What if we told you that you don’t need to invest 3 years of your life completing ACCA? Sounds too good to be true? Well, it’s not!
ACCA qualification comprises 13 papers, and for some or many, the mere thought of clearing all these exams can feel daunting. But thanks to exemptions, you can actually bypass certain exams. This means less time spent studying, lower costs, and a smoother path to achieving your ACCA qualification.
But how do these exemptions work? Who qualifies for them? And what steps do you need to take to apply? In India, many candidates are unaware of the various ACCA exemptions for degree holders that can fast-track their journey.
For those unaware, ACCA is a UK-certified professional qualification for students who want to pursue their careers in the fields of finance, taxation, auditing and accountancy. The course has 13 papers, which can get overwhelming to complete in 3 years. Especially given the passing rates and paper difficulty.
However, ACC Global grants exemptions to students. So, what are acca exemptions?
ACCA exemptions are credits that excuse you from retaking subjects you’ve already studied in a relevant degree or certification. Instead of repeating concepts, you can move directly to more advanced levels in the ACCA syllabus and exemptions framework.
So, who can actually apply here?
- If you are a B.Com graduate, you will be exempted from:
First 3 exams under the Applied Knowledge level, i.e.
- Business and technology (BT)
- Management accounting (MA)
- Financial accounting (FA)
And one paper from the Skills Level
- Corporate and business law
- If you are a CA Foundation Student
- No exemption is available
- If you are a CA Inter-qualified candidate, you can skip up to 5 exams
Three in the Applied Knowledge level:
- Business and technology (BT)
- Management accounting (MA)
- Financial accounting (FA)
And two at Applied Skills levels. - Taxation (TX)
- Audit and Assurance (AA)
- If You Have an MBA in Finance
You will be exempted from:
- First 3 exams under the Applied Knowledge level (BT, MA, FA).
- One paper under the Applied Skills level:
- Corporate and Business Law (LW)
- If You Are a CA Final-Qualified Candidate
You will be exempted from:
- First 3 exams under the Applied Knowledge level (BT, MA, FA).
- All 6 papers under the Applied Skills level (LW, PM, TX, FR, AA, FM).
This means CA Final candidates can skip nine papers in total, reducing their study timeline to just the Strategic Professional level exams.
A key point to remember is that ACCA exemptions are capped at nine papers (covering the first two levels—Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills).
Now, why is there a limit for the exemptions?
- This ensures all students demonstrate advanced knowledge by sitting for the Strategic Professional exams.
- It maintains the standard and integrity of the ACCA syllabus and exemptions framework.
Benefits Of ACCA Exemptions
The following are some benefits you can avail because of acca exemptions:
- Saves Time and Effort
- Candidates can skip repetitive exams, allowing them to focus on advanced topics.
- This is especially beneficial for experienced professionals who already possess fundamental knowledge.
- Faster Completion of ACCA Qualification
- Students can move through the ACCA journey more quickly, achieving certification sooner.
- It’s particularly useful for those balancing work and studies.
- Cost-Effective
- Fewer exams mean reduced costs in registration fees, study materials, and exam preparations.
- Encourages Career Progression
- Exemptions enable skilled professionals to transition seamlessly into ACCA without starting from scratch.
- It supports career development by recognising prior achievements and enabling faster upskilling.
- Maintains Flexibility
- Candidates with exemptions can adapt their study plans based on their schedule, focusing only on areas they need to develop further.
What Qualifications Are Eligible For ACCA Exemptions For Degree?
We know that 13 exams in ACCA have been divided into 3 groups – Skills, Knowledge and Professional level. Of which skills and knowledge level papers are maximum exemptions available to students with relevant previous qualifications.
For acca exemptions India, the commonly eligible qualifications are:
- B.Com
- BBA
- MBA
- CA – Inter and Final
- CMA Inter and Final
- CFA
If you are unsure whether you are eligible or not, you can use the ACCA Exemptions Calculator to check.
Why Does ACCA Provide Exemptions For Certain Qualifications?
Now you might have thought, why are there exemptions for acca members? That too for prior degrees like B.Com, M.Com or MBA?
This is because ACCA believes in avoiding redundancy to make the qualification process more efficient.
ACCA respects prior learning. It acknowledges that many students already possess substantial knowledge and skills gained through:
- Relevant Degrees – Such as accounting, finance, business management, or economics.
- Professional Certifications – For example, Chartered Accountancy (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or similar qualifications.
So, the aspiring candidates do not have to repeat topics or exams they have already mastered through previous education or work experience. This not only saves time but also helps professionals focus on advanced areas that add greater value to their careers.
However, a very important thing to note here is that ACCA is very particular about giving exemptions. Only when they are confident that your prior degree covers or matches the skills and knowledge needed to clear ACCA will they pass your exemption?
