Exploring The Core Subjects Of The ACCA Course

Acquiring an ACCA certification is a one-way ticket to your success in the field of financial knowledge and accounting. Even if you are a fresh graduate or a working professional, the doors of ACCA are always open for you to strengthen your feet in the global competitive market. The carefully designed ACCA course subjects help you to prove that you have a sharp skill set and an ability to adapt to any reputed financial or banking sector. 

But, before embarking on the journey of ACCA, it is important to understand its levels, syllables, papers, exam time, and many more things related to the exam. We are hard-wired to provide you with the assistance that you might need to complete the certification with flying colours. 

We have compiled a comprehensive list of ACCA subjects to help you understand what you need to know and how to prepare for the ACCA. For additional support and resources, consider exploring our ACCA online courses and ACCA course subject-approved books to enhance your preparation and increase your chances of success.

A Guide to Mastering Your ACCA Levels

As you step inside the world of ACCA, the first thing that you need to know is that ACCA consists of three key levels. Let’s find out what these levels are: 

• Applied Knowledge: This is the first level of ACCA that provides you with insights into the theoretical understanding of Business Technology, Financial Accounting, and Management Accounting. This level lays the foundation of different topics for you to understand the concepts that would be coming up later in the course.
• Applied Skills: This is the level where theory delves into practice. At this level, you will be getting a clarified understanding of the skill sets that can be used in Corporate and Business Law, Performance Management, Financial Management, and Audit and Assurance.  
• Strategic Professional: The third level deals with Essentials and Options. The Essentials cover Strategic Business Leadership and Strategic Business Reporting, and the Options allow you to choose from subjects like Advanced Management and Advanced Audit, based on your interests in the career field. 

Want to know more about the above topic? Read our blog, What is ACCA? Course Details, Fees, Syllabus & Eligibility Criteria.

ACCA Course Information You Need To Know

 The radius of ACCA course subjects covers from basic principles of finance to strategic management. Here is everything you need to know for pursuing ACCA: 

• • Eligibility: The first criterion to pursue ACCA, is to have a graduate degree. Also, you must have 50% of marks in your 12th Boards Exam. 
  • Course Structure: The ACCA course has three levels that include, Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. Each level is threaded with one another to give you a coherent understanding of theoretical knowledge and practical skill set. 
  • Duration: The average tenure of the course is 9 to 12 months. However, if you are willing to study intensively, you can complete the course in a shorter period.
  • Fees: ACCA fees include registration fees, exam fees, and study material costs. These can vary depending on your location and the resources you choose to use.

Learn More about the ACCA Subjects List

The  ACCA course subjects in India have been strategically divided into three levels for a clear understanding the the theories and practical skill sets. These three levels are interlinked with one another which helps you to have a consistent perception of finance and accounting. 

Here’s a detailed look at the ACCA course subjects you’ll encounter at each level:

ACCA Subjects and Exam Papers

1. Applied Knowledge Level:

Business Technology (BT)

Financial Accounting (FA)

Management Accounting (MA)

2. Applied Skills Level:

Corporate and Business Law (LW)

Performance Management (PM)

Financial Management (FM)

Audit and Assurance (AA)

3. Strategic Professional Level:

Essentials:

Strategic Business Leadership (SBL)

Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)

Options (Choose two):

Advanced Management (AM)

Advanced Audit (AA)

Advanced Financial Management (AFM)

Advanced Performance Management (APM)

You can read our post related to “ACCA Exam Exemptions” and find out everything about the waivers you can use to hasten your path to becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst.

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How to prepare for the Applied Knowledge Level

ACCA Level 1 subjects focus primarily on the theoretical font of business strategy and accounting. Therefore, the study time can be long for this level of ACCA. 

• For you to cover the entire syllabus, it is recommended that you start to study well before the exam date. 
• Set monthly goals to cover the syllabus. 
• Try to use resources as much as possible. Join tutorials, read textbooks, and watch videos of ACCA professionals to get a better idea. 
• Try and seek feedback who have already become ACCA professionals. 

How to prepare for the Applied Skills Level

Since the Applied Skill Level is primarily on the practical side of the ACCA, it is important to follow some thorough steps: 

• Make sure you understand the syllabus thoroughly to identify each topic and focus on them separately 
• Carefully choose the study material ACCA study guides, textbooks, online resources, and practice questions from approved providers.
• Practicing past papers might give an upper hand on the exam paper format 
• Focus on the applicability of the theories that you have studied previously 
• Get yourself equipped with current business news and affairs that relate to your syllabus.  

How to prepare for the Strategic Professional Level

This is the most advanced level of the exam. You need to dive deep into the realms of the ideas and theories to complete the entire syllabus. 

• You can go through several case studies to get a better idea of how business and financial strategies have been implemented in real-life instances. 
• You can participate in mock exams to get a real-life idea 
• Create a strict routine that helps you with time management 
• If selecting optional papers, choose those that align with your career goals and existing work experience. 
• Consider joining a study group or seeking guidance from an ACCA-approved tutor to discuss complex concepts and get feedback on your answers.

ACCA Global Details

ACCA is an international accountancy qualification that encompasses profound knowledge in finance, accounting, and management. Currently, ACCA has more than 241,000 members and 542,000 students in 178 countries around the world. Thus, providing professionals with international career opportunities.

