The ACCA
Professional Qualification
What is the ACCA Qualification?
ACCA Qualification SAQA ID 63550 | NQF LEVEL 8
ACCA Members can become Registered Auditors (RAs) with IRBA and practice in SA (sign AFS and Audit Reports) just like SAICA Members.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is the world’s fastest-growing gateway to the accountancy profession, helping people to become successful accountancy professionals. Its global reputation is so strong that it now has over 200,000 members and 436,000 students in 180 countries.
ACCA Members can also sign and practice in South Africa like SAICA members. Learn more here.
About the ACCA Qualification
An Overview of the ACCA Qualification
The ACCA Qualification is at the core of our range of qualifications. It comprises:
-
Exams – 13 exams (you may be able to claim up to nine exemptions depending on your previous studies). Check if you qualify to claim exemptions
-
Ethics – an online Ethics and Professional Skills module
-
Experience – 13 performance objectives that must be achieved in the workplace over a period of at least three years. Learn more about ACCA PER.
The ACCA Qualification is best suited to those who have achieved a minimum level of educational achievement, including:
-
A Levels (or equivalent)
-
first degrees from recognised institutions - check the ACCA Exemptions Calculator
-
the ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business from the suite of qualifications
-
other recognised qualifications - check the ACCA Exemptions Calculator
Why Study ACCA?
-
Be recognised in South Africa and globally.
-
Combine finance and strategic business skills.
-
Demonstrate ethics and professionalism.
-
Boost your employment and/or earning potential.
-
ACCA Competency Framework
The ACCA Competency Framework is used by ACCA to develop its Qualifications in line with the emerging needs of businesses and other stakeholders.
The Competency Framework sets out comprehensively how ACCA-qualified members add sustained value to the organisations in which they operate, now and into the future. The framework describes the highest standards of professional competence.
It captures what successful and effective accountants do and deliver across every aspect and specialism of the profession, and sets out the required underpinning skills, behaviour and knowledge. The Competency Framework is used to develop ACCA products and services that strengthen and support the profession as a whole and support the career development of individual finance professionals within the workplace.
What Job Can I get with the ACCA Qualification?
These ACCA Job Prospects are split and aligned to the ACCA Competency Framework above:
-
Audit partner
-
Auditor general
-
Account management professional
-
Accounting services manager
-
Banking relationship manager
-
Bid manager
-
Business development advisor
-
Change management professional
-
M&A (mergers and acquisitions) tax specialist
-
Management consultant
-
Private client tax specialist
-
Programme management professional
-
Project management professional
-
Strategy manager
-
Tax advisory
-
Transaction services manager/senior manager
-
Chief executive officer
-
Digital transformation lead
-
Entrepreneur
-
Fintech strategist
-
People advisory consultant
-
Senior vice president in corporate banking
-
Strategy Consultant
-
IT audit specialist
-
Internal audit manager (public sector)
-
Pension auditor
-
Audit partner
-
Auditor general
-
Non-executive director
-
ESG reporting associate
-
External audit associate
-
Internal audit executive
-
Public sector auditor
-
Audit manager
-
Audit manager (public sector)
-
ESG reporting manager
-
Forensic accountant
-
Business intelligence analyst
-
Data analyst
-
Data visualisation specialist
-
Financial systems specialist
-
Advanced analytics business translator
-
Cloud consultant
-
Cyber security specialist
-
Data Engineer
-
Data scientist
-
RPA/automation specialist
-
Investment manager
-
Fund manager
-
Head of debt management/treasury manager
-
Insurance claims manager
-
Pricing manager
-
Restructuring professional
-
Vice president in financial services
-
Banking liquidity professional
-
Credit risk professional
-
Debt financing analyst
-
Financial modelling professional
-
Financial planning & analysis (FP&A) professional
-
Fund administrator
-
Investment banking analyst
-
Investor relations manager
-
Pricing associate
-
Public procurement professional
-
Treasury professional
-
Valuations executive
-
Working capital and supply chain professional
-
Corporate finance professional
-
Chief Financial Officer
-
Management accountant
-
Project accountant
-
Business analyst
-
Business performance professional
-
Commercial finance professional
-
Competitive intelligence analyst
-
Cost analyst
-
Credit Controller
-
Management information professional
-
Revenue manager
-
ERP solutions professional (ERP consultant)
-
Finance business partner
-
Shared services and outsourcing manager
-
Commercial director
-
Corporate tax accountant
-
Indirect tax accountant
-
Payroll professional
-
Tax compliance analyst
-
International tax specialist
-
Tax compliance manager
-
Tax compliance manager
-
Transfer pricing professional
-
Accounts Assistant
-
Assistant Accountant
-
CAPEX accountant
-
Executive assistants (EAs) and personal assistants (PAs)
-
Finance officer
-
Financial accountant
-
Financial reporting accountant (public sector)
-
Group (consolidation) accountant
-
Group (consolidation) accountant
-
R2R (record-to-report) professional
-
R2R (record-to-report) professional
-
Reinsurance accountant
-
Asset manager
-
Corporate recovery professional
-
Corporate reporting accountant
-
Finance manager
-
Financial controller
-
Pension funds accountant
-
Accountant general
-
Finance director
-
Chief Operating Officer
-
Financial services compliance specialist
-
IT risk manager
-
Risk advisory professional
-
Climate risk professional
-
Enterprise risk manager/partner
-
Financial crime risk analyst
-
Financial crime risk analyst
-
Regulatory risk professional
-
Carbon reporting expert
-
Sustainability consultant
-
Sustainable finance manager
The ACCA Qualification Structure
The ACCA Qualification has three stages of Exams, plus an Ethics and Professional Skills module and Professional Experience Requirement.
