How to Enroll in ACCA in 2025: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is one of the most prestigious global qualifications for finance and accounting professionals. Enrolling in ACCA in 2025 can set you on a path toward a rewarding international career. While the process may seem complex at first, breaking it down into simple steps makes it manageable. Here’s a fresh, step-by-step guide to help you enroll and get started.

1. Understand the ACCA Qualification

Before starting, it’s important to know what the ACCA course details include. ACCA consists of:

• 13 Exams divided into three levels:

  • Applied Knowledge – foundational accounting and business concepts

  • Applied Skills – financial management, taxation, reporting, audit, and related topics

  • Strategic Professional – advanced accounting, management, and leadership skills, including optional papers

• Ethics & Professional Skills Module (EPSM) – a mandatory online module to develop professional ethics, communication, and decision-making skills

• Practical Experience Requirement (PER) – 36 months of relevant work experience with documented performance objectives

Understanding the course structure is key to planning your study schedule and exam preparation.

2. Check Eligibility

Eligibility for ACCA enrollment generally requires:

• Completion of Class 12 or equivalent

• Minimum 65% in English and Mathematics/Accounts, and 50% in other subjects

If you do not meet this criterion, the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) pathway allows you to start with foundation-level exams before moving to the main ACCA qualification.

3. Gather Required Documents

Prepare scanned copies of the following:

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets

• Government-issued ID (passport, Aadhaar, or voter ID)

• Recent passport-size photograph

• Academic transcripts and certificates (especially if applying for exemptions)

Ensure all documents are legible and in English or officially translated.

4. Register as an ACCA Student

Registration involves:

1. Visiting the ACCA student portal

2. Creating an account and providing personal and academic details

3. Uploading scanned documents

4. Choosing your preferred study and exam centers

5. Paying the registration fee

Once approved, you’ll receive a student ID and access to the ACCA student dashboard, where you can plan exams and track progress.

5. Understand Fees

Key ACCA fees include:

• Registration fee

• Annual subscription

• Exam fees per paper

• Exemption fees (if applicable)

• EPSM module fee

The overall cost depends on the number of exemptions, study method, and exam attempts, making budgeting an important step.

6. Apply for Exemptions

If you hold prior qualifications such as B.Com, M.Com, CA Inter, or relevant finance degrees, you may be eligible for exemptions from certain exams.

• Declare your qualifications during registration

• Submit transcripts and syllabus details

• ACCA reviews and grants exemptions (fees per exemption may apply)

Exemptions reduce your exam load and help you progress faster.

7. Choose a Study Approach

You can select the study mode that fits your schedule:

• Self-study – cost-effective but requires discipline

• Online learning – structured and flexible

• Classroom coaching – provides guidance and interaction

A hybrid approach often works best for balancing flexibility and support.

8. Schedule Exams

ACCA exams are held in March, June, September, and December. You can attempt multiple papers per session, but planning your schedule ensures balanced preparation and avoids burnout.

9. Practice and Revision

Consistent practice is key:

• Solve past papers

• Use revision kits

• Take mock exams under timed conditions

Regular practice builds confidence and improves exam performance.

10. Complete EPSM and PER

The Ethics & Professional Skills Module (EPSM) develops professional judgment and ethics, while the Practical Experience Requirement (PER) documents 36 months of relevant work experience. Both can be completed alongside exams.

11. Apply for Membership

After passing all exams, completing EPSM, and fulfilling PER requirements, you can apply for ACCA membership. Upon approval, you can use the ACCA designation, opening doors to global careers in finance, accounting, and auditing.