ACCA Syllabus Changes 2027: New Qualification Guide

ACCA Syllabus Changes 2027: What You Need to Know (with Decision Guide)

Author: Vicky Sarin, CA, INSEAD

ACCA has announced the most significant overhaul of its qualification in decades. Starting July 2027, the entire qualification is being restructured with fewer exams, renamed levels, and only one option paper at Strategic Professional instead of two.

This guide breaks down exactly what is changing, when, and—most importantly—what you should do next based on where you are in your ACCA journey.

If you are weighing ACCA against other global certifications like CPA USA, CMA or CIA, understanding how ACCA is evolving will help you make a more informed decision.

Quick summary: What is actually changing?

The redesigned ACCA Qualification introduces:

• Reduced exam count: From 13 exams to approximately 11 exams
• Renamed levels: Applied Knowledge → Knowledge, Applied Skills → Expertise
• Only 1 option at Strategic Professional (down from 2)
• New papers: Data Science Professional added as a Strategic option
• Essential Employability Modules: New mandatory modules at each level covering AI, sustainability, ethics, and leadership
• On-demand Knowledge exams: Foundations and Knowledge level exams available on demand from July 2027

The core technical competencies remain—financial reporting under IFRS standards, audit, tax, performance management—but the way ACCA assesses professional and employability skills is being sharpened significantly.

The new exam structure: Current vs 2027

Key dates: The 2027 transition timeline

The critical cutoff is June 2027—the last opportunity to sit exams under the current syllabus. After that, everyone transitions to the new structure.

The new ACCA Qualification structure explained

Foundations level (for those who don't meet minimum entry requirements)

A stepping stone for students without standard entry qualifications:

• F1 Accounts Preparation
• F2 Management Information
• F3 Decision Making with Data
• Essential Employability Module: Enterprise and entrepreneurship

After completing Foundations, you transfer to the Knowledge level.

Knowledge level (replaces Applied Knowledge)

The entry point for most students with 3 exams:

• K1 Financial Accounting
• K2 Management Accounting
• K3 Business Law
• Essential Employability Module: Responsible Business Management

Exams become available on-demand from July 2027.

Expertise level (replaces Applied Skills)

The technical heart of the qualification with 5 exams (reduced from 6):

• E1 Taxation
• E2 Financial Reporting
• E3 Audit, Risk, and Control
• E4 Finance and Investment
• E5 Performance with Data Analysis
• Essential Employability Module: Digital Tech and Innovation

If you are interested in deepening your IFRS knowledge alongside ACCA, consider the ACCA Diploma in IFRS (DipIFR)—a standalone qualification that complements your ACCA studies.

Strategic Professional level

The capstone level now requires only 3 exams instead of 4:

Two Essentials (compulsory):

• S1 Business and Sustainability Reporting (replaces SBR)
• S2 Strategic Business Leader (replaces SBL)

One Option (choose 1 from 5):

• SAA Audit and Assurance Professional (replaces AAA)
• ACF Corporate Finance Professional (replaces AFM)
• SDS Data Science Professional (NEW paper)
• SPI Performance and Insights Professional (replaces APM)
• STA Taxation Advisory Professional (replaces ATX)

Essential Employability Module: Ethical, Sustainable Leadership

Key change: You now only need to pass ONE option paper instead of two. This significantly reduces the time and effort required to complete Strategic Professional.

For detailed syllabus breakdowns of the current Strategic Professional papers, see our ACCA Strategic Professional Syllabus 2026–27 Guide.

Essential Employability Modules: What are they?

A major addition is the introduction of Essential Employability Modules at each level:

These modules are designed to ensure every ACCA graduate is workplace-ready from day one—similar to how CPA USA emphasises ethics and professional responsibility.

These modules assess AI literacy, sustainability integration, professional ethics and leadership—skills employers consistently demand.

Decision guide: What should YOU do?

Scenario 1: I haven't started ACCA yet

Should I wait for the new syllabus?

Answer: No. Start now under the current syllabus.

• Entry requirements and exemptions stay the same
• Most of your studies will be under the current syllabus
• The new structure has fewer exams, so any papers you don't complete will map to the new structure
• Delaying only delays your career

Your action: Register with ACCA and begin Applied Knowledge. See What is ACCA? for a complete overview.

Scenario 2: I'm currently studying Applied Knowledge

Will I need to resit anything?

Answer: No. Your passes carry forward to the new Knowledge level.

• Continue studying without disruption
• Aim to complete Applied Knowledge by June 2027
• BT, MA, FA map to K1, K2, K3

Your action: Focus on passing your current papers. See Best Study Material for ACCA for recommended resources.

Scenario 3: I'm currently studying Applied Skills

What happens to my progress?

Answer: Your passes carry forward to the new Expertise level.

• No resits required
• The new Expertise level has 5 papers instead of 6
• Use ACCA's Transition Tool to see exactly how your passes map

Your action: Accelerate if possible. Consider whether coaching or self-study works better for your pace.

Scenario 4: I'm currently studying Strategic Professional

What happens to my Essentials and Options?

Answer: Structure changes significantly.

• SBL → S2 Strategic Business Leader (your pass carries forward)
• SBR → S1 Business and Sustainability Reporting (your pass carries forward)
• Only 1 Option required under new syllabus (not 2)
• If you've passed 2 options already, you're done with options
• If you've passed 1 option, you may be done (check Transition Tool)

Your action: Prioritise completing papers before June 2027 if possible. See Strategic Professional Syllabus 2026–27 for current exam details.

