ACCA Course Duration: How Many Years To Get Qualified?
There are a plethora of educational courses in Nepal. Among these courses, one of the best choices you can choose is ACCA. While making a decision, you may have queries regarding ACCA. Among many such questions, one of the key questions you may have is how many years it takes to become a certified accounting professional. Well, if you do have such questions, you have landed on the right page because we are here to help you with that.
This comprehensive blog explores the key aspects regarding the ACCA course duration based on the educational background in Nepal. By the time you reach the end of this blog, we will come across ACCA course eligibility criteria, course structure, along with the cost associated. With this in mind, let's get started!
What is the ACCA Course?
Before we go into the details regarding the ACCA course duration, let's first understand what the ACCA course means in brief. In simpler words, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is a course offered by an international professional accounting body. This global certification helps build skills and knowledge essential to excel academically and professionally in the accounting and financial industry.
Furthermore, ACCA is recognised globally and is applicable in 180 countries. This global accounting body has over 233,000 fully qualified members and 536,000 students. In fact, ACCA is rising in demand due to its comprehensive coverage of accounting principles and practices, allowing you to work not just in Nepal but also internationally.
ACCA Course Duration Based on Educational Background in Nepal
Now that you know what ACCA courses are, let's talk about the ACCA course duration that you need to consider. It typically takes three to four years to complete each exam throughout your education journey. However, several factors can influence the exact duration. Regardless, the ACCA course duration based on your educational background in Nepal is as follows.
1. After 10 + 2 Education
As a student in Nepal, you can join an ACCA course right after completing the 12th from any stream, whether it be Science, Management, or A-levels. The best thing is you won't have to wait for your result. The time frame typically includes taking 13 papers distributed across the course of your undergraduate education and might finish in about an estimated 3 to 4 years.
2. After Graduation
Similar to 10+2 education, an undergraduate can also enrol in the ACCA course. In fact, graduates in Nepal can do ACCA in less time due to exemptions up to as many as 4 papers out of 13. This means you can wrap up ACCA in just 1.5 to 3 years. That said, the ACCA course duration after graduation with a commerce background is just two years, with exempt from up to 5 papers.
3. After a CA or Professional Qualification
If you are someone considering joining after a higher professional certification such as a CA, then the ACCA course duration in Nepal is even faster. This means the time it takes to complete the entire qualification is just 1 to 2 years due to higher exemptions. While the total number of papers, in general, is 5 to 9, depending on your certification.
ACCA Course Eligibility
After understanding the course duration, you might want to know about specific ACCA course eligibility criteria. That said, the entrance bar for this qualification is quite low and wide. Now, let's take a look at eligibility requirements based on your prior academic qualifications.
1. After 12th Grade
Right after completing your 12th, you are considered to be eligible to pursue your ACCA qualification. This course lasts for 3 to 4 years. The following breakdown is the list of the ACCA eligibility requirements for students passing their 10+2 examinations.
- The minimum score requirement is 60% in two subjects out of four.
- You should be of minimum working age to enrol in this program.
- In case your first language isn't English, you must demonstrate your proficiency through IELTS or PTE.
- A good foundation in mathematical skills for heavy financial calculation and complex concepts.
2. After Graduation or Post-Graduation
Not just completing your 12th, you can also navigate your path to ACCA certification following your BBA, BBS, MBA, MBS, CA or other related qualifications. This also helps in exemption from fundamental levels. Some of the eligibility criteria in this regard are as follows.
- Gained three years of practical experience, mainly in an audit firm or financial sector.
- Clear three GSCEs or their equivalent, which includes Maths and English
- Should have at least 65% in mathematics or accounts
- Complete other subjects with a pass percentage of at least 50%
- Finished 13 exams that are split into three levels
- Completed online ethics and professional skilled module.
Do note that once you finish your higher professional certification such as CA, getting into the ACCA course duration in Nepal is even faster.
ACCA Practical Experience Requirement (PER)
Now that you are clear about ACCA course duration and eligibility requirements, you might have a question on the importance of the ACCA Practical Experience Requirements. This is crucial for turning into a fully qualified member of ACCA. The PER requirement in place helps to apply the knowledge you gained throughout your studies. The duration for passing PER, in general, takes three years of supervised experience in the approved financial or accounting role to fulfil the requirement.
