Can You finish ACCA in Two Years?
Last Update On 11th March 2025
Duration: 5 Mins Read
The direct answer to the question of whether you can complete ACCA in two years is yes, you can complete ACCA in two years. In fact, you can complete Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in just 6 months. However, the exact duration of completing ACCA in two years.
There’s a possibility that you may complete the ACCA in two years before the maximum duration or perhaps even after that. It all depends on the degree pathway you choose. Another reason why completing ACCA in two years is quicker is because the ACCA body is quite flexible, in terms of appearing for the examination and in terms of the mandatory work experience. If you’re looking for ways to speed up your ACCA course here are some sure-shot ways to help you through.
How is it Possible to Complete ACCA in Two Years?
The ACCA body holds four examination sessions every year. Each session allows you to appear for about four examinations. This means that you can appear for a total of 8 examinations in a year. ACCA has about 13 examinations combining all three levels – knowledge, skill and professional.Â
You must be wondering if that’s the case then how is it possible to complete ACCA in two years? Well, that happens through exemptions. As mentioned earlier, the ACCA body is quite flexible, it offers ACCA Exemptions if your past learning concepts clash with the current ones.Â
ACCA Eligibility and Exemptions
- To be eligible to register for ACCA qualification, students should have qualified for their 10+2 examinations with an aggregate of 65% in Mathematics / Accounts and English, and a minimum of 50% in other subjects.Â
- Students who have just cleared their class 10 examinations, or do not qualify as per the aforementioned criteria, can still register for the ACCA course via Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) route.Â
Qualifications | Number of exams to give | ACCA Exemptions |
Completion of class 12th | 13 papers* | Nil |
Commerce graduate | 9 papers | BT, MA, FA, LW |
CA IPCC (Both Groups) | 8 papers** | BT, MA, FA, TX, AA |
CA | 4 papers** | BT-FM (9 subjects) |
*The applicant should have passed 5 subjects including English and Mathematics / Accounts, with 65% in at least 2 subjects and over 50% for the rest.Â
**A CA Final candidate is eligible to attain additional exemptions if they’ve scored 40 and above marks in their examination for relevant subjects.
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Is There a Time Limit for Completing the ACCA Examination?
Yes, there is a time limit for completing the ACCA strategic-level papers. This time limit is particularly set by the ACCA governing body to ensure that the knowledge and skills gained by the ACCA pursuant stay relevant to employers hiring them. The total time limit for completing the ACCA strategic level papers is about seven years.
The reason for having this rule in the first place is to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all students. Since the ACCA syllabus is subject to changes and revisions, you’ll find the policies of hiring companies getting in the way and making it difficult to secure your dream job.
7 Tips How can you Complete ACCA in two Years?
As per Zell’s founder and CEO Pratham Barot, you’ll require two things to complete ACCA in two years, and they are –
- Work timings that are actually not more than 9 hours a day
- Grant of enough leaves per quarter
- Have a Plan Ready
- Apply for Exemptions (if applicable)
- Manage Time Effectively
- Prepare for Multiple Papers
- Study Efficiently
F1-F4 should be done within 6 months and can be managed comfortably if the above points are met. From F5 onwards (or if you have exemptions from F1-F4, even better), you want to aim for 2 papers per quarter. If you feel this isn’t realistic, trust us, it is. You’d have to put in continuous effort for two years with work, but if you can stick to it, it’s very much manageable.
1. Work timings that are actually not more than 9 hours a day
If you work in a company that allows you to leave work after a 9–5 or a 9–6 shift, you would have enough energy to get into study mode daily post-dinner (or early morning, depending on your preference). Couple this with having 2 days additional on weekends, and you can be sure of having enough time to complete the portion.
2. Grant enough leaves per quarter
Before each quarter, you’d need enough days off for studying for the exam. If your workplace allows you 1 week of leave prior to the exam week, that’s perfect. Any extra leave they shell out, grab it! Otherwise, a week prior is enough for 2 exams per quarter.
While this wouldn’t be easy, it is manageable. If you have guidance, it would make things even easier since a huge chunk of your workload is technically outsourced to an expert.
3. Have a Plan Ready
One of the keys to finishing your ACCA in two years is having a solid, realistic study plan. Chart out the number of papers you need to clear and set a specific timeline for each. Allocate enough time for each subject, and ensure that you’re consistently sticking to the schedule. Prioritize topics based on the difficulty level, and start early to avoid last-minute stress.
4. Apply for Exemptions (If Applicable)
If you have prior qualifications such as a CA or a degree in commerce, make sure to apply for exemptions. ACCA offers exemptions for certain papers based on your previous academic qualifications. This will not only reduce your overall number of papers but also allow you to focus on the more challenging papers.
5. Manage Time Effectively
Balancing work, life, and ACCA studies can be tricky. It’s essential to manage your time effectively. Try setting fixed study hours each day or dedicating extra time on weekends. It’s also important to stay organized and track your progress. Using apps, planners, or setting reminders can help you manage your study schedule efficiently.
6. Prepare for Multiple Papers
Once you’re past the foundation level (F1-F4), aim to take on two papers per quarter. This will give you a systematic and structured approach to complete your ACCA qualification. While it may seem daunting, two papers per quarter can be comfortably managed with consistent effort and the right support.
7. Study Efficiently
Studying for ACCA exams requires efficient study techniques. Focus on understanding key concepts instead of rote learning. Utilize practice exams, revision kits, and ACCA-approved study materials. Group study sessions can also be helpful as you can exchange insights and learn from others. Make sure to give ample time to mock exams before your actual exams.
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Conclusion
With proper planning, time management, and strategy, completing ACCA in two years is definitely achievable. The key is to stay disciplined and follow a structured path that aligns with your professional and personal commitments. Keep in mind that taking advantage of exemptions, balancing work-study time, and sticking to a solid study plan will ensure your success in fast-tracking your ACCA qualification.
Let me know if you’d like any help on an individual basis. We can always chalk out a plan for each person based on their time availability.
We hope that with this detailed article on how you can finish ACCA in two years, you’ve found out everything you need to know about fast-tracking your ACCA learning pathway. If you’re still confused about the learning pathway for Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and need an expert to guide you through, click on the WhatsApp icon at the side of this blog and get in touch with our experts directly.
FAQs on Can You Finish ACCA in Two Years
How quickly can you finish ACCA?
If you’ve completed your CA, you can complete ACCA in just six months. If you’ve done your graduation in B.com or any other accounting course, you can finish ACCA within a year.
Can I complete ACCA in two years?
Yes, you can complete ACCA in two years. You just need to plan out your examinations and mandatory work experience systematically.
What exemptions can I apply for?
ACCA offers exemptions based on your prior qualifications. For instance, a CA may receive exemptions from multiple papers, while a B.com graduate might be exempt from certain foundational papers. Check with ACCA for specific exemptions based on your qualifications.
How do I study for my ACCA Exams?
Focus on understanding key concepts, not just memorization. Use study materials, practice exams, and ACCA resources. Manage your time effectively,