ACCA Duration 2026: How Long Does ACCA Take?
ACCA Course Duration 2026: How Long Does ACCA Really Take?
"If I start ACCA today, when will I actually finish?" is the most common question in Eduyush's first consultation calls. The internet will tell you "2–4 years," but after helping hundreds of students plan their ACCA journeys, the honest answer is: it depends less on ACCA and more on you – your qualifications, your study capacity, your exam strategy, and whether you pass first time.
This guide breaks down realistic ACCA timelines for 2026 by background (12th pass, B.Com, CA, working professional), explains what actually makes ACCA take longer or shorter, and shows you how to plan the fastest route without burning out.
This guide will break down the expected timelines, study resources like the BPP ECR online coaching available via Eduyush, and how students and professionals can fast-track their way to becoming ACCA-qualified.
How Long Does ACCA Take? The Quick Answer
| Your Starting Point | Typical ACCA Duration | Papers to Sit | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| After 12th (no degree) | 3–4 years | 13 papers | Must complete degree alongside or separately |
| After B.Com/BAF | 2–3 years | 8–9 papers | 4–5 exemptions reduce load |
| After CA Inter | 1.5–2 years | 7 papers | 6 exemptions typical |
| After CA Final | 6–12 months | 4 papers | 9 exemptions; only Strategic Professional left |
| Working professional (part-time) | 3–5 years | Varies | Study time limited to 10–15 hrs/week |
ACCA typically takes 2–3 years for graduates with exemptions studying full-time, 3–4 years for those starting after 12th, and 6–12 months for CA Final holders who receive maximum exemptions.
What Actually Determines Your ACCA Duration?
ACCA's official line is "complete in 3–4 years," but real timelines depend on five concrete factors.
1. Your Prior Qualifications & Exemptions
This is the single most significant variable. ACCA allows you to skip papers if you've already covered the content in a recognized degree or professional qualification.
How exemptions change timelines:
- No exemptions (after 12th): 13 papers = 3–4 years minimum
- 4–5 exemptions (B.Com): 8–9 papers = 2–2.5 years realistic
- 9 exemptions (CA Final): 4 papers = 6–12 months
To check your exact exemptions, use the ACCA Exemptions Calculator or speak with Eduyush (+91 96433 08079) for Indian qualification mapping.
2. Full-Time vs Part-Time Study
Full-time students (30–40 hours/week):
- Can sit 2–3 papers per quarterly session
- Often finish Applied Knowledge + Applied Skills in 18–24 months
- Strategic Professional in next 12–18 months
- Total: 2.5–3.5 years from scratch
Part-time / working professionals (10–15 hours/week):
- Typically sit 1–2 papers per session
- Spread exams over 4–6 quarters per level
- Complete PER (Practical Experience Requirement) simultaneously, saving time
- Total: 3–5 years, but with income throughout
From experience: The students who finish fastest aren't always full-time – they're the ones with CA/CMA backgrounds who leverage exemptions and sit exams strategically around work.
3. Pass Rates & Retakes
This is the hidden time-killer. ACCA pass rates vary by level:
| Level | Typical Pass Rate | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Knowledge | 70–85% | Most pass first time |
| Applied Skills | 50–65% | 1 in 3–4 students need retakes |
| Strategic Professional | 35–50% | Retakes are common |
One retake at Strategic Professional = 6 months added to your timeline.
Quality coaching matters here. Eduyush's BPP ECR students consistently pass Applied Skills and Strategic Professional at 15–25% above average, translating into finishing 6–12 months faster by avoiding retakes.
Check BPP ACCA Coaching options →
4. Exam Session Planning
ACCA runs exams quarterly (March, June, September, December), but not all papers run in all sessions, and you can't sit clashing papers.
Smart planning example:
- March 2026: AA (Monday) + TX (Tuesday) = 2 papers in one session
- June 2026: FR (Thursday) + FM (Friday) = 2 more papers
Poor planning example:
- Trying to sit PM and FR in same session when they both fall on Wednesday = impossible
Strategic session planning can cut 6–12 months off your total timeline. See the full quarterly schedule: ACCA Exam Dates
5. Practical Experience Requirement (PER)
ACCA requires 3 years of relevant work experience, but you can complete this alongside your exams, not after. Most working professionals finish PER naturally while studying; full-time students often need to plan internships or entry-level roles to accumulate the required months.
