ACCA Future Qualification 2027: Knowledge Level Changes (K1, K2, K3)
What Is the ACCA Future Qualification 2027?
ACCA has announced a complete redesign of its qualification structure, effective from September 2027. The redesigned ACCA qualification reduces the total number of exams from 13 to 11 papers, renames the levels, introduces 3 new Essential Employability Modules (EEMs), and adds a Data Science Professional option at the Strategic level.
By Vicky Sarin, CA ā ACCA-qualified tutor and lead content expert at Eduyush, an ACCA Registered Learning Partner. With over 15 years of experience supporting ACCA students globally.
Reading Time: 12 minutes | Last Updated: April 2026
Quick Answer: From September 2027, ACCAās Applied Knowledge level becomes the Knowledge Level with three papers: K1 Financial Accounting, K2 Management Accounting, and K3 Business Law. Business Technology (BT) is removed entirely. Students must also complete a new Responsible Business Management Essential Employability Module alongside Knowledge Level exams. Knowledge Level on-demand CBE exams begin July 2027.
Table of Contents
- What Is the ACCA Future Qualification 2027?
- Current vs New ACCA Structure: Side-by-Side
- New Knowledge Level: K1, K2, K3 Explained
- What Happened to Business Technology (BT)?
- Essential Employability Modules (EEMs)
- New Expertise Level: E1āE5 Papers
- Strategic Professional Level Changes
- Key Dates & Transition Timeline
- Transition Rules for Current Students
- Exemptions & Credit Mapping
- Study Materials & How to Prepare
- Frequently Asked Questions
Current vs New ACCA Qualification Structure
The table below shows the complete side-by-side comparison between the current ACCA qualification (valid until June 2027) and the redesigned structure (from September 2027):
| Aspect | Current (Until June 2027) | New (From September 2027) |
|---|---|---|
| Total exams | 13 papers | 11 papers |
| Levels | Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, Strategic Professional | Knowledge, Expertise, Strategic Professional |
| Knowledge Level | BT, MA, FA (3 papers) | K1, K2, K3 (3 papers) |
| Middle Level | Applied Skills: LW, PM, TX, FR, AA, FM (6 papers) | Expertise: E1, E2, E3, E4, E5 (5 papers) |
| Strategic Level | SBL, SBR + 2 options from 4 (4 papers) | S1, S2 + 1 option from 5 (3 papers) |
| Ethics module | 1 module (EPSM) | 3 Essential Employability Modules (one per level) |
| New subjects | ā | Data Science Professional (SDS), Performance with Data Analysis (E5) |
| Removed subjects | ā | Business Technology (BT), Corporate & Business Law (LW) moved to K3 |
| Exit awards | Diploma, Advanced Diploma, ACCA Affiliate | Higher Diploma, Advanced Diploma, ACCA Qualification |
| PER requirement | 36 months mandatory | 30 months + optional flexible alternative |
New ACCA Knowledge Level: K1, K2, K3 Explained
The redesigned Knowledge Level replaces the current Applied Knowledge level. It retains Financial Accounting and Management Accounting but replaces Business Technology (BT) with Business Law (K3), which was previously at the Applied Skills level as Corporate and Business Law (LW).
| New Paper Code | Paper Name | Replaces | Assessment | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K1 | Financial Accounting | FA (Financial Accounting) | On-demand CBE | Updated syllabus with greater IFRS focus and sustainability reporting basics |
| K2 | Management Accounting | MA (Management Accounting) | On-demand CBE | Enhanced data analysis and digital tools content |
| K3 | Business Law | LW (Corporate & Business Law) | On-demand CBE | Moved from Applied Skills to Knowledge Level; broadened business law scope |
Knowledge Level exams will be available as on-demand CBE from July 2027 at Pearson VUE test centres worldwide. The pass mark remains 50 out of 100. ACCA recommends students take the exams in order: K1, K2, then K3.
The Knowledge Level is benchmarked to Level 4 of the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), equivalent to Certificate/Diploma level. Students who complete all three exams plus the Responsible Business Management EEM earn the ACCA Higher Diploma in Accounting and Business.
