Exam basics - starting your journey

You've made a fantastic decision to invest in your future by choosing ACCA as your route to becoming a qualified finance professional. The first steps on any journey can be daunting but we’re here to support you every step of the way.

How and when you start taking exams will depend on different factors including any prior qualifications you already have and any exemptions you might be entitled to. So before you look at the different exam methods described below, it may be useful for you to first become familiar with the overall structure of the ACCA qualification.

Once you are familar with the qualification, you may also wish to check if you are entitled to any exemptions based on your prior study, and make sure that they have been awarded before finalising your exam plans. 

ACCA Computer Based Exams

All of our exams are taken by computer-based exam (CBE), which as you progress through the ACCA Qualification will support your employability and professional skills by using the same tools finance professionals use in business.

Depending on where you are in the qualification you will sit an on demand or a session-based exam at one of our four exam sessions throughout the year.

On-demand CBEs

On-demand CBEs allow for flexibility in your studies as you can sit them at any time of the year. Your results are displayed immediately at the end of the exam and uploaded to your account within 72 hours.

Session CBEs

These take place during our four exam sessions which take place in March, June, September and December. You’ll need to book your exam ahead of the deadline for each session and you’ll receive your results approximately 6 weeks after taking your exam.

Stage Exam nameExam type
ACCA QualificationBT, MA, FAOn-demand
 LW (UK & GLO)On-demand
 LW (other versions)Session-based
 TX, FR, PM, FM, AASession-based
 SBR, SBL, AFM, APM, ATX, AAASession-based
Foundations in AccountancyMA1, FA1, MA2, FA2On-demand
 FBT, FMA, FFAOn-demand
 FAU, FFM, FTXSession-based

Note: Not all exam versions are available each exam session. Find out more about different exam versions.

Exam centres and remote exams

We have a large global network of exam centres and are also expanding availability of remote exams. Depending on your location you will sit at one of our exam centres or sit your exam at home by remote. 

For more detailed information check our exam booking and availability table.

Next steps