Scenario 5: I'm nearly finished (1–2 papers left)

Can I finish before the change?

• If YES (before June 2027): Complete under current syllabus. No transition needed.
• If NO (papers remaining after June 2027): Your passes carry forward. You'll sit remaining papers under the new syllabus. The good news: you may need fewer papers under the new structure.

What ACCA papers are being discontinued or renamed?

Note: The exact mapping between current and new papers will be confirmed in ACCA's official guidance packs.

Advice for current ACCA students

1. Continue studying without disruption — There is no reason to pause.
2. You will not resit passed exams — All passes carry forward.
3. You may need fewer papers — The new structure has 11 exams vs 13, and only 1 option vs 2.
4. Use ACCA's Transition Tool — See exactly how your expected passes map to the new structure.
5. Focus on your next exam — Don't worry about 2027; focus on passing now.

Advice for new ACCA students

1. Start now — Most of your studies will be under the current syllabus.
2. Entry requirements unchanged — Same criteria and exemptions.
3. The new structure is easier — Fewer exams and only one option means a shorter path to qualification.
4. Delaying costs career time — Every month you wait delays your qualification.

For a complete overview, read ACCA Journey: From Foundation to Qualification and How Long Does It Take to Become an ACCA.

Why is ACCA making these changes?

ACCA conducted extensive consultations with employers, members, students and training providers before announcing these changes. The key drivers are:

1. Employer demands are evolving

Finance roles increasingly require data analytics, AI literacy, sustainability knowledge and strategic thinking—not just technical accounting skills.

2. Faster path to qualification

Reducing exams from 13 to 11 and options from 2 to 1 means students can qualify faster without compromising depth.

3. Future-proofing the profession

The new Data Science Professional option and Essential Employability Modules ensure ACCA members are prepared for the changing nature of finance work.

4. Greater flexibility

On-demand exams at Knowledge level let students progress at their own pace rather than waiting for exam windows.

How will exemptions work under the new syllabus?

ACCA has confirmed that exemption policies remain unchanged. If you currently qualify for exemptions based on your degree or professional qualifications, you will still receive them under the new structure.

Key points:

• Exemptions will map to the equivalent new-syllabus papers
• Maximum exemptions cap remains in place
• Specific exemption mappings will be published in ACCA's official guidance

If you hold a degree with relevant accounting modules or another professional qualification like CA, your exemption path remains valid.

What happens to the University of London degree pathway?

The BSc Professional Accountancy degree with the University of London continues under the new structure. Students can still achieve this prestigious academic qualification alongside ACCA membership.

The pathway will be updated to align with the new exam structure, and ACCA has confirmed ongoing support for this dual-qualification route.

Impact on ACCA fees and costs

While ACCA has not yet announced specific fee changes for the new qualification, the reduction in exam numbers means:

• Fewer exam fees — 11 exams vs 13 means 2 fewer exam fees to pay
• Reduced study material costs — fewer papers means fewer books to buy
• Shorter study duration — less time means lower opportunity cost

For current exam fees and study material costs, see our ACCA course duration guide

How training providers are preparing

BPP

BPP has confirmed current ACCA courses remain fully valid. They are already developing transitional materials and will provide detailed guidance as official ACCA resources are released.

Kaplan

Kaplan advises current students to continue without disruption and new students to start now. They emphasise that entry requirements and exemptions remain unchanged.

ACCA vs other global certifications

Author's insight: What this means for your career

By Vicky Sarin, CA, INSEAD

Having guided thousands of students through professional accounting qualifications, I see the 2027 ACCA changes as a significant positive for aspiring finance professionals.

Three key takeaways from my perspective:

1. The shorter path is a genuine advantage

Reducing from 13 to 11 exams and from 2 options to 1 isn't about diluting the qualification—it's about recognising that modern finance roles require breadth across data, sustainability and leadership, not just depth in multiple technical specialisms. The Essential Employability Modules fill this gap meaningfully.

2. Current students have nothing to fear

If you're mid-journey, the transition is designed to benefit you. Your passes carry forward, and you may actually need fewer papers to complete. The worst thing you can do is pause your studies waiting for clarity—every exam you pass now is progress locked in.

3. The Data Science option signals where finance is heading

The addition of SDS Data Science Professional as a Strategic option isn't accidental. Employers are increasingly seeking finance professionals who can bridge the gap between data analytics and strategic decision-making. If you're choosing your option, consider where the profession is moving, not just where it has been.

My advice: Whether you're just starting or nearly finished, keep moving forward. The qualification is evolving, but the value of ACCA membership—global recognition, career flexibility, and professional credibility—remains unchanged.

If you're uncertain about your specific situation, use ACCA's Transition Tool and feel free to contact us for personalised guidance.

Final word

The 2027 ACCA syllabus changes represent the most significant evolution of the qualification in over a decade. But the core message is simple: this is a streamlined, modernised pathway to the same globally recognised ACCA membership.

• Fewer exams mean a faster route to qualification
• Essential Employability Modules ensure you're workplace-ready
• Your current progress is protected—no resits, no wasted effort

Whether you're a current student looking to complete before the transition or a new learner considering when to start, the answer is the same: keep moving forward.

For the most current official information on the future ACCA Qualification, visit the ACCA Accountancy Redefined hub.