ACCA is redesigning its qualification under a programme it calls “Accountancy Redefined,” and the first exams under the new structure arrive in 2027. The changes bring in new employability modules, recoded exams at every level, fresh awards along the way, and more weight on sustainability, AI and technology. Ethics stays where it has always been, at the centre.
Here’s what matters for students, employers and educators.
What is changing?
ACCA is redesigning the qualification to add:
- New awards and designations that recognise progress at each stage.
- Essential and Optional Employability Modules: interactive, assessed learning built around career readiness.
- More focus on sustainability, social impact, AI and technology across the syllabus.
- A recommended exam numbering system that suggests an order for sitting exams. Students can still choose their own.
- More choice at the final level, with options exams for those who want to specialise.
The new structure: four building blocks
The redesigned qualification rests on four parts: exams, employability modules, practical experience, and awards and designations.
Study runs across three levels: Knowledge, Expertise and Strategic Professional. There is also a Foundations route in for anyone who does not meet the minimum entry criteria.
New exams by level
Foundations level (entry route)
For students who don’t meet the minimum entry requirements. Three mandatory exams:
- F1 Accounts Preparation
- F2 Management Information and Costing
- F3 Decision Making with Data
These are taken alongside the Enterprise and Entrepreneurship module, and lead to the Diploma in Accounting and Business.
Knowledge level
Three mandatory exams, benchmarked to RQF Level 4:
- K1 Financial Accounting
- K2 Management Accounting
- K3 Business Law
These sit alongside the Responsible Business Management module and lead to the Higher Diploma in Accounting and Business. There’s also a route to the Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) designation at this level.
Expertise level
Five mandatory exams, benchmarked to RQF Level 6:
- E1 Taxation
- E2 Financial Reporting
- E3 Audit, Risk and Control
- E4 Finance and Investment
- E5 Performance with Data Analysis
These are taken with the Digital Tech and Innovation module and lead to the Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business.
Strategic Professional level
Two core exams plus one option, benchmarked to RQF Level 7:
Core:
- S1 Business and Sustainability Reporting
- S2 Strategic Business Leader
Choose one option from five:
- SAA Audit and Assurance Professional
- SCF Corporate Finance Professional
- SDS Data Science Professional (new option)
- SPI Performance and Insights Professional
- STA Taxation Advisory Professional
These are taken with the Ethical, Sustainable Leadership module. Once students clear these exams, the module and the PER, they achieve the ACCA Qualification and become members.
New awards and designations
Students pick up recognised milestones as they move through the qualification:
- Diploma in Accounting and Business: after the Foundations exams plus the Enterprise and Entrepreneurship module.
- Higher Diploma in Accounting and Business: after the Knowledge exams plus the Responsible Business Management module.
- Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business: after the Expertise exams plus the Digital Tech and Innovation module.
- The ACCA Qualification: after the Strategic Professional exams, the Ethical, Sustainable Leadership module and the PER.
Practical experience (PER) changes
The Practical Experience Requirement stays central, but there’s added flexibility. ACCA plans to let students meet up to six months of the requirement by completing certain Optional Employability Modules. This won’t apply straight away in September 2027; ACCA says it will confirm the timings closer to the date. One caveat: simulated experience won’t count towards the UK audit qualification or practising certificates, and it won’t replace real-work performance objectives.
Key dates and timeline
- Early 2027 — Essential Employability Modules become available
- July 2027 — first Foundations and Knowledge level exams
- September 2027 — first Expertise and Strategic Professional level exams
Guidance packs with syllabi, specimen exams and specimen answers for all levels are already on ACCA’s website.
What it means for current students
Existing students will move across to the redesigned qualification, and ACCA will keep recognising prior learning and exemptions. To help people plan, ACCA has published a transition tool, transition guidance and an updated exemption policy so students can see how the changes affect them and work out their next steps.
FAQs
The first exams under the new structure run from July 2027 (Foundations and Knowledge) and September 2027 (Expertise and Strategic Professional). Employability modules arrive from early 2027.
The pathway is reorganised into Foundations, Knowledge, Expertise and Strategic Professional levels, with newly coded exams: F1–F3, K1–K3, E1–E5, and then S1, S2 and one of five options.
The Employability Modules, and a new Data Science Professional (SDS) options exam that reflects growing demand for data and technology skills.
Yes. ACCA will continue to recognise relevant prior learning and offer exemptions under an updated policy.
