When you start studying for any professional qualification it can seem like a long road ahead with many twists and turns. Your ACCA journey will require many hours of work and a lot of effort, but we hope the advice below will make your journey feel less daunting and feel more achievable.
Remember, the ACCA qualification is one of the most respected accounting qualifications in the world. It is a challenging but rewarding journey that can open up a world of career opportunities. If you are thinking about taking the ACCA, here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Break the journey into smaller stages
The ACCA qualification consists of 13 exams, which can seem daunting at first. However, it is important to remember that you do not have to do it all at once. You can break the journey down into smaller stages, such as completing one exam per sitting, This, will make the goal seem more achievable and less overwhelming.
It is important to remember that everyone works at their own unique pace and so go at the pace that suits you and fits around the rest of your work and life. Also, don’t be afraid to take a break if you need one!
Like any professional qualifications, ACCA is a challenge and will take a lot of your time – 13 papers means if you manage to do 4 a year then it will still take over three years to qualify – so pace yourself!
2. Choose the route and paper that suits you
There are a number of different routes that you can take to qualify as an ACCA. You can choose to study full-time, part-time and of course online. You can also choose to study through a college or university, or independently. The best route for you will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences.
Your first step is to draw up a study plan and remember you can take ACCA papers in an order that suits you.
Choosing where to start is important and we think it is always best to start with the papers that you’re most comfortable with. Think about your job and current role – it is always easier to study for something you are currently working on and have real-life experience with. Then once you have gained some confidence you will be ready to tackle the papers which are more out of your comfort zone.
3. Get your tactics right from the start
Once you have chosen your route, it is important to develop a study plan that will work for you. This plan should include a realistic timetable for completing the exams, as well as a strategy for studying each subject. It is also important to find a study method that suits your learning style. Some people prefer to study alone, while others prefer to study in groups. There are also a number of online resources and tools that can help you with your studies.
As well as an overall study plan you should plan for each paper individually, as the amount of time you need for each will vary depending on your knowledge and strengths.
Always make time for practice questions and past papers to ensure you are able to apply the knowledge and skills you have learnt to the actual exam questions. Doing past papers is also a great way to learn the structure of the paper and the style of questions you will be asked.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
The ACCA is a challenging qualification, but it is not impossible. Remember our package of skills courses are also a great way to supplement your study.
5. Don’t give up
There will be times when you feel like giving up. You may fail an exam, or you may feel like you are not making any progress. However, it is important to remember that everyone fails at some point. The key is to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep going. With hard work and dedication, you will eventually reach your goal.
Conclusion
The ACCA qualification is a challenging but rewarding journey. If you are thinking about taking the ACCA, we encourage you to do your research, develop a study plan, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals.