It typically takes 8 to 10 years to become an FCCA (Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant). This includes 3–4 years to complete the initial ACCA qualification and gain 3 years of practical experience, followed by a mandatory 5 years of continuous, active membership in the ACCA and compliance with CPD requirements.
While others may take longer due to personal circumstances or work commitments. However, on average, it takes around 5-7 years to become an FCCA. Becoming an FCCA is not easy, but it is a worthwhile investment in terms of career development and earning potential.
After five years of membership, you may be eligible to apply for fellowship and use FCCA (Fellow Certified Chartered Accountant).
FCCA stands for Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a senior-level designation above ACCA.
In this blog, we have addressed the most asked questions about the ACCA qualification like, can you finish ACCA in 2 years? On average, it takes two to three years to prepare for all 13 exam papers, but you may earn the qualification in 18 months if you focus on the major eight.
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.
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.
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.
FCCA stands for Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
When you have been an ACCA member for five years and completed your CPD for that time, we will automatically award you the prestigious title of Fellow. You will receive a letter and a certificate to welcome you to your newly-awarded FCCA status.
The FCCA is a Federal Communication Commission (FCC) certified frequency coordinator for ALL public safety frequencies, including those in the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands. We provide a full range of radio communications services for forestry and conservation agencies, police, fire/EMS and local government.
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.
Asking 'Is 40 too old for an accounting degree? ' reflects a common concern, but the truth is it's never too late. With life experience, flexible learning options, and financial aid, pursuing an accounting degree at 40 can be a wise and rewarding decision.
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.
Comparison between CA and CPA
It is difficult to determine which of these professions offers a higher salary, as the salary of a CA or CPA can vary greatly based on several factors. However, in general, CAs tend to earn slightly more than CPAs in India.
Richest Chartered Accountants in India. 1. Kumar Mangalam Birla (Net Worth: $19 billion) 2.
You are eligible to apply for FCCA status once you have passed the ACCA qualification and have been a member for five continuous years.
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.
- 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.
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.
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.