ACCA awards certificates on the completion of certain exams within the ACCA Qualification and Foundation-level qualifications
The certificates are official documents and can be downloaded at any time from myACCA.
New to ACCA?
ACCA Entry Requirements:
Yes, you Qualify! If you have a relevant degree or qualification but this is only granted at ACCA’s discretion once you are a registered ACCA student and not before. To follow this route, you need to register as an ACCA student on the ACCA Global website, pay the required registration fee (which you can also pay through CharterQuest as a separate remittance fee and we pay ACCA on your behalf) and then submit your qualification documents required by ACCA for the exemptions process.
NB: Colleges are not authorised to evaluate qualifications and/or grant exemption advice. Only ACCA has this discretion.
More info? Click here to visit the ACCA Exemption Calculator to help you find out if the qualification you have studied gets you exemptions.
Issued by the Matriculation Board
Yes, you can register to start the ACCA Qualification if you meet these requirements:
-
Completion of 6 subjects
-
5 subjects passed in one sitting
-
Minimum aggregate mark of 45% is obtained
-
3 subjects passed at Higher grade
-
2 passes in a language (one at Higher Grade)
Passes in English and Maths.
Issued by the Matriculation Board
Yes, you can register for the ACCA Qualification if you meet these requirements:
-
Students must take 6 subjects
-
2 subjects must be languages
-
1 subject must be Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
-
1 subject must be Life Orientation
-
1 subject must be English
Students must achieve a grade 3 (40% ) or higher.
Matriculation to University with Bachelor or Masters can allow you to start the ACCA Qualification. Please remember to view the exemption enquiry database to find out if your part complete degree attracts exemptions.
Please visit the ACCA Global Website here for detailed minimum entry requirements.
NB: Colleges are not authorised to evaluate qualifications and/or grant exemption advice. Only ACCA has this discretion.
Fees & Study Options
Our Offers:
COMBO Discounts
Self-Sponsored? Get up to 15% Discount by enrolling for 2 or more ACCA TEPP/On-Campus Subjects.
| Combo 2 | 5% Discount |
| Combo 3 | 10% Discount |
|
Combo 4
|
15% Discount |
Other Discounts Available: Get A free Quote.
T/Cs Apply.
Student Funding
Enjoy our exclusive partnership with Standard Bank South Africa & Capitec Education Finance.
Get access to student loans at preferential interest rates, longer repayment periods (up to 120 months) & quick turnaround approval time!
Flexible Payments
Pay a 20% deposit (upfront fee) and get your books + class access. You can then pay the balance over 6 months!
On-Campus Fees & Study Option Benefits
Payment Terms: 20% deposit and balance payable over 6 months + Student Funding Options!
Access Detailed Online Study Options here.
Registration Information
2 Intakes
Semester 1 (Feb to May) Aiming for June/Sept Exams
Semester 2 (Aug to Nov) Aiming for Dec/Mar Exams
Payment Options & Funding
Up to 30% Discount for Self-Sponsored Students (T/Cs)
-
20% Upfront Fee to get started and the balance paid over 6 months directly with CQ!
