ACCA Papers List 2026: All 13 Papers & Levels Explained
ACCA Papers List 2026: Complete Guide to All 13 ACCA Exam Papers
Last updated: January 8, 2026
The ACCA papers list for 2026 comprises 13 exam papers, structured across three progressive levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. Understanding this ACCA papers structure is essential for planning your qualification journey, maximizing exemptions, and passing all exams efficiently.
This guide explains every ACCA paper with codes, level-wise breakdowns, practical study sequencing, and where to buy approved BPP and Kaplan study materials at India pricing through Eduyush.
Quick Summary: ACCA Papers List 2026
| ACCA Level | Number of Papers | Paper Codes | Exam Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Knowledge | 3 papers | BT, MA, FA | Computer-based, objective questions |
| Applied Skills | 6 papers | LW, PM, TX, FR, AA, FM | Mixed: objective + constructed response |
| Strategic Professional – Essentials | 2 papers (compulsory) | SBL, SBR | Case study + constructed response |
| Strategic Professional – Options | 2 papers (choose 2 of 4) | AFM, APM, ATX, AAA | Advanced constructed response |
| Total ACCA papers | 13 papers | Complete qualification | Exemptions may reduce this |
Students must complete 13 ACCA papers (with or without exemptions) plus the Ethics and Professional Skills Module and 36 months of practical experience to become ACCA members.
What Are the 13 ACCA Papers?
The ACCA qualification uses "papers" as the official term for its exam subjects. Each ACCA paper tests specific accounting, finance, and business skills that build from foundational knowledge to strategic professional judgment.
The 13 ACCA papers for 2026 are:
Applied Knowledge Level (3 papers)
- BT – Business and Technology (F1)
- MA – Management Accounting (F2)
- FA – Financial Accounting (F3)
Applied Skills Level (6 papers)
- LW – Corporate and Business Law (F4)
- PM – Performance Management (F5)
- TX – Taxation (F6)
- FR – Financial Reporting (F7)
- AA – Audit and Assurance (F8)
- FM – Financial Management (F9)
Strategic Professional Level – Essentials (2 compulsory papers)
- SBL – Strategic Business Leader (P1)
- SBR – Strategic Business Reporting (P2)
Strategic Professional Level – Options (choose 2 of 4 papers)
- AFM – Advanced Financial Management (P4)
- APM – Advanced Performance Management (P5)
- ATX – Advanced Taxation (P6)
- AAA – Advanced Audit and Assurance (P7)
Note: You must complete 13 total papers: all 9 from Knowledge and Skills levels, both Strategic Essentials, and 2 chosen from the 4 Strategic Options.
Read our blog on how much it the ACCA course costs
ACCA Papers by Level: Complete Breakdown
Level 1: Applied Knowledge Papers (Foundation)
These three ACCA papers form the entry point to the qualification and build core accounting and business fundamentals.
| Paper Code | Paper Name | What It Builds | Exam Duration | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT | Business and Technology | Understanding of business environment, organizational structure, and technology in accounting | 2 hours | 50% |
| MA | Management Accounting | Cost classification, budgeting, variance analysis, and performance measurement | 2 hours | 50% |
| FA | Financial Accounting | Recording transactions, preparing financial statements, and understanding accounting standards | 2 hours | 50% |
Why these papers matter: Applied Knowledge papers train pattern recognition and conceptual clarity. Strong performance here significantly improves your chances of clearing mid-level papers with fewer retakes.
Study tip: Many Indian students with B.Com or CA Foundation backgrounds find these papers manageable but should not underestimate the exam technique and time management required.
Exam format: 100% objective test questions (OTQs) delivered computer-based.
Level 2: Applied Skills Papers (Professional Core)
The six Applied Skills ACCA papers develop intermediate technical and analytical capabilities required for professional accounting roles.
| Paper Code | Paper Name | Key Skills Developed | Exam Duration | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LW | Corporate and Business Law | Legal frameworks, contracts, employment, and company law | 3 hours | 50% |
| PM | Performance Management | Advanced costing, planning variances, and performance analysis | 3 hours | 50% |
| TX | Taxation | Personal and corporate taxation (variant by country) | 3 hours | 50% |
| FR | Financial Reporting | Advanced statement preparation, group accounts, and consolidations | 3 hours | 50% |
| AA | Audit and Assurance | Audit planning, risk assessment, and professional ethics | 3 hours | 50% |
| FM | Financial Management | Investment appraisal, working capital, and financial risk management | 3 hours | 50% |
Exam format:
- LW: 100% OTQs
- PM, TX, FR, AA, FM: 60% OTQs + 40% constructed response questions
Study sequencing tip: Many successful candidates cluster FR + AA together because audit knowledge builds on financial reporting understanding. Similarly, PM benefits from strong MA foundations.
Check our ACCA exemptions calculator to know which level you can start with.
