Chartered Accountancy (CA - India) is generally considered significantly harder and more challenging than ACCA due to its extremely low pass rates (10–20%), the requirement to pass multiple papers in a group, and a longer, more intensive training structure. While CA is more intense, ACCA offers more flexibility, with a higher pass rate of 45–55% and 4 exam sessions per year.
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.
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 short, both the ACCA and CPA certifications offer excellent career opportunities in the accounting and finance field. Depending on your career goals and interests, you can choose between these two prestigious qualifications to advance your professional growth.
The hardest accounting certification is often considered to be:
Use your ACCA membership to become a CA. If you're a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) who gained membership through a professional pathway program you may be eligible to apply for CA ANZ membership. The pathway to CA ANZ membership for an ACCA member is straightforward.
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.
Pursuing ACCA after CA: Is it beneficial? If someone is considering what to pursue after CA to strengthen their financial career, ACCA is a highly valuable choice. It is especially beneficial for professionals aiming to work with multinational firms or explore opportunities abroad.
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.
Cost of Pursuing
The CA programme is more affordable. The entire journey costs around INR 2–3 lakhs, depending on coaching and the number of attempts. ACCA, being an international qualification, comes with higher expenses. It can cost between INR 2.5–4 lakhs, including registration, exam fees, and classes.
ACCA has a high number of female students due to the flexible study options, the global recognition of the qualification, and because the organisation takes the issue of gender equality and women's empowerment seriously.
ACCA Disadvantages No One Talks About
The question keeps coming up: “With automation and AI advancing so fast, will accountants even be needed in the future?” According to ACCA, the answer is clear, AI won't replace accountants, but accountants who know how to work with AI will replace those who don't.
The average salary of a CA ranges from 8-9 lakhs per annum. The average salary of an acca student is 6-7 lakhs per annum.
A qualified CA receives 9 exemptions. So, qualified CA's are required to attempt only 4 papers of professional level in ACCA. In 6–12 months a CA can Become an ACCA. CA students can do ACCA as this would allow them to acquire two qualifications, in the same duration.
ACCA pass rates tend to follow consistent patterns across levels: Foundation / Applied Knowledge: 70% to 90% Applied Skills: 40% to 55% Strategic Professional: 35% to 55%
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is the most recognized and "gold standard" accounting certification in the U.S., essential for public accounting and leadership roles, while the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) offers global recognition for corporate finance, and the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is key for internal audit roles, with the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) providing a global path for CPAs in business.
The easiest accounting courses in college are lower-level courses that focus on the basics of accounting such as financial accounting and managerial accounting.