Start preparing with ACCA Knowledge Level study materials from Eduyush ā these will be updated to reflect the new K1, K2, K3 syllabus closer to the transition date.
What Happened to Business Technology (BT)?
Business Technology (BT) has been removed from the ACCA qualification entirely. Its core content has been redistributed:
- Technology content ā Integrated into the new Digital Tech and Innovation Essential Employability Module at the Expertise Level
- Business organisation content ā Incorporated into other papers across the qualification
- IT governance and data analytics ā Expanded into the new E5 Performance with Data Analysis and SDS Data Science Professional papers
This means students starting under the new structure will sit K1, K2, and K3 at Knowledge Level instead of BT, MA, and FA. If you have already passed BT under the current structure, your credit will be mapped under the ACCA Transition Tool.
Essential Employability Modules (EEMs) ā What Are They?
The current ACCA qualification requires one ethics module (EPSM). The redesigned 2027 qualification introduces 3 mandatory Essential Employability Modules, one at each level:
| Level | Module Name | Focus Area | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Responsible Business Management | Ethics, governance, sustainability, responsible business practices | Non-exam based (online assessment) |
| Expertise | Digital Tech and Innovation | AI, data analytics, cloud computing, digital transformation | Non-exam based (online assessment) |
| Strategic Professional | Ethical, Sustainable Leadership | ESG leadership, sustainability strategy, ethical decision-making | Non-exam based (online assessment) |
Each EEM must be completed alongside the exams at that level before progressing to the next level. EEMs will be available from early 2027. They are non-exam assessments ā they involve integrated learning with online assessment rather than a timed exam.
ACCA will also offer Optional Employability Modules covering topics like accounting software, cloud accounting, personal effectiveness, and AI. In future, completing certain optional modules may count towards up to 6 months of the Practical Experience Requirement (PER).
New Expertise Level: E1āE5 Papers
The current Applied Skills level (6 papers) becomes the Expertise Level with 5 papers. Corporate and Business Law (LW) moves down to Knowledge Level as K3, and Performance Management (PM) is redesigned as E5 Performance with Data Analysis.
| New Code | Paper Name | Replaces | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Taxation | TX (Taxation) | Session CBE (4 times/year) |
| E2 | Financial Reporting | FR (Financial Reporting) | Session CBE (4 times/year) |
| E3 | Audit, Risk and Control | AA (Audit and Assurance) | Session CBE (4 times/year) |
| E4 | Finance and Investment | FM (Financial Management) | Session CBE (4 times/year) |
| E5 | Performance with Data Analysis | PM (Performance Management) | Session CBE (4 times/year) |
Students completing all 5 Expertise exams plus the Digital Tech and Innovation EEM earn the ACCA Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business. Expertise Level exams begin September 2027. Browse current Applied Skills study materials on Eduyush.
Strategic Professional Level Changes
The biggest change at the Strategic Professional level is the reduction from 4 papers to 3 papers (2 mandatory + 1 option instead of 2 mandatory + 2 options). A new Data Science Professional (SDS) option has been added.
| New Code | Paper Name | Type | Replaces |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | Business and Sustainability Reporting | Mandatory | SBR (Strategic Business Reporting) ā updated with sustainability focus |
| S2 | Strategic Business Leader | Mandatory | SBL (Strategic Business Leader) ā largely unchanged |
| SAA | Audit and Assurance Professional | Option (choose 1) | AAA (Advanced Audit and Assurance) |
| SCF | Corporate Finance Professional | Option (choose 1) | AFM (Advanced Financial Management) |
| SDS | Data Science Professional | Option (choose 1) | NEW ā no current equivalent |
| SPI | Performance and Insights Professional | Option (choose 1) | APM (Advanced Performance Management) ā redesigned |
| STA | Taxation Advisory Professional | Option (choose 1) | ATX (Advanced Taxation) |
Students need only 1 option paper instead of 2, reducing the total qualification length. The new SDS option reflects the growing demand for data science skills in accounting. Explore Strategic Professional study materials on Eduyush.