For that, they check whether your prior qualifications:
- Match the syllabus and exam requirements.
- Cover the skills and knowledge needed to clear ACCA papers.
This ensures the standards of the ACCA designation remain high while rewarding professionals for their prior learning.
If you need help with claiming exemptions, contact Ikka Classes – our team will help you solve your issues.
What Are The Conditions For Claiming ACCA Paper Exemption?
To be eligible for acca exemptions, you must fulfill the following conditions:
- The degree or certification must be obtained from a recognised university or institution that meets ACCA’s academic standards.
- The qualification you’re using to claim exemptions must have been completed within the last five years from your application date.
If you use any wrong means of claiming exemptions and ACCA finds out, your registration will be cancelled, and the fee paid for the same won’t be refunded under such circumstances.
What Are The Fees For ACCA Exemptions?
Exemptions are not free. Candidates must pay a fee per paper exempted to complete the process.
Here is a breakdown of the exam exemption fees:
ACCA Exam Level | Exemption Fee per Paper (£) | Exemption Fee per Paper (INR)* |
Applied Knowledge | £86 | ₹9,000 |
Applied Skills | £114 | ₹12,000 |
With exemptions, you only save on the study burden by cost. For instance, the per-subject exam fee for the applied skills level is £143. So, you save £29 (143-114).
Important Note: The fees must be paid within 30 days from the date of award. If you do not want to claim the exemptions and wish to cancel it, then you must notify ACCA within 14 days to get a refund.
For a complete overview of ACCA fees including exam, registration and tuition fee, check out our detailed guide here.
How Long Does It Take To Complete ACCA With Exemptions?
The exact duration depends on the number of exemptions granted and your study pace. Here is a timeline for every exemption claimed:
Qualification | Number of ACCA Papers Exempted | Remaining Papers to Complete | Estimated Completion Time |
B.Com/M.Com | 4 papers | 9 papers | 2 to 3 years |
CA Intermediate (CA Inter) | 5 papers | 8 papers | 1.5 to 2.5 years |
MBA in Finance | 4 papers | 9 papers | 2 to 3 years |
CA Final (Qualified CA) | 9 papers | 4 papers | 1 to 2 years |
It’s important to note that while exemptions do not expire, ACCA maintains a seven-year rule for passing all Strategic Professional exams.
This means you have seven years to complete these exams once you pass your first Strategic Professional exam.
What Documents Do You Need To Submit For ACCA Course Exemption?
If you are applying for exemptions in the ACCA, you need to submit the following documents:
Proof of Identity
A document that includes your date of birth, such as a driver’s license, national identification card, passport, or birth certificate.
Proof of Academic Qualification
This is important since you are applying for acca papers and exemptions. You need to submit copies of your –
- Award certificates – Degree certificates granted by your university.
- Academic Transcripts / Mark Sheets– Detailed records showing subjects/module codes and marks achieved
- Completion Confirmation – Documents indicating the date of completion for each qualification or confirmation of years successfully completed.
Official Translations (if applicable)
If your documents are not in English, then you have to provide official translations. The translations must be stamped by a licensed translator authorized to offer translation services. Also, make sure you submit both the original language documents and their English translation.
Proof of Name Change (if applicable)
If your name has changed since obtaining your qualifications, submit official documentation verifying the change.
Here are some tips for a Successful Submission:
- Ensure Document Authenticity: All documents, including the institution’s logo, should be signed and stamped by the awarding institution to verify authenticity.
- Prepare Clear and Legible Copies: Ensure all uploaded documents are clear, legible, and in a recognized file format (e.g., PDF).
- Timely Payment of Fees: Be aware that there is a fee for each exam exemption you claim. After exemptions are awarded, you have 30 calendar days to pay before they become overdue.
That said, ACCA exemptions make the qualification accessible for those with prior learning. However, exemptions don’t come free—they require approval and fees, so plan carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACCA Exemptions
To qualify for ACCA exemptions, candidates typically need to meet the following conditions:
- Relevant Qualifications – like B.com, M.com, CA IPCC or full Chartered Accountant status.
- Accredited Institute: Ensure their qualifications cover subjects aligned with the ACCA syllabus.
- Recent Learning: Your prior qualifications should be obtained within 10 years.
- Documentation: Candidates must provide supporting documents to verify the degree.
The following are the steps to apply for ACCA subject exemption:
- Register as an ACCA student on the official website.
- Use the ACCA exemptions calculator to check eligibility based on your qualifications.
- Submit your educational documents during registration.
- While filling out the qualifications, click on conditional Exemptions Links.
- Select the subjects you are exempt from after filing your previous qualifications.
- Pay the ACCA course exemption fee for subjects you are exempted from on myACCA portal. The time limit is 30 days.