Thinking about starting the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification in 2025? It’s a powerful step toward a professional finance or accounting career with international recognition. To ensure a smooth start, it helps to know exactly what needs to be done, what to prepare, and what the structure looks like. This guide walks you through each step, while featuring key ACCA course details you should understand before you register.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Your first task is to check whether you meet the entry criteria for ACCA. At minimum, you should have completed your higher secondary education (12th grade or equivalent), with subjects such as English and maybe Accounts or Mathematics being helpful. If you already hold a related degree (commerce, business, finance, etc.), you may be eligible for exemptions for some exams. Verifying eligibility helps you avoid surprises and ensures you're applying at the correct start level.
Step 2: Review the Core ACCA Course Details
Before everything else, take time to absorb the ACCA course details. Some of the main elements include:
The sequence of exam levels that you’ll go through—usually starting with basic/applied knowledge, then moving to applied skills, and finally strategic professional exams.
The Ethics & Professional Skills module, which is mandatory. This module develops communication skills, ethical decision-making, leadership, professionalism, and other soft skills relevant to real workplace scenarios.
The requirement to gain relevant work experience (also known as the Practical Experience Requirement). This ensures your learning is grounded in practice and gives you exposure to finance/accounting environments.
Knowing these details helps you plan not just your exams, but also your time, resources, and supporting activities.
Step 3: Prepare Necessary Documents
Once you know you're eligible, gather all required documentation. These usually include:
Proof of identity (passport, national ID, etc.).
Academic transcripts or certificates showing your previous qualifications, especially if you are applying for exemptions.
Passport-style photograph.
If documents are not in English, author-translated or officially translated versions may be needed.
Having these ready ahead of time will make the registration smoother.
Step 4: Register Online
With your documents in hand, you can register via the official ACCA portal. The registration process typically involves:
Completing a short online application form. It takes about 10 minutes.
Uploading your academic and identity documents.
Paying the registration fee.
Submitting any exemption requests along with required evidence.
Once done, you will receive confirmation and access to student resources and exam scheduling tools.
Step 5: Plan Your Exam Path
After registering, plan how you’ll attempt the exams. Because ACCA provides multiple exam sessions each year, you can spread your exam attempts according to your preparation and schedule. Many people begin with foundational or applied levels before moving to the professional levels. Creating a study schedule that includes revision, mock tests, and practical exposure will help maintain steady progress.
Step 6: Complete Ethics Module & Work Experience
Passing exams is only part of the journey. You will also need to complete the Ethics & Professional Skills module (EPSM), which enhances personal and professional judgement, leadership skills, communication, and more.
Additionally, fulfilling the Practical Experience Requirement by working in relevant roles gives you the hands-on exposure you’ll need as a professional.
Step 7: Keep Organized & Track Deadlines
Throughout the ACCA journey, staying organized is crucial. Keep track of form submissions, exam registration windows, document verifications, fees, and experience logs. Make use of a planner or calendar. Aim for consistency in studying and meeting deadlines—this will help you move through the levels without unnecessary delays.
Conclusion
Enrolling in ACCA in 2025 is a decision that can shape your future in accounting and finance. By confirming eligibility, understanding the ACCA course details, preparing documents ahead of time, registering properly, and planning both exams and experience, you set yourself up for success. With dedication, organization, and consistent effort, you can navigate the process smoothly and move confidently toward earning your ACCA qualification.