Level 3: Strategic Professional Papers
Strategic Professional papers test leadership, strategic thinking, and advanced technical judgment. This level has two categories:
Strategic Professional – Essentials (2 compulsory papers)
| Paper Code | Paper Name | What It Shapes | Exam Duration | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBL | Strategic Business Leader | Leadership, governance, risk, ethics, and integrated strategic thinking | 4 hours | 50% |
| SBR | Strategic Business Reporting | Professional judgment in reporting, current developments, and complex IFRS | 3 hours 15 min | 50% |
Exam format: Case study-based with pre-seen material (SBL) or unseen scenarios (SBR).
Why these matter: These papers simulate boardroom and senior finance roles. SBL tests your ability to advise a board; SBR tests your ability to navigate complex, judgment-heavy reporting situations.
Strategic Professional – Options (choose 2 of 4 papers)
| Paper Code | Paper Name | Specialization Focus | Exam Duration | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFM | Advanced Financial Management | Investment decisions, M&A, treasury, and complex risk management | 3 hours 15 min | 50% |
| APM | Advanced Performance Management | Strategic performance evaluation, environmental accounting, and data analytics | 3 hours 15 min | 50% |
| ATX | Advanced Taxation | Advanced personal and corporate tax planning and structuring | 3 hours 15 min | 50% |
| AAA | Advanced Audit and Assurance | Audit quality, group audits, regulatory requirements, and ethics | 3 hours 15 min | 50% |
How to choose your 2 optional papers:
- For corporate finance careers: AFM + APM
- For audit/assurance careers: AAA + (AFM or APM)
- For tax specialist path: ATX + (AFM or AAA)
- For consulting/advisory: APM + AAA
ACCA Papers Study Order: Smart Sequencing Strategy
The order in which you attempt ACCA papers significantly affects study efficiency and pass rates. Below is a recommended sequencing framework used by high-performing candidates.
Study StageRecommended PapersWhy This Sequence Works
Foundation BT → MA → FA Light cognitive load; builds raw fundamentals in logical order
Skills Build-Up FR → PM → FM High skill transfer: FR feeds AA, MA feeds PM, PM feeds FM
Regulation Block LW → TX Keeps law and tax (regulation-heavy) together for efficiency
Assurance AA (after FR) Audit requires strong FR understanding; attempt after FR is fresh
Strategic Start SBR (before SBL) SBR strengthens reporting depth needed for SBL's integrated cases
Leadership SBL Integrates all previous learning; attempt when other papers are complete
Specialization 2 optional papers Choose based on career goals, not difficulty perception
Key insight: Attempting FR before AA reduces duplication of effort because you don't need to relearn reporting logic during audit preparation. Similarly, strong MA performance accelerates PM progress.
ACCA Papers Pass Rates: Which Are Hardest?
Recent ACCA pass rate data (2024–2025) shows significant variation across papers:
Highest pass rates (easier papers):
- BT: 80-85%
- MA: 75-80%
- FA: 70-75%
Mid-range pass rates:
- LW, PM, TX, FM: 45-55%
- FR: 48-50%
Lowest pass rates (hardest papers):
- SBL: 38-43%
- AAA: 37-40%
- SBR: 48-52%
- AFM: 35-40%
What this means: Applied Knowledge papers are most likely to pass; Strategic Professional papers, especially SBL and AAA, have the lowest success rates due to their case-study complexity and judgment requirements.
Best ACCA Study Materials for All 13 Papers
To pass all ACCA papers efficiently, you need exam-focused, ACCA-approved study materials. The two leading providers are BPP Learning Media and Kaplan Publishing.
BPP ACCA Study Materials
What BPP Offers:
- Study Text: In-depth syllabus coverage for each ACCA paper
- Practice & Revision Kit: Past exam questions, mocks, and answers
- Passcards: Quick reference cards for last-minute revision
Why BPP:
- ACCA-approved content provider
- Exam-focused approach aligned to ACCA papers structure
- Regular updates for syllabus changes
Where to Buy:
BPP ACCA Study Text & Revision Kits on Eduyush (authorized reseller with 50%+ discounts for India students)
Kaplan ACCA Study Materials
What Kaplan Offers:
- Study Text: Comprehensive coverage with worked examples
- Exam Kit: Extensive question practice with detailed solutions
Why Kaplan:
- Clear, student-friendly explanations
- Real-world examples that aid conceptual understanding
- Strong for visual learners
Where to Buy:
BPP Enhanced Classroom Resources (ECR)
BPP ECR offers online recorded video lectures for all ACCA papers, ideal for working professionals or distance learners.
Features:
- High-quality video lectures by expert tutors
- Interactive quizzes and progress tracking
- Flexible, self-paced learning
Where to Buy:
BPP ECR Online Courses on Eduyush (50%+ discount vs global pricing)
ACCA Papers Exemptions: How to Skip Papers
You may be eligible to skip some ACCA papers based on your prior qualifications. Common exemption pathways for Indian students:
- B.Com / BBA graduates: Typically exempt from up to 5 papers (BT, MA, FA, LW, and sometimes FR or PM)
- CA Inter / IPCC qualified: Exempt from 6+ papers depending on subjects cleared
- Qualified CA (ICAI): Exempt from 9 papers; typically need only Strategic Professional papers
- MBA Finance / M.Com: Exempt from 4-6 papers depending on university recognition
Check your exemptions: Use Eduyush's ACCA Exemptions Calculator to know which ACCA papers you can skip.
