Our qualifications

Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills

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Take the first step in your journey towards ACCA membership.

What will I learn?

Our Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills exams provide you with the essential building blocks needed for a successful career in Finance and Accountancy.

The Applied Knowledge exams are an exceptional introduction to the world of finance and accounting, providing you with a broad understanding of essential accounting techniques.

There are three Applied Knowledge exams:

  • Business and Technology
  • Management Accounting
  • Financial Accounting

To start studying for our Applied Knowledge exams you must be qualified to University-entrance level. And once you've completed these three exams, plus Foundations in Professionalism, you'll be awarded the ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business (RQF Level 4) and be eligible to start our Applied Skills exams.

The Applied Skills exams build on your existing knowledge and understanding developing strong, broad and practical finance skills.

There are six Applied Skills exams:

  • Corporate and Business Law
  • Performance Management
  • Taxation
  • Financial Reporting
  • Audit and Assurance
  • Financial Management

To start studying for the Applied Skills exams you must have either completed the Applied Knowledge exams, have achieved the ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business (RQF Level 4) or have a relevant accounting or finance qualification at degree level.

Once you’ve completed the Applied Skills exams you can move on to our Strategic Professional exams.

Did you know?

We want you to be a successful finance professional. That’s why the ACCA Qualification includes an ethics module, and requires you to undertake 3 years’ work experience.

What opportunities could it lead to?

Studying these exams gives you a wide range of opportunities to choose from, such as finance traineetrainee business analyst and internal auditor.

On completion of the Fundamentals level, students can progress to our Professional level.

How long will it take?

Completing both the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills exams could take you as little as 12 to 18 months.

To gain the ACCA Qualification and become an ACCA member, you also need to complete our Strategic Professional exams and three years’ relevant work experience. If you study while you work, you could complete everything in just three years.

Discover the diverse career opportunities in finance and accountancy

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Entry requirements

Find out where you can start your ACCA journey

You may be able to claim some exemptions based on your prior learning. But, if you don’t have the relevant qualifications - don’t worry. You can start with our Foundations exams.

Ready to begin your career journey?

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