Are you starting your ACCA journey? If yes, you have taken the right step. ACCA course opens up doors to the world of exciting opportunities in accounting and finance. But before you start your journey, it is essential to understand the ACCA exam pattern.
This guide will equip you with all the essential information to navigate the exam structure, marking scheme, and common challenges.
ACCA Exam Pattern and Levels
The exam pattern of ACCA qualification is different for all its exams. It has two parts:
- Computer-based Exams
- Paper Based exams
Computer-based exam patterns have multiple-choice questions to check your knowledge. Meanwhile, the pattern of paper-based exams is a mix of MCQs and written questions, including scenario-based questions. These questions make you think critically and apply your skills to real-life situations.
Now that you have a brief idea about the ACCA exam pattern, you must be aware of what subjects to appear for in each module.
The ACCA exam syllabus comprises 13 papers spread over two levels: Fundamentals and Professional. Each level consists of different modules and papers.
Level 1: Fundamental
Applied Knowledge Module
The Applied Knowledge level of the ACCA exams helps you understand the basic accounting concepts.
There are three exams in this level:
- Business and Technology (BT)
- Financial Accounting (FA)
- Management Accounting (MA)
Applied Skills Module
Here, you learn to use your knowledge in real-world situations like financial reporting, auditing, and taxation. The six exams of skills level in ACCA are:
- Corporate and Business Law (LW)
- Financial Reporting (FR)
- Performance Management (PM)
- Taxation (TX)
- Financial Management (FM)
- Audit and Assurance (AA)
Level 2: Strategic Professional Level
The strategic level is the final step in your ACCA journey. This level equips you with the strategic vision and leadership skills needed to excel in senior management roles. You’ll learn to make impactful business decisions, analyze complex scenarios, and lead teams effectively.
Essentials Module
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
Options Module (2 out of 4)
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
- Advanced Taxation (ATX)
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
Besides these levels, you must also clear the professional ethics module to become a
certified ACCA professional.
Here is a summary of the ACCA exam pattern for each level:
Level | Papers | Question Type | Proportion |
Applied Knowledge | F1, F2, F3 | 50 MCQs of 2 marks each | 100% MCQs |
Applied Skills | F4 | 50 MCQs of 2 marks each | 100% MCQs |
F5 – F9 | MCQs & written responses | 60% MCQs, 40% written | |
Strategic Professional | SBL, SBR, | Case study and scenarios based. | 100% subjective (4-5 questions) |
AFM, APM, AAA, ATX (2 out of 4) | MCQs & scenarios based | 50& MCQs and 50% written |
ACCA Exam Conduction Process
The ACCA exams are conducted on the following basis:
- On-demand basis as per your convenience. You can select an ACCA-approved center and appear for the exam. But, this option is only for the first four papers – BT, MA, FA, and LW).
- Quarterly Basis for the remaining nine papers in March, June, September, and December.
What Is The Format And Marking Scheme Of The ACCA Exam?
ACCA exams doesnot have a definite format and marking scheme. It varies for each paper, but here’s a general breakdown:
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
- Objective format: MCQs present you with a question and multiple answer options.
- Marking: Each MCQ is typically worth two marks.
- No negative marking: Incorrect answers do not deduct marks.
Written Questions
- Subjective format: These questions require you to provide detailed written answers, demonstrating your understanding and application of knowledge.
- Marking: Marks are allocated based on your ability to communicate effectively, present logical arguments, and demonstrate your understanding of the subject matter. The marking criteria vary depending on the specific paper.
Passing Marks
- The minimum passing mark for each paper in ACCA is 50%.
- If you score close to the passing mark (e.g., between 45% and 49%), you may be eligible for a grace marking under certain conditions.
What Are The Common Challenges In The ACCA Course Exam Pattern?
Almost 50% of candidates face issues in clearing ACCA exams. According to ACCA’s reports, the average ACCA exam pass rate is 40-56% for skill and professional modules.
So, while ACCA is a great program, it also poses several challenges for the students. Here are some of the most common areas where students face difficulties:
- Time Constraints – All the ACCA exams are timed which puts a lot of pressure on students as now they have to keep an eye even on time and try their best, so that shall use up most if not all of it.
- Time Management Issues– Professionals who opt for ACCA usually come from work backgrounds. So, handling a career and studying can cause time management issues.
- Lack of Technical Knowledge – The ACCA curriculum focuses deeply on technical knowledge in core areas of finance and accountancy. Those students who did not opt for mathematics and have weak foundaion of accountancy can face challenges in audit, taxation, or law exams.
- Complex Exam Questions – The kind of questions that are a part of the ACCA exam require you to analyze theoretical concepts and apply them to real-life problems. For students who find problem-solving and critical thinking difficult, this can be quite demanding.Updation in Syllabus: The accounting and finance industry is constantly evolving. So, the syllabus also keeps on updating with new additions as per changes in law and practices. Now, to keep up with the trends and updates, students also have to learn and adapt to new regulations.
Strategies To Overcome ACCA Exam Challenges
To overcome the challenges mentioned above, it’s essential to:
- Practice regularly with the previous year’s question papers and mock test papers.
- Develop effective time management strategies.
- Join online ACCA coaching classes or take help from in person experienced tutors.
- Join study groups to collaborate and learn from others.
- Always keep your understanding of basic concepts clear.
- Practice applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios.
What Is The Role Of Practical Experience In The Exam Pattern Of ACCA?
Practical experience plays an important role in the ACCA exams. It provides you with a solid foundation to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. This way, you can increase your understanding of subjects and gain confidence.
Here’s how practical experience is integrated into the ACCA exams:
- Case-based questions – Many ACCA exams, especially at the Applied Skills and Strategic Professional levels, feature case studies that simulate real-world business situations. These cases require you to apply your theoretical knowledge to analyze problems, make decisions, and propose solutions.
- Scenario-based questions – Similar to case studies, scenario-based questions present you with hypothetical situations that test your ability to apply your knowledge to specific contexts.
- Professional skills assessment – The ACCA also evaluates your professional skills, such as communication, analysis, and decision-making. Practical experience helps you develop these skills and demonstrate them in your exam responses.
Benefits of practical experience in ACCA exams:
- Better understanding of subjects – When you have worked in finance, then the theory you learn in ACCA will make sense in real-world scenarios. It’s like connecting the dots between what you study and what actually happens in the business world.
- Improved problem-solving skills – Practical exposure equips you with the skills to analyze complex scenarios and develop practical solutions.
- Enhanced communication Skills – Experience in the workplace does a lot to your personality. It helps you improve your communication skills. You learn how to make people understand your ideas and perspectives better.
- Confidence and credibility – Practical experience adds credibility to your qualifications. You now have something to add to your resume. Having experience will boost your confidence when you apply for jobs.
You can gain practical experience by:
- Interning in accounting or finance firms.
- Working part-time in related roles.
- Volunteering for non-profit organizations.
- Taking other courses along with ACCA, like CA after ACCA, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACCA Exam Pattern
The ACCA course exam pattern is divided as follows:
- 100% Multiple choice questions for the first four papers – BT, MA, FA, and LW
- A mix of MCQs and subjective both for the rest of the nine papers in the skills and professional module.
Yes, the ACCA exams are primarily MCQ-based. The knowledge module is 100% MCQ based. Skills and Professional modules are a mix of MCQ and written questions.