Becoming a Chartered Accountant in the UK
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a leading accountancy body recognised globally. With over 500,000 members (41,000 of which are based in China), and students learning in 170 countries, the qualifications you gain from studying with ACCA will give you the right to practice in many locations. Registering interest with ACCA is a straight-forward process, though becoming a fully-certified member only occurs once you have qualified.
It can take up to four years to qualify through ACCA to become a chartered accountant; there are 14 required modules and exams to pass. Students who have relevant accountancy qualifications from university (such as those who have completed Queen's University Belfast, International Year One in Accounting) will have earned exemptions from some of the modules required, potentially reducing the length of study time required by more than 50% (in some cases, students will only need to take the five professional modules set by ACCA). Exemptions are both course and university-specific; ACCA has set up a simple exemptions calculator on their site so students can see what they are able to apply for before registering for ACCA.
ACCA offers three ways to study for their courses; self-study, online, and through approved learning partners. The organisation is focused on helping their students to pass the courses, and provides access to support through their website. ACCA organise four examination cycles per year at over 170 centres around the world, and students can take up to four papers per session (fundamental papers must be taken in numerical order), though it is recommended by the association that a maximum of four papers are taken in any six-month period.
Though ACCA is recognised in most countries, unfortunately, their qualifications are not recognised in the US, and there is no reciprocal agreement that will entitle someone who has ACCA qualifications to automatically qualify for licensed CPA status.
