How to get started with ACCA
If you’re looking for ways to progress your accountancy career, it’s worth considering the ACCA qualification.
From entry requirements to course modules, here’s everything you need to know about getting started with ACCA.
What is ACCA?
To kick things off, here’s a quick recap of ACCA:
ACCA, also known as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, is a leading international accountancy body. Boasting over 230,000 qualified members, the ACCA qualification is one of the most popular and desirable accountancy certifications in the world.
The ACCA qualification is split into four courses that cater for beginners, novices and seasoned accounting professionals. Each course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to become a qualified accounting professional.
ACCA Diploma in Accounting & Business (Foundations Level)
The Diploma in Accounting & Business is the first course in the ACCA qualification. It’s an introductory course that covers the basics of accounting, making it the perfect starting point for those who are new to the industry.
The Diploma in Accounting and Business course is comprised of three modules – Business and Technology, Management Accounting and Financial Accounting. Each module is assessed with a two hour online exam, you’ll need to score 50% or higher to pass the course.
You don’t need any previous experience or qualifications to study the Diploma in Accounting & Business course. But basic English, maths and IT skills, as well as an eagerness to learn, will certainly help to set you up for success.
ACCA Applied Knowledge
The Applied Knowledge course will help you build the foundations for a successful career in accounting and finance. Throughout the course, you’ll become familiar with essential finance, business and management techniques.
The course is made up of three mandatory subjects – Business and Technology, Management Accounting and Financial Accounting. To pass this course you’ll have to score at least 50% in all three online exams.
If you’re qualified to University entrance level (five GCSEs and two A-Levels, including English and maths), you can start with the Applied Knowledge course. However, you may be able to skip this level if you meet ACCA’s exemption criteria.
ACCA Applied Skills
The Applied Skills course takes your accounting knowledge one step further. In this course, you’ll develop the theoretical and practical skills required to become a strategic accountant.
Applied Skills is split into six modules – Corporate and Business Law, Performance Management, Taxation, Financial Reporting, Audit and Assurance and Financial Management. To pass this course you’ll need to score 50% or higher in each online exam, and you’ll also have to complete the compulsory Ethics and Professional Skills module.
To study the Applied Skills course you must have completed either the Foundation Diploma, the Applied Knowledge course or the final level of the AAT qualification. However, before getting started, we recommend that you take a look at ACCA’s exemption criteria as you may be able to skip this level.
ACCA Strategic Professional
Strategic Professional is the final course in the qualification. The course provides a comprehensive overview of accounting in a business environment and will help to further develop your practical accounting skills.
There are two compulsory modules in this course, and you’ll also be asked to select two additional topics. To set yourself up for success, we recommend that you select two modules that align with your long-term career aspirations. As with the previous levels, this course is also graded through a series of online exams.
As you would expect, to study the Strategic Professional course you must have completed the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills courses.
Get started today
Whether you’re new to the world of accounting or a seasoned professional, our ACCA courses cater for a wide range of experience, knowledge and skill levels. Take a look at our full course range to find the perfect starting point for you.