ACCA Full Form: Meaning, Course & Career Guide 2026
ACCA Full Form 2026: What Does ACCA Stand For?
ACCA full form is Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. It is a UK-based global professional accounting body, founded in 1904, that awards the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification ā recognised in over 180 countries by employers including the Big 4 firms.
š” Key Takeaway
- ACCA full form: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants ā a globally recognised professional accounting qualification.
- Structure: 13 papers across 3 levels + 36 months practical experience + ethics module.
- Duration: 2ā3 years after B.Com; 3ā4 years after Class 12.
- Total cost in India: Approximately ā¹2ā3.5 lakh (registration, exams, subscription combined).
- Career impact: ACCA freshers in India earn ā¹5ā8 LPA; experienced professionals earn ā¹12ā25 LPA.
š Table of Contents
- What Does ACCA Stand For? Full Form Explained
- ACCA Course Structure in 2026 (All 13 Papers)
- B.Com and ACCA: Eligibility, Exemptions & the Dual Pathway
- How Much Does ACCA Cost in India?
- ACCA vs CA (India): Which Is Better for You?
- ACCA Career Scope and Salary in India
- ACCA ROI Calculator: Is ACCA Worth the Investment?
- How to Start Your ACCA Journey in 2026
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Does ACCA Stand For? Full Form Explained
The ACCA full form in accounting is Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. ACCA is a professional membership body headquartered in London, United Kingdom, that certifies accountants through rigorous exams, ethics training, and supervised work experience. As of 2025, ACCA has over 252,500 members and 544,000 students across 180+ countries, making it one of the largest global accounting bodies in the world.
š Definition
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a UK-based global professional body, founded in 1904 and granted a Royal Charter in 1974, that awards the legally protected "Chartered Certified Accountant" designation to members who pass 13 professional exams, complete 36 months of supervised work experience, and fulfil an ethics module.
What Does Each Part of ACCA's Full Form Mean?
Association ā ACCA is a professional membership body, not a university. Members join as students, pass exams, gain experience, and earn the legal right to use the "Chartered Certified Accountant" title.
Chartered ā This derives from ACCA's Royal Charter, granted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1974. The Charter gives ACCA the authority to award professional designations and regulate members' conduct ā the same "Chartered" status you see in CA (Chartered Accountant) from ICAI.
Certified ā ACCA members are independently verified through exams (up to 13 papers), mandatory ethics training, and supervised practical experience. The title is earned through demonstrated competence.
Accountants ā While the name says "accountants," ACCA-qualified professionals work across audit, tax, treasury, FP&A, risk management, investment banking, and executive leadership. According to ACCA Global's 2025 Annual Report, 93% of employers agree the ACCA Qualification provides relevant skills for their organisations.
Why "Chartered Certified Accountant" Is a Protected Title
In many jurisdictions, calling yourself a "Chartered Certified Accountant" without ACCA membership is illegal and can result in fines. This legal protection exists because ACCA members must:
- Pass 13 professional exams (or claim verified exemptions)
- Complete 36 months of supervised, relevant work experience (the Practical Experience Requirement, or PER)
- Pass the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)
- Maintain Continuing Professional Development (CPD) annually
- Carry professional indemnity insurance if in public practice
What Is the ACCA Course Structure in 2026?
The ACCA qualification comprises 13 papers across three progressive levels, a mandatory ethics module, and 36 months of practical work experience. Most B.Com graduates receive exemptions for the first 3 papers and complete ACCA in 2ā3 years.
Level 1: Applied Knowledge (3 Papers)
| Paper | Code | What You Learn |
|---|---|---|
| Business & Technology | BT (F1) | Business models, digital technology, governance, ethics |
| Management Accounting | MA (F2) | Cost accounting, budgets, variance analysis |
| Financial Accounting | FA (F3) | Double entry, trial balance, financial statements |
Note: Most B.Com and CA Inter students get exemptions from all 3 Applied Knowledge papers. Check your eligibility with the ACCA Exemptions Calculator.