Important: Even with exemptions, you still need 36 months of practical experience to become an ACCA member.
ACCA Papers FAQs
What are the 13 papers of ACCA?
The 13 ACCA papers are: BT, MA, FA (Applied Knowledge); LW, PM, TX, FR, AA, FM (Applied Skills); SBL, SBR (Strategic Essentials); and 2 chosen from AFM, APM, ATX, AAA (Strategic Options).
What are the 9 papers of ACCA some people refer to?
The "9 papers" reference comes from older ACCA structures. Currently, ACCA has 13 total papers, but the Skills + Strategic levels together contain 10 papers (6 Skills + 2 Essentials + 2 Options), which students sometimes round to "9 core + options."
Which ACCA paper should I take first?
Most students start with BT (Business and Technology) because it's the easiest and builds a foundational understanding of business. Follow with MA, then FA to complete the Applied Knowledge level in order.
Which ACCA papers can I take together?
Good combinations:
- FR + AA: Financial reporting knowledge directly supports audit
- PM + FM: Performance measurement complements financial management
- MA + PM: Management accounting foundations feed performance management
Avoid taking SBL + SBR + 2 options simultaneously unless you have significant work experience; Strategic papers demand deep preparation.
How many times can I retake an ACCA paper?
You can retake any ACCA paper unlimited times, but you can only attempt each paper 4 times per year (once per exam session: March, June, September, December).
Are ACCA papers getting harder?
ACCA regularly updates paper content to reflect current business practices, but difficulty levels remain consistent. Strategic Professional papers consistently show lower pass rates (35-45%) than Applied Knowledge (70-85%), indicating that the qualification maintains rigorous standards.
Conclusion
Mastering the ACCA subjects is crucial for anyone qualifying as a certified accountant. The ACCA syllabus is comprehensive and demanding, but you can successfully navigate each level with the right approach. Whether you are just beginning your journey at the Applied Knowledge level or preparing for the Strategic Professional exams, studying with dedication, discipline, and a clear strategy is essential.
We hope this information proves helpful as you begin your journey to becoming a certified accountant! If you would like to pass the ACCA exams in one go, do browse our ACCA online courses or ACCA approved books.
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ACCA subjects. Questions? Answers.
What are the ACCA exam levels?
The ACCA qualification is divided into three levels: Knowledge, Skills, and Strategic Professional, covering a total of 13 subjects.
How can I effectively manage my time while studying for multiple ACCA subjects?
Managing multiple ACCA subjects requires a disciplined schedule. Create a detailed study plan that allocates more time to subjects you find challenging and includes periodic reviews of past materials. Use tools like time-tracking apps, the Pomodoro technique, and prioritize ACCA-recommended resources. Taking mock exams under timed conditions can also help you improve time management.
Where can I get resources for ACCA books?
You can buy ACCA books from Eduyush at India pricing. Eduyush is an authorized partner of BPP and Kaplan, two of the top providers for ACCA study materials. With Eduyush, you’ll have access to authentic and up-to-date resources designed to align with the ACCA syllabus.
Is ACCA online coaching available?
Yes, Eduyush offers ACCA online coaching throughBPP online coursesat India pricing. As an authorized BPP partner, Eduyush provides access to BPP’s comprehensive online courses, covering each ACCA paper with interactive resources, practice tests, and instructor support, helping you prepare effectively for your exams.
What should I consider when choosing between on-demand and session-based ACCA exams for certain subjects?
ACCA offers on-demand exams for Knowledge Level papers, allowing flexibility in scheduling. Session-based exams, however, have fixed dates. On-demand exams suit students who wish to progress quickly, while session-based exams allow more time for structured preparation. Choose based on your study pace, work schedule, and readiness to sit for the exams.
How does practical experience support ACCA exam success, especially at higher levels?
Practical experience complements academic knowledge, as many exam questions (particularly in the Strategic Professional Level) involve real-world applications. If you're working while studying, applying concepts from papers like Financial Management (FM) or Audit and Assurance (AA) in a work setting can reinforce learning and offer a practical perspective, ultimately boosting performance in exams.
Are there any recent changes to the ACCA syllabus I should be aware of?
The ACCA syllabus is reviewed regularly, with updates reflecting changes in the accounting and finance landscape, such as digital transformation, data analytics, and new regulatory standards. Be sure to check the ACCA website or Eduyush’s updates for the latest syllabus changes to stay current on any additions, modifications, or areas of increased emphasis.
What are the benefits of choosing optional ACCA papers based on my career goals?
The optional ACCA papers allow you to specialize in areas that align with your career aspirations. For example:
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM) is ideal for those aiming to work in investment banking or corporate finance.
- Advanced Performance Management (APM) is suitable for those interested in management accounting or business analysis roles. Selecting papers that support your career goals can improve your marketability and deepen your expertise in your chosen field.
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