ACCA Fees & Course Details 2024 | Complete Guide to ACCA Qualification

If you're planning to build a successful career in accounting and finance, the ACCA qualification is one of the most recognized professional certifications globally. Whether you are a student aiming for an international accounting career or a working professional looking to enhance your credentials, ACCA offers an excellent pathway. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through ACCA course details, the structure of the exams, and important insights into ACCA fees — helping you plan your career journey efficiently.

What is ACCA?

The ACCA certification, short for Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, is a prestigious qualification in the field of finance and accounting. This globally accepted credential focuses on building expertise in accounting principles, auditing, taxation, financial management, and business strategy.

Graduates, working professionals, and even high school pass-outs with a commerce background can pursue ACCA to enhance their career prospects in the finance domain.

ACCA Course Details

1. Eligibility Criteria for ACCA

To enroll in the ACCA course, candidates typically need:

• A minimum qualification equivalent to high school completion with commerce or relevant subjects.

• Graduates with degrees in accounting, finance, or business may get exemptions from certain papers based on prior studies.

• Even working professionals with experience in accounting or finance can start the ACCA journey.

2. ACCA Exam Levels and Structure

The ACCA qualification is divided into three key levels, comprising a total of 13 papers that focus on various aspects of accounting and business.

a) Applied Knowledge Level

This level lays the foundation of accounting and management concepts, including subjects like:

• Business and Technology

• Management Accounting

• Financial Accounting

b) Applied Skills Level

Building on foundational knowledge, this level develops more advanced accounting and business skills. Topics include:

• Corporate and Business Law

• Performance Management

• Taxation

• Financial Reporting

• Audit and Assurance

• Financial Management

c) Strategic Professional Level

This final level focuses on enhancing leadership and strategic management abilities. It includes:

• Compulsory Papers:
  
  

• Strategic Business Leader

• Strategic Business Reporting

• Optional Papers (Choose two out of four):
  
  

• Advanced Financial Management

• Advanced Performance Management

• Advanced Taxation

• Advanced Audit and Assurance

3. Practical Experience Requirement (PER)

Besides clearing the exams, candidates must also complete practical work experience in a relevant role. This typically involves at least three years of relevant work under a qualified employer, ensuring real-world skills complement academic knowledge.

4. Duration of ACCA Course

The duration of completing ACCA depends on several factors:

• Full-time students can complete it faster, sometimes within two to three years.

• Part-time learners or working professionals may take three to four years, depending on the pace at which they attempt exams.

• Students eligible for exemptions can reduce this timeline significantly.

ACCA Fees Structure (2024)

Understanding the cost involved is crucial for anyone considering the ACCA qualification. While ACCA fees vary depending on multiple factors, here's a breakdown of the typical fee components candidates should be aware of.

1. Registration and Annual Subscription Fees

• Initial Registration Fee: A one-time fee charged when you register for the qualification.

• Annual Subscription Fee: A yearly fee to maintain active student status. This must be paid every year until qualification is complete.

• Re-registration Fee: If student status lapses due to non-payment, a re-registration fee may apply to restore it.

2. Exam Fees

Each exam paper requires a fee to be paid for entry:

• Applied Knowledge Level: Per paper fee, generally lower compared to advanced levels.

• Applied Skills Level: Mid-range exam fees for more advanced papers.

• Strategic Professional Level: Higher fees for advanced level exams covering leadership and strategic subjects.

Note: ACCA offers different exam fee rates based on early, standard, and late registration periods. Early registration typically comes with a reduced fee.

3. Exemption Fees

If a candidate holds a degree or professional qualification that covers content similar to certain ACCA papers, they may apply for exemptions.

• Each exemption granted requires payment of an exemption fee.

• The number of exemptions depends on the relevance and level of previous qualifications.

4. Training and Coaching Fees

Many candidates choose to enroll in coaching programs or online courses to prepare for exams. These costs vary widely depending on the chosen provider, mode (online or in-person), and region.

• Fees may be charged per level or per paper.

• Some providers offer full course packages covering all levels with additional support like mock exams and doubt-clearing sessions.

5. Study Materials and Resources

Candidates also need to invest in study materials, including:

• Textbooks

• Revision kits

• Practice question banks

• Online resources and mock exams

Depending on whether students opt for official study material or third-party resources, the costs will vary.

6. Other Costs

• Exam rescheduling or retakes (if needed) may involve extra charges.

• Practical training costs, if formalized training is required by the employer.

How to Manage ACCA Fees Efficiently?

Here are some tips to manage and reduce the overall cost of ACCA:

✅ Plan Early: Register for exams during the early entry period to save on fees.
✅ Apply for Exemptions: If eligible, applying for exemptions can reduce the number of exams and overall cost.
✅ Consider Self-Study: If confident, candidates can choose self-study options to avoid high coaching fees.
✅ Look for Scholarships: Some regional bodies or employers may offer scholarships or fee assistance for deserving candidates.

Career Opportunities After ACCA

Once qualified, ACCA professionals can work in various roles such as:

• Financial Analyst

• Management Accountant

• Tax Consultant

• Auditor

• Financial Controller

• CFO (Chief Financial Officer)

• Risk Manager

ACCA members are in demand across industries like banking, insurance, consulting, technology, and manufacturing — in both private and public sectors.

Conclusion

The ACCA qualification is a strategic investment in a globally recognized career in accounting and finance. While ACCA fees can vary depending on several factors, proper planning, smart choices, and potential exemptions can make the journey affordable.