How to become an ACCA member opens the door to a globally recognized accounting qualification that can significantly enhance your career in public accounting, corporate finance, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting your career or seeking to build on existing knowledge, the ACCA program offers a clear, structured path to success through rigorous exams, practical experience, and ethical training. The time it takes to become an ACCA member depends on factors like prior qualifications and exemptions, which can influence the overall ACCA course duration. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to become ACCA qualified and advance your career in the world of finance and accounting.
Who is an ACCA Member?
An ACCA member is a qualified professional who has completed all ACCA exams, gained practical experience, and adhered to ethical standards. ACCA members are recognized globally for their expertise in accounting and finance, opening up diverse career opportunities in various sectors.
Eligibility Criteria to Become an ACCA Member
To begin your ACCA journey, you need to meet the following ACCA eligibility criteria:
- General Requirements:
Anyone can apply regardless of age or educational background, but a strong understanding of maths, accounting, and business topics is essential. - Educational Qualifications:
- Students typically need two A-levels and three GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, such as 10+2 or high school diplomas, to qualify for the ACCA program globally.
- Students with relevant degrees or professional accounting qualifications may be eligible for exemptions.
Education Level | Eligibility |
Class 12 | Eligible for the Foundation Diploma |
BCom/MCom | Exempt from certain Knowledge Level exams |
CA (Chartered Accountant) | Exempt from 9 out of 13 exams |
ACCA Membership: The First Step
- Visit the ACCA official website to register as a student.
- Submit necessary documents like educational certificates and prior professional qualifications for ACCA exemptions (if applicable).
- Consult an expert to evaluate your eligibility for exemptions before registering.
Pathway to Becoming an ACCA Member
The ACCA program offers flexible pathways based on your background:
- Foundation in Accountancy (FIA)
For beginners with no formal qualifications in business, this route builds essential skills.
- ACCA Qualification (Strategic Professional)
This is the core route for most students and includes three levels:
- Applied Knowledge: Three exams covering Business Technology, Financial Accounting, and Management Accounting.
- Applied Skills: Six exams, including Taxation, Corporate and Business Law, and Performance Management.
- Strategic Professional: Four advanced exams, including options like Advanced Financial Management and a required module on ethics.
ACCA Exemptions for Membership
Students with prior education or qualifications can claim ACCA exemptions to fast-track their journey.
Qualification | Exemptions |
Class 12 | Exempt from the Foundational Diploma |
BCom/MCom | Exempt from Business Technology, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, and Corporate Law |
CA (Chartered Accountant) | Exempt from all Knowledge and Skill Level exams (9 papers) |
CA IPCC | Exempt from 5 exams, including Audit and Taxation |
How to Become An ACCA Member?
The process of how to become an ACCA member involves fulfilling three critical requirements: passing exams, completing an ethics module, and gaining practical experience. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
1. Pass All ACCA Exams
ACCA offers 13 exams in total, spread across three stages:
- Applied Knowledge
- Applied Skills
- Strategic Professional
These exams cover a wide range of accounting and finance topics, preparing you for a successful career. Some exams may be waived based on your previous academic qualifications, but the four Strategic Professional exams are mandatory for every aspiring ACCA student.
2. Complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module
After completing all your exams, you need to complete a mandatory 20-hour Ethics and Professional Skills Module. This online, self-paced module is designed to sharpen your professional ethics, communication, and leadership skills, preparing you for real-world challenges.
3. Finish the Practical Experience Requirement
The final step in qualifying for ACCA membership is completing the Practical Experience Requirement (PER). Here’s what you need to do:
- Achieve 36 months of relevant work experience: This must be in an accountancy or finance role that meets ACCA’s standards.
- Complete Nine Performance Objectives: These objectives demonstrate your competency in key professional areas.
- Get Your Experience Signed Off: Your experience must be verified and signed off by a supervisor who can confirm your work.
GlobalFTI, a Platinum Learning Partner for ACCA in India, emphasizes the importance of gaining practical experience at an ACCA-approved employer or a CA firm to meet the PER requirements. While they do not offer direct job assistance, their high-quality coaching and expert guidance ensure that students are well-prepared to pursue the necessary work experience.