Level 2: Applied Skills (6 Papers)
| Paper | Code | What You Learn |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate & Business Law | LW (F4) | Contract law, company law, corporate governance |
| Performance Management | PM (F5) | Management accounting techniques, decision-making |
| Taxation | TX (F6) | Corporate and personal tax (country variants available) |
| Financial Reporting | FR (F7) | Consolidated accounts, IFRS application |
| Audit & Assurance | AA (F8) | Audit process, internal control, professional ethics |
| Financial Management | FM (F9) | Investment appraisal, working capital, business finance |
Applied Skills papers have pass rates between 50ā65%. For exam-specific strategies, explore our ACCA FM Exam Tips guide.
Level 3: Strategic Professional (4 Papers)
Candidates must complete 2 mandatory Essentials papers and choose 2 from 4 Options papers:
Essentials (Mandatory):
| Paper | Code | What You Learn |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Business Leader | SBL | Leadership, ethics, integrated case study simulation |
| Strategic Business Reporting | SBR | Advanced IFRS, group accounts, complex transactions |
Options (Choose 2 of 4):
| Paper | Code | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Financial Management | AFM (P4) | M&A, treasury, corporate restructuring |
| Advanced Performance Management | APM (P5) | Strategic performance systems, risk |
| Advanced Taxation | ATX (P6) | Complex tax planning and compliance |
| Advanced Audit & Assurance | AAA (P7) | Audit of complex entities, quality control |
Strategic Professional papers have lower pass rates (35ā50%) and test judgment and application. Explore ACCA Strategic Professional Syllabus 2026ā27 for the latest updates.
ā Pro Tip:
ACCA students who pass the first 9 papers (Applied Knowledge + Applied Skills) are eligible for a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University ā a globally recognised UK degree at no additional tuition cost. This makes ACCA one of the few professional qualifications that also offers a university degree pathway.
Ethics and Practical Experience
- Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM): An online module covering professional ethics ā mandatory for ACCA membership.
- Practical Experience Requirement (PER): 36 months of supervised work experience in accounting or finance, logged through the MyACCA portal. You can complete PER alongside your exams. Learn more in our ACCA PER Explained guide.
B.Com and ACCA: What Is the Full Form of ACCA for B.Com Graduates?
For B.Com graduates, "ACCA" carries particular significance. The ACCA course full form ā Association of Chartered Certified Accountants ā is a natural next step after B.Com, as graduates typically receive exemptions from up to 5 of the 13 papers, reducing both time and cost to qualify.
ACCA Exemptions for B.Com Graduates
| Your Qualification | Typical Exemptions | Papers Remaining | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Com (General) | BT, MA, FA (3 papers) | 10 papers | 2.5ā3 years |
| B.Com (Hons) from top universities | BT, MA, FA, LW, TX (up to 5) | 8 papers | 2ā2.5 years |
| B.Com + CA Inter | Up to 5ā9 papers | 4ā8 papers | 1ā2 years |
| CA Final (ICAI) | Up to 9 papers | 4 papers | 6ā12 months |
| Class 12 (via FIA pathway) | None | 13 papers + FIA | 3ā4 years |
Exemptions vary by university and subjects studied. Use the ACCA Exemptions Calculator to check your exact exemptions.
What Is the FIA Pathway for Class 12 Students?
Students who have completed Class 12 (with any stream) can enter ACCA through the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) pathway. FIA includes introductory-level papers that prepare you for the full ACCA qualification. After passing FIA, students progress directly into the Applied Skills level.
How Much Does ACCA Cost in India?
The total cost of completing ACCA in India ranges from approximately ā¹2 lakh to ā¹3.5 lakh, depending on exemptions, exam scheduling, and study materials chosen. Here is a detailed breakdown of ACCA fees for 2026.
