ACA guide
ACA vs ACCA — which route should you take?
The ACA (ICAEW) and ACCA both qualify you as a chartered accountant in the UK, but the routes differ sharply. ACA is training-contract-led and Big-4-favoured; ACCA is flexible and globally portable. Below, the honest comparison.
Structure and entry
ACA: 15 exams completed under a 3-year ICAEW training agreement with an authorised employer. ACCA: 13 exams you can sit independently, with 3 years' relevant experience for full membership. ACA is employer-first; ACCA is exam-first.
Employer preference
Big 4 UK audit intake is majority ACA. Mid-tier firms split ACA/ACCA. Industry finance teams are largely indifferent. Overseas, ACCA has stronger recognition; ACA is UK-heavy.
Exam difficulty
Comparable overall. ACA's Case Study at Advanced Level is the hardest single paper in UK accountancy — 4-hour integrated exam with a 55% pass rate. ACCA's Strategic Professional papers are close behind.
Cost
ACA fees are typically employer-paid (£15k+ over 3 years). ACCA self-funded runs £2k–£4k in fees plus study materials. If you have a training contract, ACA is essentially free to you.
FAQs
- Is ACA harder than ACCA?
- Broadly similar. ACA's Case Study is uniquely demanding; ACCA's SBR and AAA are equally tough.
- Can I switch from ACCA to ACA?
- Yes with exemptions, but you still need an ICAEW training agreement to qualify as ACA.
- Which pays more?
- Post-qualification salaries are close. Big 4 ACA typically edges ACCA by £2k–£5k at manager level, but industry roles are similar.
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