FAQs on ACCA Exam
Last Update On 15th January 2025
Duration: 6 Mins Read
The ACCA exam is considered to be one of the most important milestones for anyone undertaking the ACCA qualification. Each stage of the journey has been designed to test technical knowledge, skills, and practical application in the accounting and finance world. Each candidate has to understand the process, structure, and requirements that come along with the exam if they are to be successful in these exams. In this blog, we attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the ACCA exam as we guide you through this journey and ensure you are well prepared for it.
Be it that you are a fresher or re-attempting some particular aspect of your ACCA course, this guide will shed light on the most common confusions from the ACCA exam timetable to how to book and what happens on the day. Let’s go into some key FAQs that put you on the right track.
FAQs for ACCA Exam
When Do Session-Based Exams Take Place?
There are four seasons a year when one can sit for their ACCA examination: these are in March, June, September, and December of every year. Candidates should thus check the relevance of the ACCA qualification with the examinations they are set to take during the session. Note that the specific dates within the ACCA exam timetable vary slightly in different years; hence the need for thorough checking. All this can be achievable with good planning and not necessarily late to make you fail to meet this date.
Which Exams Will Be Offered at Each Session?
The ACCA exams are divided into three tiers of study: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. You can sit a combination of these in each session, depending on where you are in your ACCA course. The usual case is that the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills exams are available in all four sessions. However, for the Strategic Professional exams, the availability may vary depending on the session. Candidates should note that details of the availability of a particular paper in a specific session should be verified from the official ACCA exam timetable.
Can I Take the ACCA Qualification Exams in Any Order?
Although the ACCA certification is flexible, there is certain advice on the order in which you should take the exams. Generally, you will need to pass the Applied Knowledge exams before progressing to the Applied Skills exams. In Strategic Professional, the order you choose can be flexible, but it is recommended that you start with the compulsory papers: Strategic Business Leader (SBL) and Strategic Business Reporting (SBR). You can, however, take the optional papers in any order, provided you satisfy the prerequisite requirements for each examination.
When Can the Ethics and Professional Skills Module Be Taken?
ACCA provides the ethics and professional skills as the important part while not being among the exam sessions to be taken within the ACCA qualification. The ethical and professional skills module or course can also be cleared along or at any time during your accountancy studies/working related to ACCA. However, it must be completed once prior to the attainment of the accountancy qualification. It is highly advisable, though the time of beginning your applied skills exams, at the same juncture, to finish all your ethics practices that complement good practices in earning throughput exams.
How Many ACCA Exams Can I Take During Each Exam Session?
A candidate is allowed to sit for a maximum of four ACCA exams in one session. This will enable you to progress at a pace that best suits you, fitting your studies around your other personal and professional commitments. The important thing is planning your study schedule realistically so that you do not set yourself an impossible target in trying to take too many exams at the same time. When you decide on the number of attempts, take into consideration the ACCA exam fees and the realistic amount of time that you can devote to studying.
Can I Amend or Cancel My ACCA Exam Entry?
Once you have booked your ACCA exam, you will normally not be able to withdraw or amend your entry. If there are extenuating circumstances, you would have to directly approach the ACCA Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. You might be eligible for a deferral or to amend your entry in case you fall into certain criteria; such requests are usually subject to deadlines and approval processes.
How Long Do I Have to Complete the ACCA Exams?
You are allowed a maximum of 10 years to pass all the exams and get the ACCA qualification. This period starts counting from the date of your first exam pass. However, it would be to your advantage to complete the exams in a shorter time frame because this will keep your knowledge current and maintain momentum in your studies. ACCA is the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants that suggests candidates complete the qualification in reasonable times since this will help candidates in being well prepared for career advancements.
Exam Booking Process
What Are the Locations of the Exams?
When you book an ACCA exam, it gives a candidate the freedom to choose the examination centre in any part of the world. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has a number of examination centres in so many countries around the world, which means whether you are based in the UK or studying internationally, you can easily find a location convenient for you. Make sure you verify availability in your preferred exam centre and book early to avoid disappointment.
If I Miss the Deadline for Standard Exam Entry, Can I Still Sit My Exams?
If you fail to meet the deadline for the standard exam entry, you can still book your exam through the late entry process. For this, you will have to pay an additional fee. It is very important to remember the deadlines of every step in the ACCA exam booking process to avoid extra charges and to be assured that you are registered for the right session.
Are My Exams Going to Take Place at the Centre That I Requested?
The online system allows you to request an exam centre; however, this does not guarantee your exam will be scheduled for the centre that you requested. In some cases, ACCA exam fees and/or exam availability might affect which location you are placed. It’s always a good thing to keep in mind the name of your next location.
Would It Be Possible to Change My Entry into the ACCA Exam?
You can request a change in your ACCA exam entry, such as a change of exam centre or change of dates. However, such availability is always subject to certain dates and availability provisions. It is always best to make any amendments well in advance of the ACCA exam booking deadlines to avoid any complications that could arise with the examination process.
ACCA Exam Day
How Does the ACCA Exam Day Go?
You’ll have to attend the venue of the ACCA exam along with all necessary documents, which also include identification on the day of your ACCA exam. On exam day, first is a short briefing before being taken to your desk. You’ll have a set amount of time to complete the exam, with a break in the middle for longer papers. Make sure you bring everything you need, including your ACCA study material if it is allowed, and be prepared for the format of the exam.
If I Arrive Late for My Exam, What Will Happen?
You will be disqualified, in some instances, if you are late for the ACCA examination since some examination centres do not allow any latecomers inside the examination hall once the examination has started. If you do so, contact the examination centre immediately for advice. Plan to arrive early so that you will have enough time to get settled and avoid unnecessary stress.
Is It Possible to Leave the Exam Centre Early If I Finish Early?
Should you be finishing the ACCA early, it would thus be at liberty for the candidate to leave, with the prerequisite adherence to centre policies and early-leaving processes that may apply. You should in no way be outside the exam room until the official expiry of the time allocated to each exam segment; meanwhile, one needs always to avoid inconveniencing other candidates. For every section to be confidently dealt with, it’s critical to note that timing for each needs to be effectively managed in a manner that could comfortably work within its confines.
Conclusion
Although the ACCA examination process may seem to be very complicated, an understanding of some of the major aspects, such as how to schedule an exam, book for one, and what happens on the actual exam day, will better equip you with the confidence to take the test. From choosing your ACCA study material to managing the ACCA exam timetable, every little detail counts in bringing out the best in you. This will ensure that the journey of becoming an ACCA qualified professional is smooth. Plan ahead, stay organised, and stay in contact with the ACCA Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Following these tips will put you in a better position to manage your ACCA exams and progress appropriately in your accounting career.