| Fee Component | Cost (GBP) | Approx Cost (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Registration | Ā£89 | ā¹9,500āā¹10,500 | One-time fee |
| Annual Subscription (3 yrs avg) | Ā£137 Ć 3 = Ā£411 | ā¹48,000 | Yearly; keeps student status active |
| Exemption Fees (per paper) | Ā£84āĀ£114 | ā¹10,000āā¹14,500 | Only for papers you're exempted from |
| Applied Knowledge Exams (per paper) | Ā£143āĀ£147 | ā¹16,000āā¹18,500 | Standard entry deadline pricing |
| Applied Skills Exams (per paper) | Ā£147 | ā¹16,000āā¹20,000 | Late entry fees are significantly higher |
| Strategic Professional Exams (per paper) | Ā£185 | ā¹21,000āā¹23,000 | Highest-level exam fees |
| Estimated Total (B.Com graduate, 10 papers) | ~Ā£2,000āĀ£2,500 | ā¹2,00,000āā¹3,00,000 | Excluding study materials |
Source: ACCA Global ā Fees and Charges India 2026. INR amounts are approximate and subject to GBP/INR exchange rate fluctuations.
For study materials, BPP textbooks cost approximately ā¹3,100 per subject and BPP ECR recorded lectures start at ā¹6,000 per subject. Browse ACCA Books on Eduyush or explore BPP ACCA Coaching options.
ACCA vs CA (India): Which Is Better for Your Career?
This is the most common comparison for Indian students. Both are prestigious accounting qualifications, but they serve different career goals. ACCA is ideal for global careers and MNC roles; CA (ICAI) is essential for Indian statutory audit and domestic practice.
| Feature | ACCA | CA (ICAI) |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | Association of Chartered Certified Accountants | Chartered Accountant (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) |
| Geographic focus | Global (180+ countries) | Primarily India |
| Accounting standards | IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) | Ind AS / Indian GAAP |
| Number of exams | 13 papers (exemptions possible) | 20 papers (3 groups across 3 levels) |
| Typical duration | 2ā3 years after graduation | 4ā5 years |
| Statutory audit rights in India | No | Yes |
| MNC & Big 4 recognition | Very high globally | High in India; moderate abroad |
| Starting salary (India) | ā¹5ā8 LPA | ā¹6ā12 LPA |
| Best for | Global mobility, MNC finance, IFRS roles | India-focused audit, tax practice, compliance |
Bottom line: CA is essential if you plan to do a statutory audit or tax practice in India. ACCA is the stronger choice for careers with multinational companies, Big 4 international divisions, or roles outside India. Many ambitious professionals now pursue both ā CA for Indian credibility and ACCA for global doors.
Detailed analysis: ACCA After CA: Is It Worth It?
What Is the Career Scope and Salary of ACCA in India?
ACCA-qualified professionals in India earn between ā¹5 LPA (freshers) and ā¹25+ LPA (senior roles), depending on experience, employer, and location. The Big 4 firms ā Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG ā and multinational corporations such as Unilever, HSBC, and AstraZeneca actively recruit ACCA members.
| Experience Level | Salary Range (India) | Typical Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Fresher (0ā2 years) | ā¹5ā8 LPA | Financial analyst, audit associate, accounts executive |
| Mid-level (2ā5 years) | ā¹7ā14 LPA | Finance manager, FP&A analyst, senior auditor |
| Senior (5ā10 years) | ā¹12ā25 LPA | Financial controller, head of finance, VP finance |
| Executive (10+ years) | ā¹20ā40+ LPA | CFO, partner, director of finance |
Source: Aggregated from multiple Indian job market surveys (2025ā2026). For a detailed analysis, read our ACCA Salary in India guide.
Where ACCA Is Recognised in India
ACCA is highly valued in India by:
- Big 4 firms: Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG ā for international audit, advisory, and consulting divisions
- MNCs: Unilever, HSBC, GSK, Standard Chartered, AstraZeneca, Rolls-Royce
- Shared service centres: Genpact, WNS, EXL ā which handle global finance operations from India
- Global banks and financial institutions operating in India
ā ļø Important:
ACCA does not grant statutory audit signing authority in India. Only ICAI-qualified Chartered Accountants can sign statutory audit reports in India. If your goal is Indian statutory audit practice, CA is mandatory.
ACCA ROI Calculator: Is ACCA Worth the Investment?
One of the most overlooked aspects of the ACCA decision is the return on investment. Here is a realistic ROI calculation for a B.Com graduate in India pursuing ACCA in 2026.