Key Dates & Transition Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 2025 | ACCA announces the Future Qualification redesign |
| Early 2027 | Essential Employability Modules become available |
| June 2027 | Last exam session under the current syllabus |
| July 2027 | Knowledge Level (K1, K2, K3) and Foundation Level on-demand CBEs begin |
| September 2027 | First exam session for Expertise and Strategic Professional under new structure |
| September 2027+ | Transition rules apply; current student credits mapped to new papers |
Transition Rules for Current ACCA Students
If you are already studying under the current ACCA structure, here is what you need to know:
- All exams until June 2027 follow the current syllabus ā no changes to your current study plan
- From September 2027, the new structure applies to all students
- ACCA has released a Transition Tool to help you map your current progress to the new papers
- Credits for passed papers carry forward ā if you passed FA, you receive credit for K1; if you passed MA, you receive credit for K2; if you passed LW, you receive credit for K3
- Students who passed BT will receive appropriate credit mapping (details via the Transition Tool)
- Students at Applied Skills level will have their passed papers mapped to the corresponding Expertise papers
- Students with 2 option papers passed at Strategic will receive credit for the 1 required option
Recommendation: If you are close to completing a level, aim to finish before June 2027 to avoid transition complexity. Use the ACCA Transition Tool to see exactly how your progress maps to the new structure.
Exemptions & Credit Mapping
ACCA exemptions under the new qualification will be updated. Current exemption agreements with universities and professional bodies will be reviewed and remapped. Key points:
- Existing exemptions from current papers (BT, MA, FA, LW etc.) will be mapped to equivalent new papers
- New exemption agreements will be published closer to September 2027
- Students with CA, CPA, or other professional qualifications should check the updated exemption tables when available
- The Eduyush ACCA Exemptions Guide will be updated to reflect the new structure
Study Materials & How to Prepare for the 2027 Changes
While the new syllabus takes effect from September 2027, you can start preparing now:
- Continue studying current papers ā Credits carry forward, so passing FA, MA, or LW now gives you credit for K1, K2, or K3
- Use the ACCA CBE practice platform ā Familiarise yourself with the CBE format via the ACCA CBE Practice Platform Guide
- Monitor ACCA updates ā ACCA will publish updated specimen exams and syllabus documents closer to September 2027
- Access free mock exams ā Join the Eduyush Google Classroom (Code: 2xoi7ge) for free practice across all levels
- Buy current study materials ā BPP textbooks for Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional remain relevant until June 2027
Frequently Asked Questions About ACCA 2027 Changes
What are the ACCA changes in 2027?
ACCA is redesigning its qualification from September 2027. Total exams reduce from 13 to 11. Applied Knowledge becomes Knowledge Level (K1, K2, K3), Applied Skills becomes Expertise Level (E1āE5), and Strategic Professional requires only 1 option paper instead of 2. Three new Essential Employability Modules replace the single EPSM.
What is the new ACCA Knowledge Level?
The new Knowledge Level has three papers: K1 Financial Accounting, K2 Management Accounting, and K3 Business Law. BT (Business Technology) is removed. Students must also complete the Responsible Business Management EEM. On-demand CBE exams start July 2027.
When do the ACCA 2027 changes take effect?
Knowledge Level on-demand CBEs start July 2027. Expertise and Strategic Professional session CBEs start September 2027. All exams until June 2027 follow the current syllabus.
What happens to current ACCA students?
Credits for passed papers carry forward. ACCA has released a Transition Tool to map your current progress. FA maps to K1, MA to K2, LW to K3. Applied Skills papers map to corresponding Expertise papers.
Is Business Technology (BT) removed from ACCA?
Yes. BT is removed entirely from the redesigned qualification. Its technology content is integrated into the Digital Tech and Innovation EEM and other papers. Students who passed BT receive appropriate credit mapping.
What are Essential Employability Modules?
EEMs are 3 mandatory non-exam modules, one at each level: Responsible Business Management (Knowledge), Digital Tech and Innovation (Expertise), and Ethical, Sustainable Leadership (Strategic). They replace the single EPSM module.
How many ACCA exams are there from 2027?
