Getting started with ACCA

Choosing the right starting point

We have a range of entry points so if you're an employer or a student, you or your trainees can progress their journey towards ACCA membership regardless of existing qualifications or work experience.  

Whether you're looking to take your first steps towards a career in finance, or you're a finance professional looking to develop the strategic leadership capabilities to take your earning potential to the next level - ACCA has a right starting point for you.

The ACCA Qualification

If you have two A Levels and three GCSEs in five separate subjects including English and maths (or equivalent qualifications), you can start your studies at the ACCA Qualification, which is ranked at Masters level and on completion you'll become an ACCA member.  

The ACCA Qualification is the world leading accountancy qualification for aspiring financial professionals - providing students with the skills, knowledge and values to have successful careers and lead the organisations they work with into the future.

In order to achieve the ACCA Qualification, students have to:

  • complete a maximum of 13 exams, depending on prior experience and qualifications
  • complete an Ethics and Professional Skills module
  • evidence three years of practical work experience within a relevant role.

This means that students can complete the ACCA Qualification in a minimum of three years.

Foundations in Accountancy Qualifications

If you don't have these qualifications, you can start at our Foundations in Accountancy qualifications and then progress onto the ACCA Qualification if you wish. These awards are broadly equivalent to GCSE level and a degree or HND programme.

Explore our qualification options

Employers trust ACCA professionals

When students complete the ACCA Qualification they’ll become an ACCA member.  Joining our network of over 200,000 members and unlocking their potential to work in any sector, anywhere in the world. 

Based on international accounting standards and independently benchmarked for quality, employers know that the ACCA Qualification produces forward-thinking finance professionals. With over 110 years of experience, we work with a network of over 7,400 Approved Employers and over 80 accountancy partnerships around the world.

Our career navigator explains the job roles and sectors they can work in.

Helping students and organisations unlock their potential

For students to maximise their chances of success we strongly recommend they study through an Approved Learning Partner (ALP).

Our tuition providers are continually assessed by ACCA for the quality of their course delivery and there are a variety of flexible online and face-to-face tuition options to suit any individual or organisation.  

For students studying our Foundations in Accountancy Qualifications or starting the ACCA Qualification at its earliest level, we have an award-winning online tuition platform ACCA-X to support you with your studies.

Explore tuition options now

Flexible exams to fit around your schedule

We run a flexible exam schedule so that students can progress towards their goals at whatever pace they wish. Many of our exams are available on-demand, or during our four exam sessions every March, June, September and December.  

Find out more about our exam dates

Applying for ACCA membership as a member of another professional body

If you’re a finance professional who already holds a recognised professional accountancy qualification, you may be eligible for accelerated entry to ACCA membership.

Find out more about applying from another professional body