Timeline impact: Zero, if planned correctly; +12–36 months if you wait until after exams to start working.
ACCA Duration by Background: Realistic Timelines
Let's map realistic journeys for the most common student profiles.
After 12th (Commerce Background, No Degree)
Typical path:
- Year 1: Complete Applied Knowledge (BT, MA, FA) – 3 papers
- Year 2: Applied Skills first half (PM, TX, FR) + university exams – 3 papers
- Year 3: Applied Skills second half (AA, FM, LW) + Ethics module – 3 papers
- Year 4: Strategic Professional (SBL, SBR, 2 options) + complete degree – 4 papers
Total: 3–4 years, but heavily dependent on balancing ACCA with B.Com or equivalent degree.
Real example: A student who started after 12th in 2022 finished ACCA exams in early 2026 (3.5 years) while also completing B.Com, then started PER in a firm.
After B.Com / BAF (4–5 Exemptions)
Typical path:
- Exemptions: BT, MA, FA, LW, sometimes TX (varies by university)
- Remaining: 8–9 papers across Applied Skills + Strategic Professional
- Year 1: Complete Applied Skills (PM, FR, AA, FM, and any non-exempted) – 4–5 papers
- Year 2: Strategic Professional (SBL, SBR, 2 options) + Ethics – 4 papers
Total: 2–2.5 years if studying full-time; 3–4 years if working part-time
Most common mistake: B.Com graduates who don't check their university-specific exemptions and end up sitting papers they could have skipped. Always verify with ACCA Exemptions Calculator first.
After CA Inter (6 Exemptions)
Typical path:
- Exemptions: BT, MA, FA, LW, TX, AA
- Remaining: PM, FR, FM + all 4 Strategic Professional = 7 papers
- Year 1: Complete Applied Skills (PM, FR, FM) – 3 papers
- Year 2: Strategic Professional (SBL, SBR, 2 options) + Ethics – 4 papers
Total: 1.5–2 years
Many CA Inter holders pursue ACCA alongside CA Final preparation, spreading ACCA over 2–3 years to avoid overload.
After CA Final (9 Exemptions)
Typical path:
- Exemptions: All Applied Knowledge + all Applied Skills (9 papers)
- Remaining: Only Strategic Professional (SBL, SBR, 2 options) + Ethics = 4 papers
- Timeline: 6–12 months depending on how aggressively you sit exams
Real scenario: A CA Final who cleared in May 2025 registered with Eduyush in June, sat SBL + SBR in September, sat AFM + APM in December, completed Ethics by January 2026, and was ACCA-qualified by February 2026 – total 8 months.
This is why "ACCA after CA" is so popular. Complete analysis: ACCA After CA: Is It Worth It?
Working Professional (Part-Time Study)
Typical path:
- Study capacity: 10–15 hours/week vs 30–40 for full-time
- Exam pace: 1–2 papers per session vs 2–3 for full-time
- Total timeline: 3–5 years depending on exemptions and work intensity
Advantages:
- PER completed automatically alongside exams
- Income throughout, no financial pressure
- Real-world work makes Strategic Professional papers easier
Disadvantages:
- Longer timeline to qualification
- Harder to maintain study momentum across 3–4 years
- Miss tight "finish ACCA in 18–24 months" resume impact
Can You Finish ACCA Faster? Realistic Speed-Up Strategies
Strategy 1: Maximize Exemptions Early
Check exemptions before you register, not after. Eduyush students who register through us get up to 50% off first-year exemption fees, which pays for the time saved.
Strategy 2: Use Adaptive Study Materials
BPP ECR (Enhanced Classroom Recorded) at ₹6,000/subject through Eduyush gives you professionally recorded lectures, adaptive practice, and tutor support – typically cutting study time by 20–30% vs pure self-study.
