Are you thinking of the time and commitment required to complete the ACCA qualification? You are not alone! Many individuals wonder how long it takes to complete this prestigious certification. The answer is, it depends on various factors such as your study pace, exam scheduling, and exemptions.

A structured study plan and consistent effort can help students complete ACCA in Dubai within a reasonable timeframe.

Standard completion time:

The ACCA qualification consists of 13 exams, divided into Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional levels. Most students complete these exams within three to five years, depending on how many papers they take per exam sitting. ACCA allows students to take up to four exams per session and a maximum of eight exams per year.

Impact of prior qualifications:

Students with prior qualifications may complete ACCA in a shorter time. The ACCA grants exemptions for certain exams based on academic background. For example:

• Accounting graduates may receive exemptions from Applied Knowledge and some Applied Skills exams.
• Holders of other professional qualifications, such as CIMA or CPA, may also qualify for exemptions.
• Exemptions reduce the number of exams required, speeding up the completion process.

Full-time vs part-time study:

The time taken to complete ACCA also depends on whether students study full-time or part-time.

• Full-time students who dedicate their time entirely to ACCA may complete it within three years.
• Part-time students who balance studies with work commitments may take longer, typically four to five years.

Exam attempt strategy:

A student’s ability to pass exams on the first attempt affects the total completion time. Retaking failed exams adds extra time to the qualification process. Proper preparation, using ACCA-approved study materials, and taking mock exams can improve success rates and reduce delays.

Practical experience requirement (PER):

Along with passing exams, students must complete three years of relevant work experience and demonstrate achievement in performance objectives. Many students gain experience while studying, enabling them to complete the PER requirement alongside exams. However, those without relevant work experience may take longer to meet this requirement.

ACCA offers four exam sittings per year (March, June, September, and December), allowing students to plan their exam schedule according to their availability. Those who take multiple exams per session can complete ACCA faster than those who take one exam at a time.