-
Get Student Funding through our partnerships with Capitec Education Finance & Standard Bank. Learn more
Mode of Delivery
-
Online & On-Campus
-
Pre-recorded Online/Self Study
Study Options
-
Evening Classes (Mondays to Thursdays 6 - 9 pm)
-
Weekend Classes (Saturdays or Sundays)
On-Campus Fees & Study Option Benefits
RIVONIA | PRETORIA | PARKTOWN
Access Detailed Online Study Options here
Tuition & Exam Preparation Package (TEPP)
On-Campus/Livestream with Evenings/Weekends
R6 990
*R4 893
*SBL Subject Fee - R14 400 (See below detailed tuition methodology)
*Strategic Professional Modules - R8 000/subject
*TX & ATX (SA Variant Only) - Local SA Tax Books are provided instead of Kaplan/BPP & Tuition fees are slighly higher.
*We only offer LW UK Variant classes and it comes with Kaplan TextBooks
Standard Benefits Included in the TEPP/On-Campus Package:
10 Classes/subject:
-
8 Full Tuition Classes (3-hour session per class)
-
2 Exam Preps/Revision Classes (3-hour session per class)
-
Video-recorded Classes (chapter-by-chapter, accessible online )
-
Kaplan Study Text (Hard Copy)
-
Kaplan Practice Kit (Hard Copy)
- BONUS BPP e-Practice Kit (eBook only)
-
Student's e-Course Notes
-
Home Study Kit/Scheme of Work
-
2 CBE Progress Tests with review feedback/detailed solutions
-
2 CBE Final Mocks with review feedback/detailed solutions
-
Access to ACCA CBE Practice Platform with extra mock exams
Course Validity: 1-Year Access to our e-Campus Student Portal from date of enrolment. Access is renewable (T/Cs)
Additional Support:
-
Instructor-Led Office Hours (Ask questions during an instructor’s set office hours)
-
Interactive 24/7 Online Support & Accessible to WhatsApp Groups
Our Fees Exclude any fees to ACCA such as registration, annual subscription & exam fees. Access ACCA separate fees (registration, annual subscription and exam fees) to be paid to ACCA here.
Exam Preparation Package Only (EPOP)
On-Campus/Livestream with Evenings/Weekends
R3 990 * R3 500
*SBL Subject Fee - R7 600 (See below detailed tuition methodology)
*Strategic Professional Modules - R8 000/subject
*TX & ATX (SA Variant Only) - Local SA Tax Books are provided instead of Kaplan/BPP and tuition fees are slighly higher.
*We only offer LW UK Variant classes and it comes with Kaplan TextBooks
Standard Benefits Included in the EPOP/On-Campus Package:
2 Classes/subject:
-
2 Exam Preps/Revision Classes (3-hour session per class)
-
Video-recorded Classes for Exam Preparation Classes Only
-
Kaplan Practice Kit (Hard Copy)
-
2 CBE Final Mocks with review feedback/detailed solutions
-
Access to ACCA CBE Practice Platform with extra mock exams
Course Validity: 1-Year Access to our e-Campus Student Portal from date of enrolment. Access is renewable (T/Cs)
Additional Support:
-
Interactive 24/7 Online Support & Accessible to WhatsApp Groups
Our Fees Exclude any fees to ACCA such as registration, annual subscription & exam fees. Access ACCA separate fees (registration, annual subscription and exam fees) to be paid to ACCA here.
Our Kaplan Hard Copy Books come with FREE Additional myKaplan Online Resources for the ACCA Qualification.
See below resources you can access via myKaplan when you enroll and receive hard copy Kaplan Study Text & Revision Kit:
|
|
Study Text | Revision Kit |
| Electronic version of the book |
√ |
|
| Knowledge checks with instant answers |
√ |
|
| Material Updates |
√ |
|
| *Latest official ACCA exam questions |
|
√ |
| Pocket Notes (digital copy) |
√ |
|
| Study Planner |
√ |
|
| Progress Tests including questions & answers |
√ |
|
| Syllabus Recap Videos |
|
√ |
| Revision Planner |
|
√ |
| Question Debrief and walkthrough videos |
|
√ |
| Mock exam including questions & answers |
|
√ |
*Excludes BT, MA, FA, BT, FA; for all other papers include a selection of questions, as released by ACCA
Online Study Options
Payment Terms: 20% Deposit and balance payable over 6 months
Click here to access Face-to-Face/In-Person Classes Study Options
Livestream Interactive+
Livestream (Anywhere)
R5 300
*SBL Subject Fee - R14 400 (See below detailed tuition methodology).
