How Many Papers in ACCA Course?
The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification is one of the most recognized accounting certifications in the world. Whether you're in India, Malaysia, or Nepal, students often ask one key question before starting: "How many papers are there in the ACCA course?"
In this article, we break down the complete structure of the ACCA qualification, how many papers you’ll need to complete, and what to expect at each level.
Total Number of ACCA Papers
The ACCA qualification is divided into 13 exam papers across three main levels:
Applied Knowledge – 3 papers
Applied Skills – 6 papers
Strategic Professional – 4 papers (2 compulsory, 2 optional)
In addition, there is also the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM), which is a mandatory component, though it's not an exam paper.
However, depending on your previous education, you may be eligible for exemptions from some of the initial papers.
1. Applied Knowledge Level – 3 Papers
This is the foundation level of ACCA and suitable for students who are just starting after completing school or pre-university.
BT (Business and Technology)
MA (Management Accounting)
FA (Financial Accounting)
These papers are computer-based and can be attempted any time of the year.
2. Applied Skills Level – 6 Papers
At this level, you’ll study more technical subjects that are essential for any professional accountant.
LW (Corporate and Business Law)
PM (Performance Management)
TX (Taxation)
FR (Financial Reporting)
AA (Audit and Assurance)
FM (Financial Management)
These exams are held quarterly (March, June, September, and December) and are computer-based as well.
3. Strategic Professional Level – 4 Papers
This is the final level of the ACCA qualification and focuses on strategic decision-making and leadership.
Compulsory Papers (2):
SBL (Strategic Business Leader)
SBR (Strategic Business Reporting)
Optional Papers (Choose 2 out of 4):
AFM (Advanced Financial Management)
APM (Advanced Performance Management)
ATX (Advanced Taxation)
AAA (Advanced Audit and Assurance)
Your choice of optional papers should align with your career goals. For example, students targeting Big 4 audit roles often choose AAA, while those aiming for international finance might go for AFM.
Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)
While not a traditional paper, this online module is required for membership. It develops your soft skills—communication, commercial awareness, judgment—which are vital in real-world roles.
Most students complete EPSM before starting their Strategic Professional exams, and many ACCA coaching providers recommend doing it early.
Can You Get Exemptions?
Yes. If you have a degree in accounting, commerce, or finance, or have completed certain professional qualifications, you may get exemptions from some of the Applied Knowledge or Skills level papers. You can check your eligibility on the official ACCA exemption calculator.
Why the Right Support Matters
Passing all 13 ACCA papers requires dedication, consistency, and proper guidance. This is where a trusted ACCA coaching provider becomes essential.
Hamzah Academy, known for its student-focused approach and expert faculty, offers structured ACCA courses with flexible class schedules, doubt sessions, and exam strategies tailored to help students succeed at each level.
Whether you're starting with BT or preparing for Strategic level papers, Hamzah Academy has resources and support for every step of your journey.
Final Thoughts
In total, the ACCA course consists of 13 papers, spread across three levels. Depending on your background, you may not need to take all of them, thanks to exemptions. With a clear understanding of the structure and the right support, you can navigate the ACCA journey smoothly and build a global accounting career.