ACCA Entry Requirements & Exemptions
The ACCA qualification is open to everyone, although your starting point will be different depending on your previous qualifications.
| You have |
Your starting point |
| No previous qualifications |
You should complete the final level of the AAT or FIA qualification first and then move on to your ACCA accounting qualification |
| Two A-Levels and three GCSEs in five separate subjects including English and Maths |
Knowledge module |
| A non-relevant degree/NVQ/Other |
Knowledge module |
| AAT Qualified |
Skills module |
| CAT Qualified |
Skills module |
| Degree in Accountancy, Finance, Law or Management |
Knowledge/Skills module - Depends on specific degree exemptions |
ACCA grant exemptions (only from the Knowledge or Skills modules of the Fundamentals level) if you hold a relevant degree or professional qualification. For example, students who have completed the FIA or AAT qualification will be exempt from the three ACCA Knowledge papers.It is recommended that you apply for exemptions when you register with ACCA as student.
You can check the ACCA online database for comprehensive information on exemptions on the ACCA website.
At Kaplan our ACCA tutors are aware that exemptions can create issues for students, in that topics covered in previous studies may have been forgotten or fundamental changes in the subject content may have taken place. We therefore offer a variety of supplementary ACCA knowledge gap resources designed to overcome this issue as well as pre-tuition tests on our online Kaplan EN-gage portal.
ACCA Course Aims & Objectives
The ACCA course is designed to teach students the accounting knowledge, skills and professional values that will give you the opportunity to build a successful career across any sector.
Throughout the ACCA qualification there is a strong focus on professional values, ethics, and governance. These skills are essential as the profession moves towards strengthened codes of conduct, regulation, and legislation – with an increasing focus on professionalism and ethics in accounting. These are examined at the highest level in the ACCA Qualification and are a core element of your practical experience requirements.
ACCA Course Structure
The ACCA consists of a Fundamental and a Professional Level. Each level is further divided into two modules. In total there are 16 papers, of which students must pass 14, unless they have exemptions from any papers. Exams take place in June and December each year.