*TX & ATX (SA Variant Only) - Local SA Tax Books are provided instead of Kaplan/BPP and tuition fees are slighly higher.
*We only offer LW UK Variant classes and it comes with Kaplan TextBooks.
Standard Benefits Included in the Livestream Interactive+ Package:
10 Classes/subject:
-
8 Full Tuition Classes (3-hour session per class)
-
2 Exam Preps/Revision Classes (3-hour session per class)
-
Video-recorded Classes (chapter-by-chapter, accessible online )
-
Kaplan e-Study Text (non-printable)
-
Kaplan e-Practice Kit (non-printable)
- BONUS BPP e-Practice Kit (non-printable)
-
Student's e-Course Notes
-
Home Study Kit/Scheme of Work
Mock/Assessments Resources Provided:
-
2 CBE Progress Tests with review feedback/detailed solutions
-
2 CBE Final Mocks with review feedback/detailed solutions
-
Access to ACCA CBE Practice Platform with extra mock exams
Course Validity: 1-Year Access to our e-Campus Student Portal from date of enrolment. Access is renewable (T/Cs)
Additional Support:
-
Instructor-Led Office Hours (Ask questions during an instructor’s set office hours)
-
Interactive 24/7 Online Support & Accessible to WhatsApp Groups
Our Fees Exclude any fees to ACCA such as registration, annual subscription & exam fees. Access ACCA separate fees (registration, annual subscription and exam fees) to be paid to ACCA here.
Recorded Video Classes
Self-Study (Anywhere)
R3 95O
*SBL Subject Fee - R6960
*TX & ATX (SA Variant Only) - Local SA Tax Books are provided instead of Kaplan/BPP.
*We only offer LW UK Variant classes and it comes with Kaplan TextBooks.
Standard Benefits Included in the Recorded Videos Classes Package:
10 Recorded Classes/subject:
-
8 Full Tuition Classes (3-hour session per class)
-
2 Exam Preps/Revision Classes (3-hour session per class)
-
Video-recorded Classes (chapter-by-chapter, accessible online )
-
Kaplan e-Study Text (non-printable)
-
Kaplan e-Practice Kit (non-printable)
-
Student's e-Course Notes
-
Home Study Kit/Scheme of Work
Upsell eBooks to Hard Copy Kaplan Books for R500
Mock/Assessments Resources Provided:
-
2 CBE Progress Tests with review feedback/detailed solutions
-
2 CBE Final Mocks with review feedback/detailed solutions
-
Access to ACCA CBE Practice Platform with extra mock exams
Course Validity: 1-Year Access to our e-Campus Student Portal from date of enrolment. Access is renewable (T/Cs)
Additional Support:
-
Instructor-Led Office Hours (Ask questions during an instructor’s set office hours)
-
Interactive 24/7 Online Support & Accessible to WhatsApp Groups
-
Our Fees Exclude any fees to ACCA such as registration, annual subscription & exam fees. Access ACCA separate fees (registration, annual subscription and exam fees) to be paid to ACCA here.
Videos & e-Course Notes
Self-Study (Anywhere)
R1 200
*SBL Subject Fee - R2300
*Strategic Professional Modules - R7 650/subject
*TX & ATX (SA Variant Only) - Local SA Tax Books are provided instead of Kaplan/BPP
*We only offer LW UK Variant classes and it comes with Kaplan TextBooks
Standard Benefits Included in the Videos & e-Course Notes Package:
10 Recorded Classes/subject:
-
8 Full Tuition Classes (3-hour session per class)
-
2 Exam Preps/Revision Classes (3-hour session per class)
-
Video-recorded Classes (chapter-by-chapter, accessible online )
-
Student's e-Course Notes
-
Home Study Kit/Scheme of Work
Course Validity: 1-Year Access to our e-Campus Student Portal from date of enrolment. Access is renewable (T/Cs)
Our Fees Exclude any fees to ACCA such as registration, annual subscription & exam fees. Access ACCA separate fees (registration, annual subscription and exam fees) to be paid to ACCA here.
SBL TUITION METHODOLOGY
Our SBL course is designed around 3 phases below:
This phase starts upon enrolling for the course and receiving our pre-reading materials. The goal of this phase is to help you become familiar with 5 selected case studies (from Past SBL Exams) to help apply the requisite exam competencies during the tuition phase (phase 2).
