If you have recently completed your 10th grade and dream of building a successful career in finance, accounting, or auditing, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification can be an excellent choice. Even at this early stage, ACCA offers a pathway to get started and work toward becoming a globally recognized accounting professional. Here’s a complete guide to starting your ACCA journey after 10th grade.
Step 1: Begin with the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) Program
Since you have just passed 10th grade, the most suitable starting point is the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) program. It is designed for beginners without prior knowledge of accounting or finance.
Why FIA?
- Tailored for individuals without advanced qualifications.
- Provides a strong foundation in accounting concepts.
- Acts as a stepping stone to the full ACCA qualification.
Subjects in FIA
You will study a series of basic accounting and finance-related subjects, including:
- FA1: Recording Financial Transactions
- MA1: Management Information
- FA2: Maintaining Financial Records
- MA2: Managing Costs and Finance
- FBT: Business and Technology
- FFA: Financial Accounting
- FMA: Management Accounting
Once you complete these courses and exams, you can earn the Diploma in Accounting and Business, which qualifies you to move on to the ACCA Qualification.
Step 2: Register for the FIA Program
To start, you need to register for the FIA program through the ACCA website. Follow these steps:
- Visit the ACCA Website: Go to https://www.accaglobal.com.
- Create an Account: Sign up and fill out the registration form.
- Upload Documents: Provide proof of age (such as your 10th-grade certificate) and a passport-sized photo.
- Pay the Registration Fee: Complete the payment process to officially enroll.
Step 3: Choose a Study Method
You can study for FIA using various methods, depending on your preferences and learning style:
- Self-study: Purchase ACCA-approved study materials and learn at your own pace.
- Coaching Centers: Enroll in an ACCA-affiliated institute for structured learning.
- Online Learning: Many online platforms offer ACCA-approved courses, providing flexibility and convenience.
Step 4: Take FIA Exams
The FIA exams are computer-based and available year-round. You can schedule your exams through the ACCA website or with the help of your learning institute. Each subject has its own exam, which you can take as per your readiness.
Step 5: Progress to the Full ACCA Qualification
After completing the Diploma in Accounting and Business through FIA, you can transition to the full ACCA qualification. The ACCA Qualification has three main levels:
1. Applied Knowledge:
- Business and Technology (BT)
- Management Accounting (MA)
- Financial Accounting (FA)
2. Applied Skills:
- Corporate and Business Law (LW)
- Performance Management (PM)
- Taxation (TX)
- Financial Reporting (FR)
- Audit and Assurance (AA)
- Financial Management (FM)
3. Strategic Professional:
- Essentials:
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
- Options (Choose Two):
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
- Advanced Taxation (ATX)
- Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
Step 6: Complete the Practical Experience Requirement (PER)
To become a fully qualified ACCA member, you need to complete 36 months of practical experience in a relevant accounting or finance role. This experience can often be gained while studying for the qualification.
Step 7: Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)
The Ethics and Professional Skills Module is a vital part of the ACCA qualification. It helps you develop essential skills in communication, leadership, and ethical decision-making.
Age Limit for ACCA
One of the significant advantages of pursuing ACCA is that there is no upper age limit to enroll. However, to begin the FIA program or the ACCA qualification, you must generally be at least 16 years old. Exceptions may apply for highly motivated students starting early through specific pathways, but confirmation with ACCA directly is recommended.
How Long Does It Take?
Starting with FIA, the timeline to become an ACCA-qualified professional is as follows:
- FIA Program: 1–1.5 years.
- ACCA Qualification: 3–4 years (depending on your pace).
- Practical Experience: Can be completed alongside studies.
Why Choose ACCA?
- Global Recognition: ACCA is recognized in over 180 countries.
- Flexibility: You can study and take exams at your own pace.
- Career Opportunities: ACCA opens doors to roles like Chartered Accountant, Financial Analyst, Internal Auditor, and more.
Starting ACCA after 10th grade is an excellent way to fast-track your career in finance and accounting. With dedication and the right guidance, you can achieve this globally recognized qualification and unlock a world of professional opportunities. So, take the first step today by enrolling in the FIA program and setting yourself on the path to success!