š ACCA ROI Calculation (B.Com Graduate in India, 2026)
| Total ACCA Cost (exams + registration + subscription + BPP books) | ~ā¹3,00,000 |
| Pre-ACCA salary (B.Com graduate, avg) | ā¹3ā4 LPA |
| Post-ACCA starting salary (fresher with ACCA) | ā¹5ā8 LPA |
| Annual salary uplift | ā¹2ā4 LPA |
| Payback period | ~8ā18 months |
Based on average salary data from Indian job market surveys (2025ā2026). Individual results vary by employer, city, and prior experience.
How to Start Your ACCA Journey in 2026
Starting ACCA requires registering with the global body, checking for exemptions, and selecting study materials. Here is a step-by-step process for Indian students and working professionals.
š¢ Your 5-Step ACCA Starter Plan
- Check Your Exemptions: Use the ACCA Exemptions Calculator to see which papers you can skip based on your B.Com, CA, or other qualifications.
- Register with ACCA: Register directly with ACCA Global or through Eduyush for support with exemption applications and guidance. Initial registration fee: Ā£89 (~ā¹10,500).
- Get Study Materials: Order BPP textbooks at ā¹3,100/subject or BPP ECR recorded lectures from ā¹4,944/subject through Eduyush.
- Plan Your Exam Schedule: ACCA offers quarterly exam windows. Review the ACCA Exam Dates 2026 calendar and plan which papers to sit first.
- Start Logging PER: Begin your Practical Experience Requirement from day one of any relevant accounting/finance job ā don't wait until after exams.
About the Author
Vicky Sarin, CA | LinkedIn Profile
Vicky is a Chartered Accountant with 25+ years of post-qualification experience, an INSEAD alumni based in Sydney, and the founder of Eduyush.com. He has personally guided hundreds of Indian students and CAs through ACCA registration, exemptions, and study planning since 2016. His hands-on experience with both the Indian CA and global ACCA ecosystems gives him a unique perspective on which qualification suits which career path.
Frequently Asked Questions: ACCA Full Form
Q: What is the full form of ACCA in accounting?
The ACCA full form in accounting is Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. ACCA is a UK-based global professional body that awards the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification, recognised in 180+ countries and valued by Big 4 firms and multinational employers worldwide.
Q: What is the ACCA course full form and duration?
The ACCA course full form is the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants qualification programme. It typically takes 2ā3 years after graduation to complete, though B.Com graduates with exemptions may finish faster. Students starting after Class 12 should expect 3ā4 years via the FIA pathway.
Q: What is B.Com ACCA full form and how are they connected?
B.Com ACCA refers to pursuing the ACCA qualification (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) after completing a Bachelor of Commerce degree. B.Com graduates typically receive 3ā5 paper exemptions from ACCA, reducing both time and cost to qualify.
Q: Is ACCA better than CA in India?
Neither is universally "better" ā it depends on your career goal. CA (ICAI) is essential for statutory audit and India-focused practice. ACCA is stronger for global mobility, MNC finance roles, and IFRS-based positions. Many professionals pursue both to maximise career options.
Q: Can I do ACCA after 12th without a degree?
Yes. Students who have completed Class 12 can enter ACCA through the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) pathway, which includes introductory papers before progressing to the full ACCA qualification. No prior degree is required to start.
Q: What is the salary of ACCA freshers in India?
ACCA freshers in India typically earn between ā¹5ā8 LPA, depending on the employer and city. Professionals joining Big 4 firms or top MNCs may start at the higher end. With 5ā10 years of experience, ACCA salaries can reach ā¹12ā25 LPA.
Q: Do Big 4 firms hire ACCA-qualified professionals?
Yes. All Big 4 firms ā Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG ā actively recruit ACCA members globally. According to ACCA's 2025 Annual Report, ACCA achieved an employer Net Promoter Score of +51.5, with 93% of employers confirming that the qualification provides relevant skills.
Related ACCA Resources on Eduyush
- What Is ACCA? Complete Course Details & Eligibility
- ACCA Subjects & Syllabus 2026 ā Paper-by-Paper Breakdown
- ACCA Pass Rates: Hardest & Easiest Exams
- ACCA Eligibility: Who Can Register?