Furthermore, you can get such experience prior to, during or after your exams as long as it aligns with the goals set by ACCA. This can range from your volunteer work, work placement and internship in respect to PER. You also need to finish the nine performance objectives, which include all five essential and four technical objectives. As the Practical Experience Requirement can be completed in conjunction with studying, it might not prolong the already ACCA course duration, saving you time and effort.
ACCA Course Structure and Cost
After knowing that eligibility criteria are the initial step for your journey to the prestigious qualification, it is also ideal to thoroughly check out these course structures and costs before you decide to apply. Considering this, we have prepared the specifics regarding the course structure and overall costs.
1. ACCA Course Structure
ACCA course is categorised into different modules covering a wide range of subjects essential for finance and accounting professionals. The following breakdown is the main subjects included in the ACCA course structure.
Applied Knowledge
Applied Knowledge is the starting point of your ACCA journey in Nepal. This level introduces you to a core area of financial accounting techniques along with the fundamentals of business and technology. There are three subjects to study and sit for the exam, which are as follows.
- Business and Technology(BT)
- Management Accounting(MA)
- Financial Accounting(FA)
Applied Skills
After you clear Applied Knowledge, you can move on to Applied Skills. This level module examines the principle technical subject that you are expected to have advanced skills and an understanding of real-life scenarios.
- Corporate and Business Law(LW)
- Performance Management(PM)
- Taxation(TX)
- Financial Reporting(FR)
- Audit and Assurance(AA)
- Financial Management(FM)
Strategic Professionals
Last but not least, Strategic professionalism is important as it helps build technical, professional and ethical skills simultaneously. This level plays a vital role for an individual wanting to launch their career in senior advisory or other consultancies roles. The subjects at this level are divided into two types: essential(compulsory) and optional(allows you to choose any two subjects)
Essential: This level is known as essential as it involves exam papers that you need to clear to complete the exam. This level is split into two exams.
- Strategic Business Leader(SBL) (Formerly P1)
- Strategic Business Reporting(SBR) (Formerly P2)
Optional: The optional level allows students to choose any two based on preference from four papers in this category. The module includes.
- Advanced Financial Management(AFM) (Formerly P4)
- Advanced Performance Management(APM) (Formerly P5)
- Advanced Taxation(ATX) (Formerly P6)
- Advanced Audit and Assurance(AAA) (Formerly P7)
2. ACCA Cost
While studying the ACCA, you must know that the overall fee for ACCA in Nepal can and does vary depending on the duration of the course and the prestige of the college Institution. Regardless, we present to you the transparent and up-to-date cost of studying ACCA at Seekshya Academy in the detailed comparison table below.
| Details | College Fee | Exam Fees (Pound) | Exam Fees in NPR | Remarks |
| Admission fee | 10,000 | |||
| Registration fee | 45 | 7,200 | ||
| Applied Knowledge Level | 85,000 | 6 Months | ||
| Business and Technology (BT) | 123 | 19,680 | Includes admission fee, Knowledge level fees, the registration fee for the Seekshya app, study materials like books, kits and 3 sets of mock exams for each 1-level paper | |
| Management Accounting (MA) | 123 | 19,680 | ||
| Financial Accounting (FA) | 123 | 19,680 | ||
| Applied Skills Level | 84,000 | 18 Months | ||
| Corporate and Business Law (LW) | 132 | 21,120 | Includes study materials like books, kits and access to 3 exams typed mocks for each 2nd-level paper. | |
| Performance Management (PM) | 142 | 22,720 | ||
| Taxation (TX) | 142 | 22,720 | ||
| Financial Reporting (FR) | 142 | 22,720 | ||
| Audit and Assurance (AA) | 142 | 22,720 | ||
| Financial Management (FM) | 142 | 22,720 | ||
| Strategic Professional Level | 48,000 | 12 Months | ||
| Compulsory | ||||
| Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) | 185 | 29,600 | Includes study materials like books, kits and access to 3 exams typed mocks for 3rd level paper | |
| Strategic Business Leader (SBL) | 252 | 40,320 | ||
| Optional | ||||
| Advanced Financial Management (AFM) | 185 | 29,600 | ||
| Advanced Performance Management (APM) | 185 | 29,600 | ||
| Advanced Taxation (ATX) | ||||
| Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA) | ||||
| Total | 227,000 | 2,063 | 330,090 | |
| Lump Sum Payments | 175,000 | 2,063 | 330,090 | 505,080 |
Tips To Complete ACCA Faster
Enrolling in the ACCA can be a tough decision to make and undoubtedly challenging. However, with the right strategy, mindset and preparation, it is possible. There are several tips and tricks to increase your chance of success. The following points are the best tips to pass your exams and complete your ACCA faster.