The 5 case studies include:
-
Railco (& Model Answer)
-
Cofold Construction (& Model Answer)
-
SmartWear (& Model Answer)
-
HiLite’ hotels (HiLite) (& Model Answer)
-
Machine Shop (& Model Answer)
You will also receive the Kaplan SBL Study Text & Kaplan SBL Integrated Workbook/Slides for your preview, focusing on ACCA's definition of 'Ethics & Professional' skills to be honed during the tuition phase: Communication | Commercial Acumen | Analysis | Scepticism | Evaluation.
You will need to come very prepared to benefit most from the course!
This comprises
7
contact weekend sessions (4hrs * 5 = 20 hours).
During this phase, we use the 5 case studies reviewed during the pre-reading phase, to teach the full SBL syllabus at a very high level as required to succeed at the final exam. The 5 case studies combined, have been written to be of immediate relevance in teaching the 9 core SBL examinable competencies: leadership; governance; strategy; risk; technology and data analytics; organisational control and audit; finance in planning and decision-making; innovation, performance, excellence and change management).
This phase also comprises of 6 contact weekend sessions (24 hours) coupled with a number of non-contact sessions directed by CharterQuest. It starts with a Progress Test, designed to assess your integrative, broad and high-level understanding of the 9 core SBL examinable competencies, whilst introducing the ACCA’s SBL marking grid (technical versus professional skills).
The focus of this phase is to build your exam techniques, by attempting a series of mock exams -and debriefing the model answers, with a determined focus on the exam marking grid. We delve deeper into how to earn 'technical marks versus professional marks', how to build an answer, and sharing with you insights from several webinars held with the chief examiners of the new SBL module in relation to how marks are earned and allocated.
ACCA Fees & Exam Structure
How much does qualifying for the ACCA Qualification cost?
1. Registration
All new students pay a one-off registration fee, which also covers your first year’s subscription. For most students, registration costs £89, however, students may also qualify for a discount and only pay £45 depending on the region. Re-registration, applicable if your ACCA membership has lapsed and you want to join again, is £89. Students may also qualify for a discount and only pay £45 depending on the region.
2. Annual Subscription Fee (£122)
The first year’s subscription is included in your registration fee.
Students need an active student subscription to be able to book & sit any ACCA Exam or to submit your practical experience requirements (PER).
3. Exemption Fees
If you qualify to get exemptions based on your previous qualifications, you will be required to pay an exemption fee for every subject you are exempted from. The exemption fees are based on the ACCA Qualification level:
|
Per Subject Applied Knowledge exams |
£86 |
per exemption awarded |
|
Per Subject Applied Skills exams |
£114 |
per exemption awarded |
|
|
|
|
4. Ethics and Professional Skills Module (£75)
It should be started after the Applied Knowledge exams have been completed and before commencing the Strategic Professional exams. This is a self-learning module and you book and pay via myACCA.
5. Cost of Exams
You will need to pay for each exam you sit. Exam fees vary per level and type of exam. All ACCA exams are Computer Based.
CBE On-Demand Exams: Applied Knowledge
Applied Knowledge exams (BT, MA, FA) including Applied Skills LW (UK) exam are multiple choice exams and can be taken anytime (on-demand) at an approved ACCA Centre. CharterQuest is an approved ACCA Exam Centre for Applied Knowledge Subjects in Sandton (Rivonia) & Pretoria. To access fees, visit our online booking portal here.
CBE Session Centre-Based: Applied Skills & Strategic Professional
Applied Skills & Strategic Professional exams are taken during 4 cycles per year (March, June, September and December) and are taken at ACCA-assigned British Council Centres. These exams can only be booked via myACCA. You can opt for a centre near you or opt to take the Remote (exam at home) during the assigned exam session.
|
|
|
Standard Entry (Any format) |
Late Entry (Remote) |
Late Entry (Centre) |
|
Applied Skills Exams PM, AA, FM, FR, TX in LW (SA) |
|
£142 |
£142 |
£364 |
|
Strategic Professional (essentials) SBL |
|
£252 |
£252 |
£406 |
|
Strategic Professional (essentials) SBR |
|
£185 |
£185 |
£406 |
|
Strategic Professional (options) AAA, ATX, APM, AFM |
|
£185 |
£185 |
£406 |
ACCA Exam Timetable:
ACCA runs four exam sessions a year in March, June, September and December - giving students great flexibility and choice of when to take ACCA exams. Book an exam for the upcoming session by using our online booking platform and take advantage of our lowest exam fees by entering during the standard entry period.
Access Exam Timetable per session here.