Is ACCA Difficult?

1. What Is ACCA: The Path to Becoming a Global Chartered Accountant

The ACCA, or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, was founded in 1904 and is a globally recognized professional accounting organization. With examination centers in over 180 countries and members across the globe, ACCA is highly respected and widely accepted in the international business world. In recent years, as globalization and business internationalization have accelerated, the demand for accounting and financial professionals with a global perspective has grown, making ACCA increasingly popular, including in China.

ACCA’s curriculum is comprehensive and emphasizes both theory and practical skills. It covers areas such as accounting, auditing, taxation, financial management, management accounting, and strategic decision-making. As such, many people wonder: Is ACCA difficult to study? Let’s explore this question in detail from several angles.

2. Where Does the Difficulty Lie? A Multi-Faceted Look at the Challenge

First, looking at pass rates, the global average ACCA pass rate is around 30%–40%, while Chinese candidates generally perform slightly better, with pass rates of around 50%–60%. These figures show that although the exams are challenging, they are not impossible to pass. The relatively low global pass rate reminds candidates to take each exam seriously and plan thoroughly.

Second, the ACCA exam is structured based on UK university degree standards. The first two stages—the Knowledge and Skills modules—are comparable in difficulty to the later years of an undergraduate program. The third stage, the Strategic Professional module, is at a postgraduate level. This structure means the ACCA exams don’t just test memory, but gradually increase in complexity to assess candidates' understanding and ability to apply their knowledge.

In addition, all ACCA exams are in English, which can be a significant barrier for non-native English speakers. The exams are filled with technical vocabulary, such as “accruals,” “impairment,” and “deferred tax,” requiring candidates to have a solid grasp of accounting English. Many exam questions also require written analysis, evaluations, and well-structured arguments, so language accuracy and logic are critical to scoring well.

ACCA is also well known for its emphasis on real-world application. Beyond theory, the exams require candidates to solve practical business problems, analyze financial conditions, assess risk, and make strategic decisions. This means simply memorizing content is not enough—candidates need strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

3. Exam Structure and Progression: Step-by-Step Strategy Is Key

There are 13 ACCA exam papers, divided into three levels: the Knowledge Module, the Skills Module, and the Strategic Professional Module.

The Knowledge Module consists of three foundational subjects: Business and Technology, Management Accounting, and Financial Accounting. This level builds a basic understanding of finance and accounting and is ideal for beginners with little to no background in the field.

The Skills Module contains six subjects: Corporate and Business Law, Performance Management, Taxation, Financial Reporting, Audit and Assurance, and Financial Management. This stage emphasizes technical skills and real-world practice and is often underestimated by candidates.

The Strategic Professional Module is considered the most difficult. Candidates must pass two core subjects—Strategic Business Leader and Strategic Business Reporting—and choose two optional subjects from Advanced Audit and Assurance, Advanced Financial Management, Advanced Performance Management, or Advanced Taxation. This stage requires integrated thinking and business judgment, often involving complex case studies and high-level analysis.

The structure shows that ACCA exams are systematic and progressive. Each level lays the foundation for the next, helping candidates develop a complete and robust understanding of the accounting profession.

4. Self-Study and Planning: The Cornerstones of Success

ACCA offers flexible study modes: self-study or via tuition providers. Candidates can choose the most suitable method depending on their schedule, financial situation, and personal ability.

Self-study is ideal for candidates with a strong foundation and high self-discipline. These learners can manage their own time effectively, find resources independently, and solve problems without external help. They often rely on official materials, past exam papers, and study notes.

On the other hand, those with weaker accounting or English skills—or limited study time—may benefit more from formal classes. Tuition centers often provide structured lessons, mock exams, and experienced tutors who explain key concepts and exam strategies in depth.

Regardless of the method, a well-structured study plan is essential. Candidates should allocate adequate time for each subject and plan phases for reading, note-taking, exercises, reviews, and mock exams. Regular progress checks help identify weaknesses and guide strategy adjustments.

5. Practical Application: ACCA’s Unique Exam Approach

What sets ACCA apart is its emphasis on practical application, not just academic knowledge. Exams often include case studies and scenario-based questions, which test how candidates apply what they’ve learned to complex business situations.

For example, in the Audit and Assurance paper, candidates are expected to simulate audit planning, identify material misstatement risks, and offer practical improvement suggestions. In Financial Management, they might evaluate investment projects, analyze financial statements, and consider how decisions impact company strategy.

These question types require candidates to do more than just "calculate"—they must analyze, interpret, recommend, and justify, all while staying within professional and ethical frameworks. This makes ACCA not just an exam, but a full training system for professional thinking and business acumen.

6. Exam Strategy: Phased Attack With Targeted Focus

Due to the number of papers and the complexity of the content, candidates should approach ACCA as a long-term, staged process.

In the beginning, it’s advisable to tackle the foundational Knowledge papers (BT, MA, FA) as early wins to build confidence and fundamental understanding. These are especially important for candidates without an accounting background.

In the Skills Module, candidates can choose the sequence based on their strengths or job relevance. For example, someone working in finance might take Financial Management or Financial Reporting first.

When entering the Strategic Professional stage, ample preparation time is crucial. This stage demands integrated thinking, and exam questions are lengthy and complex. Candidates should choose optional papers based on their strengths to increase pass chances.

In the weeks before the exam, a final sprint phase is key. It’s recommended to complete at least 2–3 past papers under timed conditions. This improves time management and familiarizes candidates with the question style and structure.

7. Mental Strength and Efficiency: Mind and Body Both Matter

The long study cycle and pressure can take a toll. Managing mental well-being and physical health is just as important as studying.

Candidates should maintain regular routines, avoid staying up late, eat healthily, and exercise to relieve stress. Taking short breaks, talking to friends, or doing light physical activity helps avoid burnout and improves efficiency.

Failing an exam isn’t the end. It’s a chance to reflect: Did you study the right way? Did you understand the core concepts? Did you do enough practice? By analyzing mistakes and adapting, you increase your chances in the next attempt.

Setting long-term goals while celebrating short-term achievements—such as passing a paper—helps maintain motivation and positivity throughout the journey.

8. Career Benefits: A Difficult Journey With High Returns

While ACCA is challenging, the career returns are considerable. It is globally recognized and can help professionals obtain accountancy qualifications in multiple countries. For those aiming to join the Big Four accounting firms, multinational corporations, or become international finance consultants, ACCA is a powerful credential.

Moreover, ACCA’s knowledge framework is directly applicable in the real world. From financial analysis to internal controls, budget planning to strategic input, what you learn in ACCA prepares you to become a decision-maker, not just a number-cruncher.

Many companies regard ACCA certification as a key criterion for promotion or hiring, especially in senior or international finance roles. ACCA professionals also tend to earn higher salaries than the industry average, especially in large cities or global firms.

9. Conclusion: ACCA Is Difficult, But Achievable

To sum up, ACCA is undoubtedly a challenging and long-term commitment. Its exams test not only knowledge but also language ability, application skills, analytical thinking, and long-term planning.

But difficulty doesn’t mean impossibility. With the right attitude, study plan, and consistent effort, anyone can pass and benefit greatly from the qualification.

Think of ACCA as a marathon—it requires strategy, endurance, and discipline. But if you have a clear goal and are willing to put in the effort, this globally recognized certification will open doors in finance, accounting, and business around the world.