ACCA After 12th - The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally recognized professional accounting qualification that offers high career prospects in accounting, finance, and auditing. Many students, especially those from a commerce background, wonder if they can pursue ACCA after completing 12th grade.
The answer is YES! Students can start ACCA after 12th without the need for a bachelor’s degree. ACCA is a flexible and internationally valued qualification that can be pursued immediately after high school.
In this guide, we will explore ACCA eligibility, course structure, admission process, cost, duration, and career opportunities after completing ACCA.
What is ACCA?
The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a UK-based professional accounting body offering the ACCA qualification, which is equivalent to a Chartered Accountant (CA) degree in many countries.
- Recognized in over 180+ countries.
- Offers global career opportunities in auditing, taxation, and finance.
- Provides high salary packages and fast-track career growth.
- Students can start ACCA after 12th with the right eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria for ACCA After 12th
To start ACCA after 12th, students must meet the following requirements:
Educational Qualification:
- Passed 12th grade (HSC) or equivalent from a recognized board.
- Minimum 50% in English and Mathematics/Accounts.
Who Can Apply for ACCA After 12th?
- Commerce students: Ideal for students who studied Accounting, Finance, Economics, and Business Studies.
- Science/Arts students: Can also apply but may require additional training in accounting concepts.
Exemptions for Commerce Graduates:
- If students complete a B.Com, BBA, or CA foundation, they may get exemptions from some ACCA subjects.
ACCA Course Structure & Exam Levels
The ACCA qualification consists of 13 exams, divided into three levels:
| Level | Number of Exams | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Knowledge Level | 3 Exams | Basic accounting & business principles |
| Applied Skills Level | 6 Exams | Intermediate financial management & taxation |
| Strategic Professional Level | 4 Exams | Advanced business and financial management |
1. Applied Knowledge Level (Beginner Level)
Students after 12th start with this level, which covers:
- Business & Technology (BT)
- Management Accounting (MA)
- Financial Accounting (FA)
2. Applied Skills Level (Intermediate Level)
Once the Applied Knowledge exams are cleared, students move to:
- Corporate and Business Law (LW)
- Performance Management (PM)
- Taxation (TX)
- Financial Reporting (FR)
- Audit and Assurance (AA)
- Financial Management (FM)
3. Strategic Professional Level (Advanced Level)
Final stage of ACCA, covering:
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
- 2 Electives (Advanced Audit, Financial Management, Performance Management, or Taxation)
Duration of ACCA Course After 12th
| Study Mode | Completion Time |
|---|---|
| Full-Time ACCA Study | 2.5 to 3 Years |
| Part-Time ACCA Study | 3 to 5 Years |
| Exemptions (B.Com, CA, etc.) | 1.5 to 2 Years |
Since students can complete multiple exams per year, the timeline is flexible, allowing students to finish ACCA at their own pace.
Cost of ACCA Course After 12th
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Registration Fees | $95 - $120 |
| Examination Fees (Per Paper) | $140 - $250 |
| Annual Subscription | $135 - $150 |
| Study Materials & Coaching (Optional) | $500 - $1000 |
| Total Cost for Full ACCA | $3000 - $5000 |
Scholarships & Discounts:
- Many institutes offer scholarships based on merit.
- ACCA offers fee reductions for students from developing countries.
Best ACCA Study Centers & Institutes
Many universities and private coaching centers offer ACCA training. Here are some of the best ACCA study institutes:
| Institute Name | Location | Training Mode |
|---|---|---|
| ACCA Global Learning Providers | UK, India, UAE, USA | Online & Classroom |
| London School of Business & Finance | UK | Classroom & Online |
| Kaplan Financial | Global | Online & Classroom |
| BPP Learning Media | UK & Global | Online & Classroom |
| EduPristine | India | Online & Classroom |
Career Opportunities After ACCA
ACCA professionals can work in accounting, auditing, taxation, and finance sectors worldwide.
| Job Role | Average Salary (USD) | Top Hiring Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | $50,000 - $80,000 | PwC, Deloitte, EY |
| Auditor | $60,000 - $90,000 | KPMG, BDO, Grant Thornton |
| Tax Consultant | $55,000 - $85,000 | Tax Firms, Big 4 |
| Finance Manager | $70,000 - $120,000 | Investment Banks |
| Risk Manager | $75,000 - $130,000 | MNCs, Financial Institutions |
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FAQs About Doing ACCA After 12th
1. Can I start ACCA after 12th without a commerce background?
Yes! Even science and arts students can apply, but a strong foundation in mathematics & accounting is recommended.
2. How many exams do I need to pass in ACCA?
You need to pass 13 exams, but exemptions are available for graduates & CA students.
3. Is ACCA harder than CA (Chartered Accountant)?
- ACCA is more flexible, allowing students to take exams at their own pace.
- CA has fewer attempts and is more region-specific.
4. Can I work while studying ACCA?
Yes, many students work part-time while studying ACCA due to its flexible exam schedule.
5. What is the minimum salary after completing ACCA?
- Entry-level ACCA professionals earn $40,000 - $60,000 per year.
- Experienced professionals can earn over $100,000 annually.
Conclusion
Yes, you CAN do ACCA after 12th, and it’s a fantastic career path for students interested in accounting, finance, and business. With its global recognition, flexible study options, and high-paying job prospects, ACCA is a great alternative to CA, CPA, and CFA.
