What is the Pass Rate for ACCA Exams?
Pursuing the ACCA qualification requires dedication and commitment, but understanding the pass rate can help you plan better. Knowing the pass rate can help you improve your preparation strategy, manage time effectively, and set realistic goals. This increases the chance of your success. The pass rates can vary depending on the specific paper and level of the ACCA exams. As the pass rates have constantly changed, a high pass rate doesn’t indicate that the tests are easier and simpler. On the other hand, a low pass rate doesn’t mean the level is difficult to pass. Moreover, a higher number of students enrols in the ACCA qualification compared to the number of passes.
Generally, most subjects' ACCA passing rate in Nepal ranges between 30% to 50%. The pass rate varies according to the difficulty level, exam patterns, your preparation, and changes in the syllabus. For example, the pass rate for the Strategic Professional is lower than that of Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills as it is more advanced.
In this blog, we explore the global and Nepal’s ACCA exam pass rates, while also breaking it down for each subject. We look into the factors affecting the pass rate the challenges you face in this journey and most importantly valuable tips on how to improve your success rate. Whether you are new to starting the ACCA journey or looking to enhance your study approach, this blog will equip you with the required information you need.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is a globally recognised accounting qualification. The course is highly valued worldwide and equips you with knowledge and skills in accounting and finance. It opens various opportunities in different areas, including public practice, industry, commerce, and the public sector.
Furthermore, the ACCA course is applicable in more than 180 countries, making it one of the most valuable and respectable accounting qualifications. This opens a pathway to a career in various nations and sectors worldwide. However, to access the pathway, you must complete the practical experience requirements and graduate from this course. Furthermore, this hands-on experience ensures that you not only have theoretical knowledge but also have practical experience.
Thus, with a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ACCA provides a roadmap to becoming a qualified professional with the required skills, values, and ethics to succeed in the accounting and finance industry.
The ACCA qualification is a globally recognised course, which provides you with the essential knowledge and skills in accounting and finance. One of the key advantages of the ACCA exam pattern is its flexibility, allowing you to plan your exams based on your time and commitments. Exams are conducted four times yearly- in March, June, September, and December. You can book your exam date 14 weeks before the exam. This gives you the benefit of planning your study schedule effectively. Most of the exams are conducted through CBE, i.e., Computer-based exams. To become a qualified ACCA professional, you must pass through three levels and meet the requirements for practical experience.
You must go through the exams of the following papers:
Applied Knowledge: The Applied Knowledge level provides you with the knowledge and understanding of finance and develops a basic understanding of accounting techniques. These exams include:
The ACCA exam pattern directly influences pass rates. Knowing the ACCA exam pattern and pass rates globally and in Nepal helps to understand the performance across different subjects. The pass percentage of ACCA exams constantly fluctuates, as they can vary by exam session, by papers, and the overall preparation of students. The global pass rates for ACCA exams range from around 30% to 50% for each paper. The pass rates also vary based on the levels, the detailed breakdown is given below:
Note that the pass percentage of ACCA in Nepal can vary every year due to the commitment and performance of the candidates. As these pass rates keep on changing constantly, we also need to understand what are the factors that have been affecting the pass rates.
As we are now aware of the factors affecting the ACCA passing rates in Nepal. Let’s have a look at the general challenges students go through on the journey of ACCA and how to face the exams. Being consistent with your study schedule and effectively managing time is one of the most common challenges. Your day-to-day activities also have an impact on how much time you have planned for studying.
Moreover, balancing the classes and other responsibilities of work can be very challenging. Balancing your study, work, and deadlines can be challenging, but with proper planning, it is achievable. By managing your time effectively and staying focused, you can succeed in both study and work. Some of the tips on how to face ACCA exams effectively include the following:
About ACCA Course in Nepal
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is a globally recognised accounting qualification. The course is highly valued worldwide and equips you with knowledge and skills in accounting and finance. It opens various opportunities in different areas, including public practice, industry, commerce, and the public sector.
Furthermore, the ACCA course is applicable in more than 180 countries, making it one of the most valuable and respectable accounting qualifications. This opens a pathway to a career in various nations and sectors worldwide. However, to access the pathway, you must complete the practical experience requirements and graduate from this course. Furthermore, this hands-on experience ensures that you not only have theoretical knowledge but also have practical experience.
Thus, with a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ACCA provides a roadmap to becoming a qualified professional with the required skills, values, and ethics to succeed in the accounting and finance industry.
Overview of ACCA Exam Structure
The ACCA qualification is a globally recognised course, which provides you with the essential knowledge and skills in accounting and finance. One of the key advantages of the ACCA exam pattern is its flexibility, allowing you to plan your exams based on your time and commitments. Exams are conducted four times yearly- in March, June, September, and December. You can book your exam date 14 weeks before the exam. This gives you the benefit of planning your study schedule effectively. Most of the exams are conducted through CBE, i.e., Computer-based exams. To become a qualified ACCA professional, you must pass through three levels and meet the requirements for practical experience.
