ACCA Exam Cancellation Policy 2026: Deadlines, Refunds & Exceptional Cases

ACCA Exam Cancellation Policy

Can You Cancel an ACCA Exam?

Yes. ACCA allows exam cancellations, but the outcome — whether you get a refund or not — depends entirely on when you cancel relative to the standard entry deadline. This guide covers everything: how to cancel, deadlines, refund eligibility, exceptional cases, and what to do if you miss an exam.

How to Cancel an ACCA Exam: Step-by-Step

Cancelling Before the Standard Entry Deadline

If you cancel before the standard entry deadline, you are eligible for a refund. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to your myACCA account at accaglobal.com
2. Go to the Exam Entry section to see your scheduled exams
3. Select the exam you wish to cancel
4. Click Cancel — this option is only available before the deadline
5. Confirm the cancellation and review refund details
6. The refund is credited to your myACCA account balance, or you can request a bank transfer by emailing students@accaglobal.com
7. You should receive email confirmation within 24 hours

Check the current ACCA exam dates, entry deadlines and results schedule to know your exact withdrawal deadline.

ACCA Cancellation Refund Policy

Important: After the deadline, ACCA does not allow rescheduling. Your options are either to sit the exam as booked or forfeit the fee and rebook for a future session.

Cancelling After the Deadline: Exceptional Cases

In some circumstances, ACCA will review late cancellation requests individually. There is no guarantee of a refund, but the following situations may be considered:

1. Medical Emergency

Severe illness, hospitalisation, surgery, or a mental health crisis occurring close to the exam date. Required evidence: Medical certificate from a doctor or hospital.

2. Bereavement

Loss of a close family member (parent, sibling, spouse, or child). Required evidence: Death certificate and proof of relationship.

3. Natural Disaster or Travel Disruption

Floods, earthquakes, or extreme weather preventing travel to the exam centre. Required evidence: News reports or official travel disruption confirmation.

4. Crime or Accident

Being a victim of a serious crime or accident immediately before the exam. Required evidence: Police report or crime reference number.

5. Serious Personal Emergency

Domestic violence, homelessness, or a life-threatening family situation. Required evidence: Letter from a social worker, employer, or legal authority.

How to Apply for an Exceptional Refund

• Email: students@accaglobal.com
• Subject line: “Request for ACCA Exam Cancellation – [Your ACCA ID]”
• Attach: All relevant supporting documents

Refunds under exceptional circumstances are not guaranteed. ACCA reviews each case on its merits.

What Happens If You Miss an ACCA Exam?

If you simply do not show up for your exam, ACCA will not issue any refund. You will need to:

• Rebook the exam for the next available session and pay the full exam fee
• Check for syllabus or exam format changes that may apply to the new session
• If there were genuine exceptional circumstances, apply for a retrospective refund with supporting evidence

How to Avoid Exam Cancellation Issues

• Know your deadlines: Check the ACCA exam calendar and note your standard entry deadline well in advance
• Plan your study schedule: Last-minute cancellations are often due to under-preparation — use a structured study plan
• No rescheduling exists: ACCA has no “reschedule” option. If you can’t sit the exam, cancel before the deadline or accept the forfeit
• Keep documents ready: If you anticipate any personal difficulties, start gathering supporting evidence early
• Monitor myACCA regularly: Your booking status and deadlines are visible in your myACCA dashboard

Key Implications of Cancelling or Missing an Exam

• Financial: ACCA does not refund exam fees after the standard entry deadline as venues and resources are already allocated
• Rebooking cost: You must pay the full exam fee for the next session — there is no carry-forward credit except where a pre-deadline refund has been issued to your myACCA balance
• Syllabus changes: If you rebook for a later session and the ACCA syllabus has changed, you may need to purchase updated ACCA study materials
• Exam entry: Familiarise yourself with the full ACCA exam entry process to avoid booking errors

Frequently Asked Questions: ACCA Exam Cancellation

Can I cancel an ACCA exam after the deadline?

Generally no. ACCA does not allow cancellations or refunds after the standard entry deadline. However, if you have experienced an exceptional circumstance such as a medical emergency or bereavement, you can apply to ACCA at students@accaglobal.com with supporting evidence. Approval is not guaranteed.

How do I cancel my ACCA exam booking?

Log into your myACCA account, go to the Exam Entry section, select the exam you want to cancel, and click Cancel. This option is only available before the standard entry deadline. You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours.

Will I get a refund if I cancel my ACCA exam?

Yes, if you cancel before the standard entry deadline. The refund is credited to your myACCA account balance by default. To receive a bank transfer instead, email students@accaglobal.com. No refund is issued after the deadline unless exceptional circumstances apply.

What happens if I miss my ACCA exam?

You will not receive a refund. You must rebook the exam for the next available session and pay the full fee. If the absence was due to a genuine emergency, you can apply for an exceptional refund with supporting documentation.

Can I reschedule my ACCA exam instead of cancelling?

No. ACCA does not offer a rescheduling option. You can only cancel (and get a refund if before the deadline) or miss the exam and rebook for a future session.

How long does an ACCA exam refund take?

Refunds credited to your myACCA account balance are typically processed promptly. If you request a bank transfer, allow additional processing time. Contact students@accaglobal.com if your refund has not arrived within 10 business days.