making in business.

Financial Accounting (FA): Essential concepts of financial accounting are explained to a student.

2. Applied Skills:

Corporate and Business Law (LW): General legal principles that relate to business and form part of contract and company law.

Performance Management (PM): Techniques of measurement and control of performance within organizations.

Financial Management (FM): Focuses on the principles of financial management including investment and risk management.

Financial Reporting (FR): Discusses the preparation of financial statements and the International Accounting Standards governing the preparation. 

Audit and Assurance (AA): Focuses on the principles and practices involved in the auditing and assurance services.

Business Technology and Management (BTM): Application of technology in the management of business.

3. Strategic Professional:

Strategic Business Leadership (SBL): Combining skills of strategic management and leadership with practical application.

Strategic Business Reporting (SBR): For advanced financial reporting and analysis which may include complex accounting standards.

Choose any 2 out of the following – 

Advanced Management (AM): For strategic management techniques and decision-making processes.

Advanced Audit (AA): For advanced audit principles and practices.

Advanced Financial Management (AFM): For advanced concepts and techniques of financial management.

Advanced Performance Management (APM): It deals with the strategic management of performance and control frameworks.

Salary of an ACCA in India

In India, an ACCA professional can earn an annual starting salary of up to ₹12 lakhs. Again, this is an approximate figure that could depend on several factors, including experience, job role, and organizational size. ACCA professionals are, therefore, able to enjoy higher salaries with experience and expertise. The salary will rise exorbitantly with experience in the industry.

Career Scope of ACCA 

1. Financial Accountant: Maintaining financial records and reports and applying accounting standards to ensure the same. A financial accountant is an important professional in any organization, as he records the actual financial status of the firm. The financial accountants also give valuable insights on financial performance, apart from assisting in internal controls against discrepancies in financial records.

2. Management Accountant: Highlight the aspects of budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis to contribute toward decision-making on strategy. This role is about offering insights that improve the efficiency of the business. Most management accountants work with the senior management involved in developing financial strategies and assessing cost-saving opportunities.

3. Audit and Assurance Professional: The professional conducts audits of financial statements that may express opinions on them and the need for compliance with regulations. This role is vital because it ensures transparency and confidence in financial reporting. Audit professionals also identify areas of risk and recommend improvements to internal controls and financial processes.

4. Tax Advisor: Specialize in tax planning, compliance, and advisory services. The individual holding the position shall assist the company in achieving optimum outcomes for the clients on matters of tax planning and fulfilling all legal requirements regarding tax obligations. Additionally, tax advisors stay updated on taxes and constantly strive to ensure timely and precise advice is given out while maximizing the utilization of incentives available.

5. Financial Consultant: Offer strategic financial advice and solutions to businesses and individuals. This role involves analyzing financial data to guide investment decisions and business growth. Financial consultants also help clients navigate complex financial scenarios and develop long-term strategies for financial success.

6. Forensic Accountant: Investigate financial discrepancies and fraud to provide evidence for legal proceedings. This role involves analyzing financial data to uncover fraud, financial misconduct, and other financial crimes and often works closely with law enforcement agencies.

7. Treasurer Corporate: Arrange the financial assets of an organization regarding investments, cash flow, and risk management. In short, this profession is supposed to ensure that an organization’s financial resources are put to effective use and the financial risk is minimized with adequate strategies of treasury management.

Conclusion:

Knowing the ACCA eligibility criteria and course guidelines form the first steps toward building your career in accounting and finance. Whatever your background is, be it from high school directly or as a fresh graduate to professionally experienced, ACCA provides flexible routes that suit various diverse educational backgrounds and career goals. Meeting the different entry requirements both in age and with a requisite academic qualification will put you on better ground to earn this global qualification opportunity. So take the leap, check the requirements, and set yourself up for a successful and dynamic career with ACCA!

FAQ’s on ACCA Eligibility Criteria 

Is a 12th-grade pass student eligible to take ACCA exams?

Yes, a student who has finished their 12th-grade exam can take ACCA exams if they are above 18 years of age. They should have at least secured 65% in Mathematics or Accounting and English and an aggregate of 50% in other subjects.

Can I do ACCA after the 10th?

Yeah, you can do ACCA after the 10th standard. A student can start the ACCA course at the foundation level called Foundation in Accountancy, which has been designed for students who have no prior experience or knowledge of accountancy. Once you are through with your foundation level, you will be able to continue with the main qualification of ACCA.

What is the duration of the ACCA course?

The minimum or maximum duration for the ACCA course is 2 to 4 years. This will, however, depend on one’s qualifications in the past, speed of study, and personal engagement. Most full-time students are observed completing it in a period of 3 to 4 years, while part-time may take even longer.

Partham Barot is an ACCA-certified professional. showcasing his expertise in finance and accountancy. he’s revolutionising education by focusing on practical, real-world skills. Partham’s achievements underscore his commitment to elevating educational standards and empowering the next generation of professionals.