You must go through the exams of the following papers:
Applied Knowledge: The Applied Knowledge level provides you with the knowledge and understanding of finance and develops a basic understanding of accounting techniques. These exams include:
- Business and Technology (BT)
- Financial Accounting (FA)
- Management Accounting (MA)
- Corporate and Business Law (LW)
- Taxation (TX)
- Financial Reporting (FR)
- Performance Management (PM)
- Financial Management (FM)
- Audit and Assurance (AA)
- Essentials
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Options
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
- Advanced Taxation (ATX)
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
Pass Rate for ACCA Exams: Global vs Nepal
The ACCA exam pattern directly influences pass rates. Knowing the ACCA exam pattern and pass rates globally and in Nepal helps to understand the performance across different subjects. The pass percentage of ACCA exams constantly fluctuates, as they can vary by exam session, by papers, and the overall preparation of students. The global pass rates for ACCA exams range from around 30% to 50% for each paper. The pass rates also vary based on the levels, the detailed breakdown is given below:
- Applied Knowledge Exams: Generally have pass rates between the range of 40% - 50%
- Applied Skills Exams: Typically have pass rates around 40% - 50%
- Strategic Professional Exams: The ACCA pass rates for professional exams are often lower, around 30% - 40%, due to the advancement and higher difficulty level.
ACCA Pass Rates by Subjects
The difference in pass rates of ACCA subjects indicates the dedication and performance of the students taking the exam. A number of total students in the ACCA is higher however the pass rate seems to be less. The breakdown of the ACCA pass rate 2024 by each subject is shown below:| Levels | Subjects | Pass Rates |
| Applied Knowledge Level | BT- Business and Technology | 89% |
| MA- Management Accounting | 68% | |
| FA- Financial Accounting | 68% | |
| Applied Skills Level | LW- Corporate and Business Law | 79% |
| PM- Performance Management | 42% | |
| FR- Financial Reporting | 51% | |
| AA- Audit and Assurance | 44% | |
| FM- Financial Management | 48% | |
| TX- Taxation | 55% | |
| Strategic Professional Level (Essential) | SBL- Strategic Business Leader | 52% |
| SBR- Strategic Business Reporting | 49% | |
| Strategic Professional Level (Optional) | AFM- Advanced Financial Management | 46% |
| APM- Advanced Performance Management | 37% | |
| ATX- Advanced Taxation | 47% | |
| AAA- Advanced Audit and Assurance | 37% |
Factors Affecting ACCA Pass Rates in Nepal
Many students in Nepal dream and plan to complete the ACCA with a good percentage. However, there are various factors affecting the performance in the journey and exam. So, understanding such factors is important in improving the chances of achieving a higher percentage and better outcome. The key factors affecting the ACCA passing rate in Nepal are as follows:-
Quality of Preparation
Availability of study resources and preparation classes is also considered as one of the important factors. The access and use of approved study notes, practice questions, and mock tests may help in effective preparation thereby affecting the pass rate. Unfortunately, not all students are financially independent enough to enrol in coaching classes to gain beneficial knowledge and skills.
-
Education
The experience and capability of the coaching institutions and teachers can affect the results of the students. Qualified teachers can make you understand better, build up basic knowledge, and get you ready for the exams. The coaching classes provide you with valuable study materials and guide you right from the beginning throughout the ACCA journey.
-
Commitment
A student's commitment and dedication to studies can affect the pass rate. To improve your performance and increase the chance of success, you must have a high dedication level and study schedule. Consistent and disciplined study habits, an effective study schedule, and proper time management are essential for passing ACCA exams.
-
Support System
One of the most important factors that affects the ACCA exam pass rate is access to the support systems in the ACCA journey. If you have access to study groups, quality coaching, mentorship, and peer support, it can enhance your knowledge, learning, and exam preparation. Guidance from experienced tutors and professionals can help in structured learning, and good preparation, and increase the chance of success.
Challenges and How to Face ACCA Exams
As we are now aware of the factors affecting the ACCA passing rates in Nepal. Let’s have a look at the general challenges students go through on the journey of ACCA and how to face the exams. Being consistent with your study schedule and effectively managing time is one of the most common challenges. Your day-to-day activities also have an impact on how much time you have planned for studying.
Moreover, balancing the classes and other responsibilities of work can be very challenging. Balancing your study, work, and deadlines can be challenging, but with proper planning, it is achievable. By managing your time effectively and staying focused, you can succeed in both study and work. Some of the tips on how to face ACCA exams effectively include the following:
-
Plan and Stick to a Study Schedule
Being consistent is one of the key factors while preparing for the ACCA exams. First, create a structured study plan that includes all the topics you need to study for the exam. Break the study schedule into manageable sections, and always be committed to the schedule. Allocate equal and proper time for each subject and focus on the most difficult subjects. Also, revising regularly helps to understand the concept better. -
Time Management
One of the important things to prepare for exams is effective time management. To manage your time effectively, use planners or to-do lists to write down, organise your daily task,s and track the accomplishment. Allocate specific time for studying, attending class, and personal activities. Allocating time with breaks will help you manage and prepare effectively.
-
Practise Past Papers
The best way to prepare yourself for the ACCA exams is by practising past exam papers. You should take past exam papers and complete them in the given time so that you can understand the real exam environment. This will help you understand the exam pattern, time limit, and the type of questions that can appear in the exams. It also improves the accuracy and speed when attempting the questions in the exams.