The ACCA qualification is broadly considered equivalent to a Master’s degree (specifically RQF Level 7 in the UK) upon completion of the Strategic Professional exams. While not an academic degree, it is recognized globally as holding the same professional level and academic rigor as a Master’s degree.
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.
ACCA, CPA (US), and CMA (Certified Management Accountant) are highly sought after. These focus on international standards, financial analysis, and strategic management, fitting modern business needs.
ACCA Qualification
When you take the Professionals level, it is equivalent to a master's degree.
Is ACCA better than an MBA? It entirely depends on your career goals. If you wish to acquire specialised skill sets in accounting, then ACCA certification is the best option. However, an MBA degree is helpful if you want to develop managerial skills.
The professional level is considered equivalent to a master's degree. But overall, ACCA isn't a conventional degree. It is a professional certification. The entry level varies depending on the university but here are some general criteria you have to meet to be eligible for ACCA in the UK.
ACCA and CA are two separate and sovereign bodies and it is possible to take up ACCA after completing CA. An ICAI-qualified chartered accountant is likely to avail of better global exposure and opportunities by opting for ACCA after CA.
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.
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.
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).
Average Salary of an ACCA in India
5.5 – 11 lakhs p.a and for senior roles, it is ₨. 19-30 lakhs per annum. The average salary of an ACCA member in India is: Entry level: ₹7.05 lakhs per year.
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.
Apprenticeship overview
BPP's Level 7 Accounting Apprenticeships help you become technically qualified by passing professional exams, whilst developing the complementary skills and behaviours to succeed in your career.
The ACCA Qualification is broadly equivalent to UK university degree standard when you complete the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills exams. When you complete the Strategic Professional exams, it is equivalent to a UK university Master's degree.
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.
- 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.
An ACCA Member is someone who has completed all the academic and practical requirements of ACCA qualification, including the relevant work experience and approval of membership application. ACCA members are considered fully qualified professionals in the finance and accounting sector.