What will happen to programmes which are accredited for exemptions?
Programmes with current accreditation will be permitted to run till the end of their accreditation period. Existing accredited programmes will automatically be included in our transition plan. Current exemptions will be mapped to the redesigned qualification and visible from the ACCA Exemption Calculator.
When any current accreditation nears its end, we’ll invite the university partner to submit a new application to continue offering exemptions under the new structure. Exemptions will be available from all elements of the Knowledge and Expertise levels (including both the exams and Essential Employability Modules). No exemptions will be available for any of the Strategic Professional exams nor the Ethical, Sustainable Leadership Essential Employability Module.
We will continue to recognise exemptions awarded under current arrangements. In 2027, university partners can apply for an exemption for the Expertise Essential Employability Module, ‘Digital Tech and Innovation’. We will advise on the application criteria and timelines closer to the time.
Our transition rules ensure that students part-way through their Qualification journey will receive credit for their progress to date and continue their progression on to the redesigned ACCA Qualification. For example, students who have completed Applied Skills level by the transition date, will get credit from all elements of the Knowledge and Expertise levels (including the exams and Essential Employability Modules). You can use our transition tool to understand exactly what this means for your individual journey.
A full update on the exemption policy and transition arrangements will be shared with university partners by July 2026.