ACCA Levels: Complete Structure Explained (2026 Guide)
If you’re planning to pursue ACCA, understanding the ACCA levels is the first step toward building a clear study strategy. Many students feel confused about how many papers there are, how the levels are structured, and how progression works. The good news? ACCA has a well-defined pathway divided into three structured levels that gradually build your accounting and finance expertise.
The ACCA qualification is awarded by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a globally recognized accounting body. The course is designed to develop technical knowledge, professional skills, and strategic thinking — all essential for a successful career in accounting and finance.
Let’s break down the ACCA levels step by step.
Overview of ACCA Levels
The ACCA qualification is divided into three main levels:
Applied Knowledge
Applied Skills
Strategic Professional
In total, there are 13 papers, along with an Ethics and Professional Skills module and practical experience requirement (PER).
Each level builds on the previous one, ensuring gradual learning and skill development.
1. Applied Knowledge Level
This is the foundation level of ACCA. It introduces students to basic accounting and business concepts.
Papers in Applied Knowledge:
Business and Technology (BT)
Management Accounting (MA)
Financial Accounting (FA)
This level focuses on understanding how businesses operate, basic financial reporting, and cost management concepts.
Students from commerce backgrounds may find this level familiar, while non-commerce students may need extra effort to build basics.
2. Applied Skills Level
After completing the foundation, students move to the Applied Skills level. This stage develops strong technical accounting and finance knowledge.
Papers in Applied Skills:
Corporate and Business Law (LW)
Performance Management (PM)
Taxation (TX)
Financial Reporting (FR)
Audit and Assurance (AA)
Financial Management (FM)
This level is more detailed and analytical. It prepares students for real-world finance roles in audit, taxation, and corporate finance.
Many students consider this stage the most important because it builds core technical competence.
3. Strategic Professional Level
This is the final and most advanced stage of ACCA. It focuses on leadership, strategic thinking, and complex financial decision-making.
The Strategic Professional level has:
Compulsory Papers:
Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
Optional Papers (Choose Any Two):
Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
Advanced Performance Management (APM)
Advanced Taxation (ATX)
Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
This level tests not just technical knowledge but also professional judgment and problem-solving ability.
Ethics and Professional Skills Module
Apart from exams, students must complete:
Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)
This module develops communication, leadership, and ethical decision-making skills, which are essential for modern finance professionals.
Practical Experience Requirement (PER)
To become an ACCA member, you must complete:
36 months of relevant work experience
This experience can be gained before, during, or after completing the exams.
How Long Does It Take to Complete ACCA Levels?
The duration depends on:
Your educational background
Number of exemptions
Study consistency
Exam attempt strategy
On average:
Students complete ACCA in 2 to 3 years
Graduates with exemptions may finish faster
Are ACCA Levels Difficult?
The difficulty increases with each level.
Applied Knowledge: Basic to moderate
Applied Skills: Moderate to challenging
Strategic Professional: Advanced and case-study focused
With proper planning, mock practice, and consistent revision, students can clear each level successfully.
Why Understanding ACCA Levels Matters
Knowing the structure of ACCA levels helps you:
Plan your study schedule
Budget exam fees properly
Choose optional papers strategically
Set realistic completion timelines
Each level is designed to transform you from a beginner in accounting to a strategic finance professional capable of handling leadership roles.
Final Thoughts
The ACCA levels follow a clear progression: foundation knowledge, technical skills, and strategic leadership. With 13 papers divided across three stages, plus ethics and work experience requirements, ACCA prepares you for global accounting and finance careers.