Apply for ACCA Membership
Once you’ve completed the exams, Ethics Module, and PER, you can apply for ACCA membership via the myACCA portal:
- Log into your myACCA portal and go to the ‘My Qualification’ section on your dashboard.
- Click on ‘Apply for Membership’ and fill in the necessary details.
- Ensure that all your qualifications are recorded as complete. If any are pending, update your profile accordingly.
- Review the checklist, including updating your contact details, disclosing any legal matters, and submitting any documents if you’re engaged in public practice.
- Fill in your employment and qualification information, or skip it if needed.
- Decide what private information you want to share with ACCA members.
- Read and confirm the declaration, including your understanding of the ACCA admission fee.
- Submit your application and receive a confirmation.
ACCA Membership: Renewal and CPD Requirements
Once you become an ACCA member, you must maintain your membership status through annual renewal and Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
- Annual Membership Renewal: This involves paying an annual fee (£134 or INR 13,800 in 2024) to retain your status.
- CPD (Continuing Professional Development): ACCA members must complete 40 units of CPD annually, with at least 21 units from structured learning. CPD activities include attending workshops, webinars, reading relevant articles, or taking formal courses.
The CPD requirement ensures that ACCA members remain updated on industry trends and standards, further enhancing their skills and professional credibility.
Benefits of Becoming an ACCA Member
ACCA membership offers significant advantages, but these can vary based on your location.
ACCA in India
- High Demand in MNCs: Many multinational companies in India seek ACCA professionals for accounting, finance, and auditing roles.With the increasing presence of global firms in Bangalore, there are numerous ACCA jobs in Bangalore available for skilled professionals.
- Cost Advantage: Pursuing ACCA in India is relatively affordable, with total costs between INR 2 to 3 lakhs.
- Diverse Opportunities: ACCA members in India can work across multiple sectors, including consulting, auditing, and finance, even in tech firms needing financial expertise.
ACCA in the UK and Europe
- Higher Salary Packages: In the UK, salaries for ACCA members range from £30,000 to £50,000 per year, depending on experience.
- Tax-Free Income: Countries like the UAE offer tax-free income, which is an attractive benefit for ACCA members in the Middle East.
- Global Mobility: ACCA members can easily transition to international roles due to the global recognition of the qualification.
ACCA in the Middle East
- Tax-Free Income: In the UAE and other regions, ACCA professionals enjoy tax-free salaries.
- Growing Financial Sector: The demand for ACCA professionals is high in sectors like banking, consulting, and oil & gas.
- Diverse Expat Community: The Middle East offers rich networking opportunities due to its expat-driven workforce.
ACCA Membership: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Delaying PER: Gain work experience early to avoid last-minute rush.
- Not Completing EPSM on Time: Finish the ethics module soon after exams.
- Not Documenting Work Experience: Keep a record of experience for timely verification.
- Missing Application Deadlines: Regularly check the myACCA portal for deadlines.
Want to become an ACCA member? GlobalFTI offers expert coaching, personalized learning, and flexible study plans to help you excel in ACCA exams and advance your career in finance.
Understanding how to become an ACCA member is the first step toward a successful career in accounting and finance. Once you complete the required exams and practical experience, you can also aim to become an ACCA affiliate before advancing to full membership. With dedication and the right resources, you can confidently navigate this path and unlock global opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
On average, completing the ACCA qualification takes 3-4 years, including exams and the 36-month Practical Experience Requirement (PER). The duration varies based on prior qualifications and exemptions.
Yes, 36 months of relevant work experience is required. You can gain this experience before, during, or after exams, as long as it’s verified by a qualified employer and logged through ACCA’s MyExperience tool.
Yes! ACCA offers flexible study options, including part-time classes, online courses, and self-paced learning, allowing you to work full-time while studying.
After passing exams, completing the Ethics Module, and fulfilling the PER, apply for membership on the ACCA website to gain the “ACCA” designation.
Visit the ACCA website to register. Submit academic certificates and check for exemptions based on your prior qualifications. Consult an expert for exemption guidance.