How long does it take to become an accountant?

What are the 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. However, if you have ambitions to progress into senior roles you’ll likely need to complete further professional qualifications – such as the ACCA Qualification.

What professional certifications do I need?

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.

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

How do I gain practical experience?

young business person talking to three colleagues

Alongside exams, most accounting qualifications require practical work experience – though the exact requirements vary between accountancy bodies. Hands-on experience is essential for applying theoretical knowledge and developing professional skills such as auditing, financial analysis, and business advisory.

Each accountancy body allows you to gain this experience while studying or after completing your exams, often under the supervision of a qualified accountant. For example, to complete ACCA’s Practical Experience Requirement (PER), students must complete 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.

The requirements of other bodies differ, so it’s important to check their websites for full details.

How long does it take to specialise in accountancy?

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 often takes 3 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.

Did you know?