The ACCA course duration ranges from 6 months to 3 years, depending on your entry level and qualifications. For students starting after Class 12, it takes 2.5 to 3 years, while graduates and CA-qualified candidates can complete it faster with exemptions.
As a globally recognized certification, the ACCA qualification offers vast opportunities in accounting and finance, with flexible study options, practical learning, and international recognition—making it the ideal choice for aspiring finance professionals.
What is ACCA?
The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a globally recognized accounting certification, with over 200,000 members and 600,000 students in 180+ countries. With flexible study options, the ACCA course duration varies depending on prior qualifications, providing rewarding career opportunities in accounting, finance, and management. ACCA is built on values of opportunity, diversity, and integrity.
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ACCA Course Duration and Exam Levels
Levels | Exams | Duration |
Knowledge Level |
| 6 - 9 months |
Skill Level |
| 12 - 18 months |
Professional Level |
Optional Subjects in the Professional Level (2 exams Mandatory)
| 12 - 18 months |
ACCA Course Duration
The ACCA course duration varies based on your entry point and prior qualifications. On average, the course can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, provided you clear the exams on your first attempt. The exact duration depends on the stage at which you begin the course and the exemptions you are eligible for, such as after completing 12th grade, graduation, or each stage of CA exams.
ACCA Course Duration After 12th Grade
After completing your 12th-grade education, you will be required to take all 13 exams in the ACCA curriculum. No exemptions are granted at this stage.
- Duration: Typically, 2.5 to 3 years to complete all exams.
- Eligibility: You must have a minimum 65% in Mathematics or Accounts and 50% in other subjects.
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ACCA Course Duration After Graduation
Graduates of commerce-related degrees benefit from exemptions for up to 4 papers from the ACCA curriculum, reducing the total duration of the course.
- Exempted Papers:
- Business & Technology
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Corporate & Business Law
- Duration: Typically, 2 to 2.5 years.
ACCA Course Duration After CA Foundation
After clearing the CA Foundation (CPT) exam and graduation, there are no exemptions available at the Foundation level. However, once graduation is completed, the following exemptions are applicable:
- Exempted Papers: Business & Technology, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Corporate & Business Law.
- Duration: Typically, 2 to 2.5 years.
ACCA Course Duration After CA Intermediate (IPCC)
Candidates who have cleared the CA Intermediate (IPCC) exam are eligible for exemptions from 5 ACCA papers, significantly reducing the duration of the course.
- Exempted Papers:
- Business & Technology
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Audit & Assurance
- Taxation
- Duration: Typically, 1.5 to 2 years with focused preparation.
ACCA Course Duration After CA Final
For candidates who have completed the CA Final exam, the exemptions are substantial. With 9 exemptions granted, the remaining exams can be completed in a much shorter duration.
- Exempted Papers:
- Business & Technology
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Audit & Assurance
- Performance Management
- Taxation
- Corporate & Business Law
- Financial Reporting
- Financial Management
- Duration: Typically, 1 to 1.5 years.
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ACCA Course Duration: Key Requirements
To successfully complete the ACCA qualification, candidates must meet three key requirements:
- Pass all ACCA exams.
- Complete the Ethics and Professional Skills module.
- Achieve relevant Practical Experience (PER).
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Benefits of ACCA Qualification

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The ACCA qualification offers excellent career opportunities in finance and accounting, with global recognition and flexible study options. By understanding the course duration and requirements, you can effectively plan your path to success in this prestigious qualification.
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To know more on the ACCA course duration, visit the official ACCA website here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While ACCA members do not have signatory authority in India, they are highly valued in major corporations and are recognized worldwide in countries like the UK, Canada, Singapore, Dubai, and Australia.
The ACCA exams are divided into three levels:
Applied Knowledge: 3 exams
Applied Skills: 6 exams
Strategic Professional: 4 exams
On average, it takes 3-4 years to complete the ACCA qualification, depending on your prior education and exemptions.
Yes, ACCA is recognized in over 180 countries, making it a highly sought-after qualification for global career opportunities in accounting and finance.
As ACCA is globally recognized it is considered above CA. CA deals with India Accounting, finance and taxation systems which makes it great fit for India but not ideal for someone who wants to settle abroad.
ACCA is one of the top professional qualifications, offering vast career opportunities in areas like finance, auditing, taxation, and management. It provides global recognition and mobility, making it an excellent choice for a career in accounting.