Strategy 3: Sit Maximum Papers Per Session (But Don't Overload)
- Sweet spot: 2 papers per session for working professionals, 3 for full-time students
- Danger zone: 4 papers in one session usually means at least one fail and wasted fees
Strategy 4: Pass First Time
One Strategic Professional retake = ₹21,960–₹30,744 + 6 months. Investing ₹6,000 in quality coaching per paper usually saves ₹20,000+ and 6 months by avoiding retakes.
Strategy 5: Overlap PER with Exams
Don't wait until you finish exams to start counting work experience. Log your PER objectives in MyACCA from day one of any relevant job.
ACCA Level-by-Level Time Breakdown
| Level | Papers | Study Hours per Paper | Total Hours | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Knowledge | 3 | 100–150 hrs | 300–450 hrs | 6–9 months |
| Applied Skills | 6 | 150–200 hrs | 900–1,200 hrs | 12–18 months |
| Strategic Professional | 4 | 200–250 hrs | 800–1,000 hrs | 12–18 months |
| Ethics Module | - | 20 hrs | 20 hrs | Can be done anytime |
Total study hours: 2,020–2,670 hours for all 13 papers
What this means:
- Full-time (40 hrs/week): 50–67 weeks = 12–16 months of pure study time
- Part-time (15 hrs/week): 135–178 weeks = 31–41 months = 2.6–3.4 years
What Makes ACCA Take Longer Than Expected?
After tracking hundreds of student journeys, these are the most common timeline killers:
- Sitting exams without proper prep → retakes add 6 months each
- Not checking exemptions early → sitting unnecessary papers
- Poor session planning → gaps between levels due to exam date clashes
- Underestimating Strategic Professional → SBL and SBR are genuinely hard
- Waiting to start PER → adding 12–36 months at the end instead of running it parallel
Frequently Asked Questions: ACCA Duration 2026
How long does it take to complete ACCA after 12th?
ACCA after 12th typically takes 3–4 years to complete all 13 exam papers, assuming you also complete a bachelor's degree (required for full ACCA membership). Most students sit 3–4 papers per year while finishing university.
How long does ACCA take after B.Com?
After B.Com, ACCA usually takes 2–2.5 years with typical exemptions (4–5 papers), leaving 8–9 papers to sit. Full-time students can finish faster; working professionals may take 3–4 years.
Can I complete ACCA in 1 year?
Yes, but only if you have 9 exemptions (typical for CA Final or equivalent) and sit the remaining 4 Strategic Professional papers aggressively – 2 in one session, 2 in the next, plus Ethics module. Realistically, this is 6–12 months for most people.
Can I finish ACCA in 2 years?
Yes. B.Com graduates with 4–5 exemptions who study full-time and pass first-attempt can finish 8–9 papers in 2 years by sitting 2 papers per session across 4–5 sessions.
What is the maximum time allowed to complete ACCA?
ACCA does not have a hard deadline to complete all exams, but individual exam passes expire after 7 years. If you don't complete the full qualification within 7 years of your first exam pass, older passes may lapse and you'll need to resit.
How many hours per week should I study for ACCA?
Full-time students: 30–40 hours/week
Working professionals: 10–15 hours/week minimum
Per paper: 100–250 hours depending on level (Knowledge needs less, Strategic Professional needs more)
Next Steps: Plan Your ACCA Timeline
Now that you understand realistic timelines:
- Check your exemptions: ACCA Exemptions Calculator 2026
- Review total costs with your timeline: ACCA Course Fees 2026
- Map your exam schedule: ACCA Exam Dates 2026
- Get study materials that save time: ACCA Books at ₹3,100 or BPP ECR at ₹6,000/subject
- Speak with an advisor: Call +91 96433 08079 for a personalized timeline based on your exact background
Authored by Vicky Sarin, CA, who has mapped ACCA timelines and study strategies for hundreds of Indian students across every background – from 12th pass to CA Final – since 2016.
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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.
2) You also won't be able to use any resources, including the online resources.
3) if you're working as an accountant, you may be unable to use the term "ACCA-qualified" or "ACCA-registered".
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.
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 →
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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