ACCA Exam Centre vs. Remote Exams: Which Is Better?

ACCA Exam Centre vs. Remote Exams – Which One Should You Choose?

As an ACCA candidate, deciding between center-based and remote exams is an important choice that can impact your exam experience, convenience, and success. Centre-based exams offer a traditional, structured environment, while remote exams allow you to take the exam from home.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

✅ What are ACCA center-based exams?

✅ How do ACCA remote exams work?

✅ Centre-based vs. remote exams – Key differences

✅ Top 5 factors to consider before choosing your exam mode

What are ACCA Centre-Based Exams?

Center-based exams are conducted at authorized ACCA exam centers across 500+ cities worldwide. These exams are available for:

✔ Applied Skills & Strategic Professional papers

✔ Diploma in IFRS (DipIFR) exams

Candidates must book a seat at an approved ACCA exam center and appear in person on the exam day.

📍 ACCA Exam Centres in India & Middle East

Eduyush has compiled a list of exam centers in India and the Middle East for easy reference.

What are ACCA Remote Exams?

Introduced during COVID-19, ACCA remote-based exams allow candidates to take their exams from home while monitored via a live invigilator and webcam recording.

💡 Important:

✔ ACCA decides before each exam session whether remote exams will be available based on the country’s regulations.

✔ Not all countries and exam attempts allow remote exams.

🔗 Check ACCA's official website for remote exam availability in your country.

ACCA Remote Exam Rules & System Requirements

To take a remote exam, you must meet the following technical & exam environment requirements:

📌 Laptop/Desktop Requirements

✅ A laptop or PC with a webcam and microphone

✅ Original Windows or macOS (Corporate laptops are not allowed due to firewalls)

✅ No third-party apps running in the background (e.g., AnyDesk, antivirus software)

📌 Exam Environment Requirements

✅ A quiet, closed room with no disturbances

✅ Stable wired internet connection (USB dongles are not allowed)

✅ A UPS backup for power & internet

📌 Exam Platform

✅ The remote exam runs on ACCA’s Exam Software, which requires a System Test before the exam day.

📌 Rough Pad Restriction

❌ Unlike centre-based exams, physical rough paper is NOT allowed in remote exams.

✅ You must use the online rough pad on-screen.

🔗 Read ACCA’s Remote Exam Guidelines here.

ACCA Exam Centre vs. Remote Exams – Key Differences

Top 5 Factors to Consider – Centre-Based vs. Remote Exams

1️⃣ Travel Convenience

🚗 Live in a city with an exam center? A center-based exam is more straightforward.

✈️ Live far from a test center? Remote exams save travel costs.

2️⃣ Device & Software Readiness

💻 Have a personal laptop that meets ACCA requirements? Remote exams work for you.

🖥 Not confident with technical setups? Choose center-based exams to avoid last-minute issues.

3️⃣ Internet & Electricity Stability

⚡ Live in an area with frequent power cuts? Center-based exams are safer.

🌐 Have a UPS backup & wired internet? You can take a remote exam.

4️⃣ Exam Format & Rough Work

📝 Need physical rough paper? Center-based exams are better.

💻 Comfortable with an on-screen rough pad? Remote exams can work.

5️⃣ Exam Booking Availability

📅 Centre-based exams fill up FAST in major cities like Mumbai & Delhi.

🎫 Remote exams don’t have seat limitations, so they’re easier to book.

Which ACCA Exam Mode is Right for You?

✔ Choose Centre-Based Exams if:

✅ You prefer a structured exam environment

✅ You need physical rough paper for calculations

✅ Your internet or electricity is unreliable

✔ Choose Remote-Based Exams if:

✅ You live far from an exam center

✅ You meet the technical requirements

✅ You prefer the comfort of taking an exam from home

Eduyush Closing Comments

Both center-based and remote ACCA exams have pros and cons. Your choice should depend on infrastructure availability, travel convenience, and exam format preference.

🔗 Before booking, check ACCA’s official website to confirm whether remote exams are available in your country.

💡 Need Help Booking Your ACCA Exam?

Eduyush offers expert guidance on exam booking & technical setup. Contact us today!

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