Global Recognition: The ACCA qualification is probably one of the most widely held and highly regarded accountancy qualifications in the world. Having more than 200,000 members and 500,000 students across more than 180 countries worldwide, ACCA stands for high standards of education and professional conduct.

Accreditation: The ACCA is accredited by national accounting bodies and regulatory authorities in many countries, ensuring that the qualification is relevant to the needs of different jurisdictions. This means you are allowed to practice as an accountant and auditor in so many countries; sometimes, you need not require extra qualifications to practice.

Career Opportunities: This qualification opens up a whole world of ACCA career opportunities in the fields of accounting, finance, audit, tax, and consulting. This qualification will broadly open your way toward very many roles within public practice and corporate entities, including multinationals, financial institutions, and the public sector. Members of the ACCA also have a distinct advantage in teaching careers related to academia, research, and policy-framing.

Membership: By joining ACCA, you get into an enormous network of professionals, CPD opportunities, and resources that help in the growth of a career. Continuing learning and development, network opportunities, and access to the latest insight and trends in the industry are some of the key benefits for members of the ACCA.

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Study Plan for ACCA Subjects

The study plan for the ACCA course subjects will enable you to go through the course successfully. Here is a step-by-step approach that will help in structuring your study plan.

Understand the ACCA Syllabus: The first step is to go through the ACCA syllabus. Understand what the key topics are, what the learning outcomes are, and how each subject follows from the previous one.

Set clear goals: Break down your study schedule into manageable bits. Set some weekly or monthly goals so that you can keep the pace and be on track to complete a topic or finish a set of practice questions in time.

Use quality study materials: Purchase study materials that are ACCA-approved, such as textbooks, revision kits, and past exam papers. These study materials are designed concerning the standard ACCA syllabus and offer complete and detailed coverage of the topics.

Make a Timetable: Plan out a realistic timetable that will help you balance study time with work, other personal commitments, and breaks. Organize subjects in order of difficulty and clearly, according to the dates of examination.

Practice Regularly: Regular practice is needed to master the ACCA subjects. Test your knowledge by doing as many past exam papers as you can and see where you need improvement. Time yourself to mimic actual exam conditions.

Join Study Groups or Classes: This will let you understand ACCA course subjects better by studying with peers or attending various ACCA classes. Moreover, this gives a chance to discuss and get clarity on doubts.

Stay Updated and Seek Help: Be updated on any syllabus change or ACCA exam details. Never hesitate to take help from tutors, online forums, or study groups in case of difficulties faced regarding a topic.

ACCA Subjects After CA

If you already have a CA, then pursuing ACCA is a great opportunity for you because it will enhance your international reputation and provide you with professional opportunities. Here are the details about ACCA papers after CA:

Exemptions: You may be given an exemption of up to 9 out of the 13 ACCA papers. These are qualifications at its Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills levels. This would mean you would probably not have much to do at other levels than the Strategic Professional level.

Strategic Professional Level: Due to exemption, one has to pass each of the two compulsory papers as a requirement. Two out of four optional papers as well. 

Compulsory ACCA Papers: 

Strategic Business Leadership (SBL)

Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)

Optional ACCA Papers(2/4):

Advanced Management (AM)

Advanced Audit (AA)

Advanced Financial Management (AFM)

Advanced Performance Management (APM)

How can I study the plan for the ACCA Subjects?

For each individual, a different study plan works. However, a basic rough work on tour study can be helpful while completing the ACCA course: 

• Firstly, determine your learning speed. Plan your entire study depending on that 
• Set realist goals that help you to complete the syllabus 
• Create a timetable or routine that  you would follow over the entire day 
• Create a peaceful study space for yourself 
• Get professional aid from a well-reputed training institute 
• Get constructive feedback from ACCA-certified personnel

Conclusion

Every level, from Applied Knowledge up to Strategic Professional, equips you with vital skills for making you successful in your accounting and finance career. As you progress, you will not only build technical expertise but also develop the strategic thinking needed to lead in the global business environment. Whether it’s the start or acceleration of your career, the ACCA certification is the gateway to endless possibilities.

FAQs on Core Subjects Of The ACCA Course

Do my 12th-year marks matter when applying for the ACCA?

Yes, your 12th mark is an eligibility benchmark for ACCA. You must have 65% in Mathematics/Accounts and English and 50% in other subjects.

Can I do ACCA without maths?

Yes, you can pursue ACCA without maths. However, having maths will be beneficial. 

Are all the ACCA exams MCQ-based?

Yes. all three levels are MCQ-based with a minimum passing the threshold of 50%

What is the hardest ACCA subject?

Advanced audit Assurance (AAA) is considered to be the hardest of all ACCA exams. 

Does having an ACCA certification lead to a highly paid career?

Yes. Having an ACCA certification might lead to a higher salary ranging from 6.4 to 39.5 LPA in India. 

Partham Barot is an ACCA-certified professional. showcasing his expertise in finance and accountancy. he’s revolutionising education by focusing on practical, real-world skills. Partham’s achievements underscore his commitment to elevating educational standards and empowering the next generation of professionals.