The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification is generally considered equivalent to a Master’s degree (specifically, Level 7 on the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework, RQF) upon completion of the Strategic Professional level. The Applied Skills level is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree, while foundation levels align with lower academic benchmarks.
UK NARIC (The National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom) recognises ACCA as being equivalent to a UK Master's degree.
A CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant. A CPA is a statutory designation for qualified accountants in the United States who have passed the Uniformed Certified Public Accountant Examination and have met additional state education and experience requirements.
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.
In addition ACCA membership is independently recognised by HEC equivalent to an M.Com degree in Pakistan. Bachelors Degree - Students can choose from any local or international degree programmes available to A Level or Intermediate certificate holders.
ACCA Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business
This comprehensive program provides advanced knowledge and skills in accounting and business, preparing you for senior roles in finance. Benefit from flexible learning options, expert tutor support, and market-leading pass rates.
While ACCA is a professional qualification that is highly respected in the accounting industry, it is not equivalent to a master's degree. ACCA focuses on practical accounting skills, while master's degrees often offer more in-depth theoretical and research-focused learning.
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.
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.
ACCA Qualification recognition
Currently, ACCA does not have a mutual recognition agreement with the International Qualifications Appraisal Board (IQAB), a joint body between National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) or the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).
The ACCA Salary in the USA: 2025 Insights
Experience: Entry-level ACCA professionals may earn around $60,000 to $70,000 annually, while those with over five years of experience can command salaries exceeding $100,000.
- 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 ACCA qualification is one of the most prestigious and widely acknowledged accountancy qualifications.
Once you've become a member, fellowship is the next major milestone in your professional journey with ACCA. After five-years' continuous membership and compliance with our CPD policy, you'll earn the right to use the 'FCCA' designation and enjoy the additional prestige of being a Fellow.
The difficulty level of ACCA or MBA depends on personal interests, knowledge of subjects, and career aspirations. An MBA from a top institute requires a tough entrance exam like CAT, NMAT, or CET to appear. While ACCA has no entrance exam, it still has a tough syllabus that requires extensive knowledge.
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.
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.
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 UK is one of the most favorable locations for ACCA professionals due to its established financial sector and since ACCAs have their headquarters in the United Kingdom. Freshers: Starting salaries for new graduates typically range from £20,000 to £30,000 (approx. ₹20 to ₹30 lakhs).
On a general note, CA is considered to be more difficult than ACCA due to the number of years, number of papers, course levels, and flexibility in the curricula.
Most Difficult ACCA Subjects (with Pass Rates)
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.
It depends on your career goals. While an MBA opens doors to a wide range of management positions across various industries, ACCA focuses on specialized expertise in accounting and finance. If you're looking for leadership roles or broader business management, an MBA might be the right choice.