How to Become a ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
in South Africa
The ACCA is one of the world's largest and most recognised accounting bodies, with over 240,000 members in 178 countries. In South Africa, the ACCA qualification is increasingly popular because it offers a flexible, self-study pathway that does not r...
Duration
3–4 years (with exemptions: 1–2 years)
Salary Range
R300,000 – R1,000,000+ per year
About the ACCA
The ACCA is one of the world's largest and most recognised accounting bodies, with over 240,000 members in 178 countries. In South Africa, the ACCA qualification is increasingly popular because it offers a flexible, self-study pathway that does not require attendance at a specific university. It is particularly valued in multinational companies and by professionals who plan to work internationally. The ACCA covers financial accounting, management accounting, tax, audit, and strategic business reporting. South African graduates from SAICA-accredited programmes can receive significant exemptions, making it a viable "second designation" alongside CA(SA).
Entry Requirements
- Minimum of 2 A-Levels and 3 GCSEs (or equivalent), or a relevant degree for exemptions
- South African matric with Mathematics and English
- Graduates from SAICA- or SAIPA-accredited programmes may receive significant exemptions (up to 9 papers)
- No prior accounting qualification is required if starting from the foundation level
Pathway to Qualification
Applied Knowledge (3 papers)
6–12 monthsBusiness and Technology (BT), Management Accounting (MA), Financial Accounting (FA). These are computer-based exams covering the fundamentals. Degree holders may be exempt.
Applied Skills (6 papers)
12–18 monthsCorporate and Business Law (LW), Performance Management (PM), Taxation (TX), Financial Reporting (FR), Audit and Assurance (AA), Financial Management (FM). Degree holders may receive exemptions for several of these.
Strategic Professional (4 papers)
12–18 months2 compulsory papers — Strategic Business Leader (SBL) and Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) — plus 2 optional papers from a choice of 4 (AFM, APM, ATX, AAA). No exemptions available for these papers.
Practical Experience Requirement (PER)
3 years (concurrent)Complete 36 months of relevant work experience under a practical experience supervisor, achieving 9 performance objectives. Can run concurrently with exams.
Ethics & Professional Skills Module
Complete the ACCA Ethics and Professional Skills module — an online self-study module that must be passed before membership.
Membership
Register as an ACCA member. You may use the FCCA (Fellow) designation after 5 years of membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the ACCA?
What does an ACCA-qualified accountant earn in South Africa?
Is the ACCA recognised in South Africa?
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