How long does it take to become an accountant?

Educational requirements for accountants

Many people start their accounting careers with a university degree, but employers often place even more value on professional qualifications – and sometimes even prefer them over a degree. If you're focused on becoming an accountant, going straight into a professional qualification or choosing a combined option like the University of London’s BSc in Professional Accountancy – which lets you study for a degree and a professional qualification at the same time – could be a faster and more affordable route.

Don’t have a degree or advanced qualifications? You can still get started in the industry. Entry and mid-level roles are open to you through pathways like our Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) qualifications or CIMA’s Certificate in Business Accounting (Cert BA). However, if you have ambitions to progress into senior roles – you’ll likely need to complete further professional qualifications.

Did you know?

ACCA qualified accountants typically earn more than the average accountant.

ACCA-qualified professionals consistently command higher salaries globally, outperforming peers from other accountancy bodies – particularly in emerging markets where their expertise is highly sought after, unlocking greater opportunities and faster career advancement.

Source: PQMagazine, 2025

Explore accountant salaries

Professional certifications and licenses

While a degree provides a solid foundation, professional qualifications are often essential to becoming a fully qualified accountant. These typically take 2 to 5 years to complete, depending on the accountancy body, your study pace and any exemptions you may receive based on prior education.

For example, the ACCA Qualification involves passing 13 exams across three levels. However, students with a relevant degree may be eligible for exemptions from up to nine exams, meaning they would only need to sit four exams at the Strategic Professional level, plus the Ethics and Professional Skills Module.

In addition to exams, all students must complete a practical experience requirement, with the duration depending on the accountancy body, before becoming full members and being recognised as Chartered Certified Accountants.

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a leading global accountancy body that offers a range of professional qualifications. While ACCA provides various entry routes and qualifications, it is most recognised for its flagship ACCA Qualification – a globally respected credential that prepares students for a broad range of careers in finance and accounting.

ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) is a prestigious UK accountancy body offering professional qualifications focused on audit, tax, and financial reporting. Known for its strong links to traditional training contracts, ICAEW is highly respected in both practice and industry.

CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) is a global accountancy body specialising in management accounting and business strategy. It is ideal for those pursuing finance roles focused on decision-making, performance management, and business leadership.

CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is a primarily US-based professional accounting qualification that is widely recognized internationally. It focuses on auditing, tax, and regulatory knowledge needed for public accounting, with a strong emphasis on US GAAP and US tax laws.

Gaining practical experience

Alongside exams, most accounting qualifications require practical work experience – although requirements vary between accountancy body. Hands-on experience is vital for applying theoretical knowledge and developing professional skills such as audit, financial analysis, and business advisory.

Each accountancy body allows you to gain this experience while studying or after completing your exams, often working under the supervision of qualified accountants.

ACCA

To complete ACCA’s Practical Experience Requirement (PER), students must gain 36 months of supervised, relevant work experience in accounting or finance. They must also achieve nine performance objectives – all five Essentials and four Technical – to demonstrate professional competence. Progress is recorded online, and each objective must be signed off by a practical experience supervisor.

PER can be completed before, during, or after the exams. However, it’s recommended to start recording experience early in your ACCA journey and keep it updated regularly. Completing PER alongside your studies is often more efficient and can help reinforce your learning in real-world settings.

ICEAW/ACA

ICAEW students must complete a minimum of 450 days of practical work experience under an approved training agreement with an ICAEW Authorised Training Employer. This experience must be of a financial, business, or commercial nature and relate to at least one of six technical categories: Accounting, Audit and Assurance, Tax, Financial Management, Insolvency, or Information Technology.

For the ACA Qualification, students can complete the practical work experience and exams in any order, but both must be completed before the final sign-off of the training agreement. Some choose to focus on exams first, others begin with workplace experience – either approach is accepted, as long as all requirements are met within the training period.

CIMA

CIMA’s Practical Experience Requirements (PER) require a minimum of 36 months of relevant work experience to qualify for the ACMA, CGMA designations. This experience must demonstrate the practical application of skills across four key areas outlined in the CGMA Competency Framework: technical, business, people, and leadership.

PER can be completed before or after passing the final exams. However, the PER application must be submitted within four years of passing the final exam to complete the qualification process.

CPA (USA)

Most US state boards require between 1 and 2 years of relevant work experience (approximately 2,000 to 4,000 hours), supervised by a licensed CPA. The nature, duration, and documentation of this experience vary by state, so candidates must consult the specific requirements of the state board of accountancy where they intend to be licensed.

The Practical Experience Requirement (PER) can be completed before, during, or after the CPA exams, but it must be fulfilled before you can become a fully qualified CPA. Some jurisdictions impose a deadline for completing the experience after passing the exams, while others offer a more flexible timeline.

Continuous learning and specialisations

Person looking upwards at skyscrapers wearing smart glasses

Becoming a qualified accountant involves passing exams, completing practical experience, and meeting all required modules. But to remain a chartered accountant means committing to ongoing learning. Professional bodies require members to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year to stay up to date with evolving regulations, technology, and business practices. Failing to meet CPD requirements can lead to fines, suspension, or even removal from the register.

After qualifying, many accountants choose to specialise – traditionally in audit or tax. But the profession is changing rapidly, with growing opportunities in areas like fintech, sustainability, and compliance. These emerging fields reflect wider shifts in business and regulation, offering new ways for accountants to add value and stand out. While qualifying may take 2 to 5 years, building deep expertise in a specific area requires a commitment to lifelong learning.

Timeline overview: from student to professional accountant

If you have no prior degree or experience, the typical path includes:

3 to 4 years completing an undergraduate degree
2 to 4 years completing a professional accountancy qualification (usually after university, although partnerships exist)
3 years gaining practical experience (this can overlap with your studies)

Altogether, this usually takes 5 to 7 years to become fully qualified.

Want to progress quicker?

If you choose to skip university and gain your practical experience while studying for a professional qualification in accountancy, you could become fully qualified in just 3 to 5 years. Note that some accountancy bodies require a degree or equivalent to enrol – but not ACCA. At ACCA, we welcome people from all backgrounds:

If you have no qualifications, you can start with our Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) exams and then progress to the full ACCA Qualification.
If you have A-levels (or equivalent), you’ll typically start directly on the ACCA Qualification at the first level - Applied Knowledge.
If you have a finance-related degree, you'll typically start with us at either second or third levels, Applied Skills or Strategic Professional.

Fast-track routes like ACCA's Accelerate programme (currently running in Malaysia and Australia and many other countries) and Fast Forward programme for AAT members, as well as combined university qualifications like the University of London’s BSc in Professional Accountancy (which integrates undergraduate and professional studies), can further reduce the time it takes to qualify.

Therefore, if your eager to qualify in as little time as possible, ACCA could be the best option for you. However, be sure to research the different accountancy bodies and fast-track programmes available in your country to select the route that best fits your ambitions.

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