- Create a schedule for studying and set a certain time for using social media to maximise your productivity. Consider the number of papers you appear for and the time you need to prepare.
- Attend seminars and workshops to build critical thinking skills for making the best solution for the problems.
- Set goals and materials provided by ACCA Provider's tutors, as they are organised and meet the needs of demand.
- One of the crucial tips that you should follow is to practice the question regularly. Make sure to navigate kits multiple times to master the concepts.
- Practice the mock test, evaluate your performance, and understand the question pattern and exam format. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and improve on that section.
Why Choose Seekshya Academy for ACCA in Nepal?
Prior to starting your ACCA journey, it is advisable to select a reputable institution for your course. So, we highly recommend you enrol at Seekshya Academy, which excels in enhancing your learning experience. Some of the key benefits here include.
- Seekshya Academy is officially accredited by ACCA, assuring a qualification that is recognised globally.
- Our highly experienced tutors and counsellors provide expert guidance, ensuring that you understand the complex concept effectively.
- The structured environment and comprehensive study materials are designed to keep you on track and stay motivated.
- We offer dedicated support, including the doubt-clearing session, mock tests and feedback, which can greatly enhance your preparedness for exams.
- We offer educational services that are easily accessible to students from multiple locations, including Damak, Birgunj and Biratnagar.
- At Seekshya Academy, you have the option to choose from an online and in-person study format that suits your schedule and individual learning style.
- With impressive reviews from past students, we distinguish ourselves in terms of the quality of education and student success.
- We are committed to offering competitive prices, supported by the option for financial assistance. This further makes our course cost-effective.
These are several good reasons why you should register with Seekshya Academy for ACCA in Nepal as a leading partner.
Conclusion
For many candidates, ACCA is a technical, challenging and time-consuming qualification. The good news here is understanding the ACCA course duration, depending on your previous educational background, like 10+2, graduation or post-graduation, along with your pace for completion of exams and exemptions, helps in your greater progress. Considering the length of time factor can be quite beneficial in increasing the chance of your success as this allows you to plan for your learning process, time management and career goals.
In this blog, we discussed the detailed ACCA course duration in Nepal. We hope you find this helpful. If you seek further insight into other aspects of studying ACCA, then check out some of our other blogs. If you want to pursue ACCA in Nepal and build a career in finance and accounting, then reach out to Seekshya Academy, the best ACCA college in Nepal. Thank you for reading till the end!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you do ACCA in 6 months?
Yes, you can do ACCA in 6 months once you complete your CA final. As a certified CA, you are granted exemption up to 9 papers reducing
ACCA course duration. This exemption allows you to focus on 4 to 5 essential papers. Furthermore, a strong foundation from CA enhances your chance of completing the entire ACCA qualification effectively.
2. Can I complete ACCA faster than the standard duration?
Yes, you can complete ACCA faster than the standard duration, particularly for graduates and post-graduate students with waiver and appearing more papers per session. This reduces the number of exams required, resulting in an ACCA course duration of 1 to 2 years based on exemption. For a certification, it is even shorter and can be done in just 6 months.
3. Do I need to complete all exams in a specific order?
Yes, you need to complete all the exams in a modular order. However, you can take exam papers within each module in any order. To sit in the exam for the next module, you need to register for all pending exams in your current module.
4. What happens if you fail ACCA?
If you fail ACCA, it doesn't mean your dream of becoming a professional accountant is over. With a second attempt, you get a chance to go after your career. So, prevent being panicked after receiving the news that you didn't secure a passing grade.
5. Can I pursue ACCA after completing my bachelor’s degree?
Yes, of course, you can pursue ACCA after completing your bachelor’s degree, such as B.Com, BBA or BBS. You may be eligible for 5 exemptions based on your educational qualification. This means you need to complete 9 nine exams rather than complete 13 exams.