11 exams: 3 at Knowledge Level (K1, K2, K3), 5 at Expertise Level (E1āE5), and 3 at Strategic Professional (S1, S2 + 1 option from 5 choices). Plus 3 Essential Employability Modules.
What is the new Data Science Professional paper?
SDS Data Science Professional is a brand new optional paper at the Strategic Professional level. It covers data science applications in accounting, analytics, and business intelligence. It has no direct equivalent in the current qualification.
Should I start ACCA now or wait for the 2027 changes?
Start now. Credits carry forward, so any papers you pass under the current structure will be mapped to the new qualification. Completing papers before June 2027 avoids transition complexity. There is no advantage to waiting.
Will ACCA exam fees change in 2027?
ACCA has not yet announced specific exam fees for the new papers. Current fees range from Ā£82 (Knowledge) to Ā£188 (SBL). Updated fee information will be published closer to the transition.
Related ACCA Resources on Eduyush
- ACCA CBE Practice Platform: Complete Guide for All Levels
- ACCA Applied Knowledge: What It Is, Papers, Fees & How to Pass
- ACCA Pass Rates: Hardest & Easiest Exams (Updated Stats)
- What is ACCA? Complete Guide to the Qualification
- ACCA Exam Dates & Deadlines
- ACCA Exemptions: Who Qualifies & How to Apply
- Buy ACCA Knowledge Level Study Materials
- Buy ACCA Expertise Level Study Materials
- Buy ACCA Strategic Professional Study Materials
About the Author
Vicky Sarin, CA ā Chartered Accountant with 25+ years of experience in audit and finance. As the founder of Eduyush, Vicky has helped thousands of students prepare for professional accounting exams including ACCA, CIA, CPA, and DipIFR. Eduyush is an ACCA Approved Content Provider and Registered Learning Partner.
Last updated: April 2026 | Sources: ACCA Global
Popular posts
Popular posts
Featured product
Knowledge level. Questions? Answers.
Is it hard to follow ACCA knowledge level while doing a job?
In fact, it gets easier when you are doing a job. The exams are called Applied Knowledge exams. You need to apply your knowledge to the exams. Suppose you are working in an accounting role. In that case, many work roles will translate into theory and your ability to understand concepts will be far more manageable.
Does the syllabus of ACCA change every year?
The exams for the knowledge level change every September and are valid for one year. If you are taking your exams after September, we strongly recommend studying with the updated study materials
Can I give my ACCA exam on my laptop as I live far away from CBE center?
If you can meet the pre-booking requirements of ACCA . Remote exams offer increased convenience, flexibility and comfort. Find out what exam options are available in your location on ACCA site.
What are best books for learning ACCA F1-3 for beginners?
Both BPP and KAPLAN are ACCA-approved books.
As a thumb rule, if you need easy language start with KAPLAN, if you need more conceptual knowledge, go for BPP.
It is also a great idea to pair the KAPLAN study text with BPP practice & revision kits. This will give you clarity on concepts and plenty of tricky practice questions.
How can I prepare for ACCA F3?
If you have a strong base in accounting and have a passion for tallying your balance sheet, you can use the BPP books and KAPLAN exam kit.
On the other hand, if you lack conceptual clarity on bookkeeping, we recommend using the free ACCAX lectures first to gain conceptual clarity. Subsequently, take a BPP online course on F3 to help you go through the syllabus in detail.
Can I get a CA membership in Australia if I complete my ACCA?
Yes you can become a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and Newzealand once you fulfil the following criteria.
1) You are residing in Australia or Newzealand
2) Submit a Letter of Good Standing from ACCA. The letter must be dated within 3 months of the date of your application
3) Have at least 5 years of work experience in finance and accounting post admittance to ACCA. This must be backed by your employer's attestation.
4) Two CA references from CA ANZ Members
Is ACCA valued in Canada?
CPA Canada signed the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) in 2011.
In 2020, CPA Canada activated the withdrawal from the existing MRA because it intended to agree to a fresh MRA with ACCA. The withdrawal of the MRA is applicableĀ from April 30, 2021.
No new timelines have been given for when the new MRA will come in.
We would advise Indian CA's to apply using the MRA with CPA Canada directly rather than the ACCA route
Leave a comment