The ACCA qualification typically takes between 3 to 4 years to complete on average, comprising 13 exams, a professional ethics module, and 36 months of relevant work experience. While it is possible to finish the exams in 1.5 to 2 years, the total timeline usually stretches to 3-5 years to include the required practical experience.
In total, the examinations are 5300 learning hours and take on average between 3 and 4 years to complete. In addition, 36 months' work experience and a Professional Ethics Module must be completed.
Full-time study: For students who can fully dedicate their time to studying for ACCA, the qualification can be completed within 2 to 3 years. Part-time study: Working professionals who study part-time typically take 3 to 4 years to complete the ACCA qualification.
Is ACCA harder than CA? Generally, CA is considered tougher because of its very low pass rates and lengthy articleship requirement in India. ACCA has a more flexible exam structure, on-demand exam options for early levels, and modular progression.
The starting pay for a fresh ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) student in India is INR 5.5–11 lakhs per year while the senior positions can offer INR 19–30 lakhs per year.
Initial Salary Advantage:
CA professionals typically earn ₹6-8 lakhs annually at entry level, slightly ahead of ACCA holders at ₹5-7 lakhs. This reflects intensive articleship training and immediate applicability in India's regulatory environment.
The typical duration for ACCA is 2–3 years, depending on exemptions, study pace, and exam planning. Class 12 students may take 3–3.5 years, while CA Inter and commerce graduates complete it faster.
All Big 4 accountancy firms – Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG – are active recruiters of ACCA-affiliated accountants. Choice often depends on your interest area: audit, consulting, tax, or advisory.
The ACCA is as tricky as you make it.
Indeed, with such low pass rates, the ACCA is really hard? The short answer is no. The ACCA course material isn't easy, sure. It's professional accounting – it's not meant to be easy.
The top 10 career options after ACCA in India and abroad are as follows :
Does age matter when it comes to studying ACCA? There is no age limit for people wanting to study ACCA. In fact, ACCA is a popular and powerful facilitator for career change. What's important when considering ACCA is understanding that it's challenging, but then ultimately incredibly rewarding.
ACCA in 2025 is a strong choice because it gives global recognition, flexible exam options and modern, job-ready skills.
Registration and Subscription Fees
The one-time registration fee for the ACCA qualification is £89. If you want to continue studying for the certification beyond your first year, you must also pay an annual subscription fee of £122 per year. Remember to settle your payables on time to avoid an £89 re-registration fee.
Factors That Influence ACCA Salaries
Generally, the more experience an ACCA professional has, the higher their earning potential. Senior roles typically come with significantly higher salaries due to increased responsibility and expertise. Salaries are industry specific.
The difficulty is different but not strictly “easier” or “harder.” ACCA's toughest paper tends to be AAA or APM, which demands high-level professional judgment and strategic thinking. CA exams might emphasise tax, audit, or regulation more aggressively.
Exam difficulty: Higher-level exams demand strong analytical skills. Many candidates struggle to complete papers within the given time. Study approach: Students who rely only on self-study often find it harder to pass. Enrolling in a structured ACCA course increases success rates.
ACCA Disadvantages No One Talks About
There is no restriction to the number of exams you may attempt, allowing you to choose to sit as many or as few papers as you like at each exam session. You are, however, recommended to attempt a maximum of four exams in a six-month period.
Individuals who describe themselves as Chartered Certified Accountants must be members of ACCA and if they carry out public practice engagements, must comply with additional regulations such as holding a practising certificate, carrying liability insurance and submitting to inspections.
- Is ACCA more difficult than CFA? No, the CFA qualification tends to be considered slightly more difficult than ACCA - but this is to some extent a subjective matter, differing from person to person. Many people don't make it through the three levels of CFA because of the time required to finish the course.
The demand for ACCA professionals continues to surge as companies recognize the value of team members who understand global accounting standards and international finance practices.
The ACCA course syllabus consists of 13 exams divided into three levels: Applied Knowledge - 3 exams. Applied Skills – 6 exams. Strategic Professional – 2 Essentials exams and 2 Options exams out of 4.
In terms of difficulty, ACCA is more difficult to complete than accounting degree as it incorporates the difficulty levels of a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree into one qualification.
Failing is really common. In fact, it's more common than a pass if you look at the pass rates. Some students keep failing ACCA exams over and over again. Unfortunately, if you fail once, you're likely to fail twice when it comes to the ACCA.