ACCA Syllabus 2026
13 papers. 3 levels. One globally recognised qualification. Use the guides below to understand exactly what each paper covers and how to pass it first time.
Applied Knowledge Level
The foundation of the ACCA qualification. These three papers are available as on-demand Computer-Based Exams (CBEs) — no waiting for a session. Most students complete this level in 3–6 months.
BT — Business & Technology
Business environment, organizational behavior, technology, and professional ethics.
MA — Management Accounting
Costing techniques, budgeting, variance analysis, and performance measurement.
FA — Financial Accounting
Double-entry bookkeeping, financial statements preparation, and IFRS basics.
Applied Skills Level
Six papers that cover the full breadth of accounting and finance practice — from law and taxation to financial reporting and audit. These are session-based CBEs taken in March, June, September, or December.
LW — Corporate & Business Law
Business law, contracts, company law, and governance. Strong conceptual paper.
PM — Performance Management
Advanced management accounting with strategic decision-making under uncertainty.
TX — Taxation
Income tax, corporation tax, capital gains, and VAT. UK & India variants available.
FR — Financial Reporting
IFRS application, consolidated statements, and analytical interpretation.
AA — Audit & Assurance
Audit planning, evidence, professional standards, and reporting.
FM — Financial Management
Capital investment, risk management, WACC, and working capital.
Strategic Professional Level
The pinnacle of the ACCA qualification. Two compulsory papers (SBL and SBR) plus two options from AFM, APM, ATX, and AAA. These are rigorous exams that test business leadership and technical mastery.
SBL — Strategic Business Leader
Case-study based leadership, governance, strategy, and ethics exam. Compulsory.
SBR — Strategic Business Reporting
Deep IFRS, complex group accounts, and emerging sustainability reporting. Compulsory.
AFM — Advanced Financial Management
Derivatives, interest rate risk, M&A, and treasury management. (Optional)
APM — Advanced Performance Management
KPIs, balanced scorecard, strategic management control. (Optional)
ATX — Advanced Taxation
Complex tax planning, IHT, trusts, and international taxation. (Optional)
AAA — Advanced Audit & Assurance
Complex audit engagements, quality management, and current assurance issues. (Optional)
Download the Full ACCA 2026 Syllabus PDF
All 13 papers in one structured PDF with study hour estimates and recommended resources.