- ACCA After CA: Is It Worth It?
- ACCA PER Explained: 36 Months, 9 Targets
- ACCA Exam Dates 2026
- ACCA Syllabus Changes 2027: New Qualification Guide
For ACCA registration support, exemption guidance, or study material questions, WhatsApp us at +91 96433 08079 or visit our contact page.
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Questions? Answers.
How many attempts do I have to pass the ACCA exam?
You have an unlimited number of attempts to pass the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) exams.
ACCA does not impose a limit on the number of times you can retake an exam.
You can keep attempting until you successfully pass each exam, which provides flexibility for candidates to learn and improve their performance over time.
Are there any exemptions available for ACCA exam?
Yes, ACCA offers exemptions for certain exams for candidates who have completed certain academic programs or have relevant professional qualifications.
To request exemptions, you will need to provide documentation and submit an exemption application to the ACCA. Review our comprehensive ACCA exemptions calculator to know more.
What is the passing rate for the ACCA exam?
The pass rate for the ACCA exams varies from exam to exam and from year to year. In general, the pass rate for the ACCA exams is between 35% to 50%. Read our blog on subject wise ACCA pass rates to know more.
Is ACCA after CA worth it?
The answer to this lies on your context and individual career objectives.
What are the benefits of being an ACCA member?
The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) membership provides numerous benefits, including:
- Professional development opportunities, such as access to the latest technical resources, CPD modules and e-learning tools
- A global community of like-minded professionals to collaborate and share knowledge with
- The ability to connect with employers through the ACCA Jobs service
- Eligibility for reduced rates on a range of products and services, such as insurance, stationery and more
What happens if you don't pay your annual subscription?
The consequences of non-payment of the annual subscription fees are
As a member:
1) you can't call yourself an ACCA member, and you won't be able to use the ACCA name or logo.Ā
2) You also won't be able to use any resources, including the online resources.Ā
3) if you're working as an accountant, you may be unable to use the term "ACCA-qualified" or "ACCA-registered".Ā
4) If your membership expires and isn't renewed within three years. In that case, your name will be removed from the Register of Members.
5) If you need to apply for CPA accreditation with another accounting body like CPA Australia or Canada, you will be required to furnish a good standing certificate from ACCA for five years. If you haven't paid your membership fees, you won't be able to get your good standing letter
As a student
1) You will not be able to use the members' website or log into MyACCA. You will lose access to many resources, including past exam papers and helpful articles.Ā
2) You will no longer be eligible to sit the examinations or progress through the qualification.
3) You won't be able to pursue any other qualifications like the DIPIFR
If this is something that happens accidentally, then it is usually quickly resolved by simply paying the outstanding amount of 89 GBP.
Is Eduyush.com an ACCA RLP?
Yes. Eduyush (Yush Consultants) is anACCA Registered Learning Partnerfor DipIFR online classes. Verify our RLP status on ACCA's official directory ā
What is the better certification between CA, CFA & ACCA?
It is a difficult question because it depends on your specific situation and goals.
However, in general, we would say that the CA (Chartered Accountant) certification is better for those interested in pursuing a career in accounting and finance.
In comparison, the CFA (Certified Financial Analyst) certification is better for those interested in investment banking or portfolio management.
The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) certification is more internationally recognized than the CA or CFA, so it may be worth considering if you're interested in working abroad.
Ultimately, though, the best way to decide which certification is proper for you is to speak with experts in each field and get their advice.
Is ACCA better than a degree?
The decision of whether ACCA or a degree is better for you depends on your individual goals and circumstances.
ACCA is a professional accounting qualification that is recognized and respected globally and it is focused on accounting and finance. It is a good option for those who want to pursue a career in accounting or finance and do not want to spend the time and money required to earn a degree.
On the other hand, a degree program offers a more well-rounded education and provides a broader range of career options. It also provides more in-depth knowledge in specific field of study and it is good for those who want to pursue a career in a field outside of accounting and finance.
Both ACCA and a degree can be valuable qualifications, it depends on the person's career goals and what they want to achieve in the long term. It's also worth noting that in some countries, it is mandatory to have a degree in order to practice as an accountant.
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