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New Scheme Explained |
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ACCA Professional Level Programme Structure of the new syllabus, exam regulations and fees Conversion rules for existing students |
The essential features of
ACCA’s new syllabus are explained here. The new syllabus has been introduced following extensive consultation with leading employers,
members, students and tuition providers throughout the world. To reflect
their requirements it places greater emphasis on corporate strategy, the
design and management of business systems, risk assessment and strategic
financial analysis, while still retaining the core technical knowledge
invaluable to the modern finance professional.
The format In
common with the previous scheme, the programme is divided into three Parts.
Students are required to pass 14 papers in total. In Parts 1 and 2, students can
sit up to four papers of their choice at any one sitting, subject to certain
progression rules. In Part 3, students can choose two subjects from a list of
four options to match their work experience or chosen fields of employment. They
must also complete the three core papers which must initially be taken together.
As
with the previous syllabus, variant papers covering national law and tax will be
available. Papers covering financial reporting and audit will also be available
in both an international standard format and adapted for certain national
accounting standards e.g. UK, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore. Part 1. All 3 Papers are compulsory Paper 1.1 – Preparing Financial Statements (International) Paper 1.2 – Financial Information for Management To
view the detailed syllabus, click on the titles of Papers Part 1: Objectives Part 1 is designed
to test the basic principles of accounting, the role of financial information
and an understanding of key managerial issues. This stage sets the scene for the
accountancy profession. The examinations concentrate on basic knowledge and
skills which form the platform from which professional competence can be
developed. The knowledge and skills will be tested separately by subject and
will be limited to straight-forward examples of application required as a
prelude to more complex problems in Part 2. Skills to be tested in Part 1 Students should be able to
demonstrate the ability to:
Assessment It is intended that Part 1 examinations will make extensive use of objective testing formats as the most effective way of testing the basic knowledge and applications found at this stage. These examinations will ultimately be available through Computer Based Testing (CBT). All 6 Papers are compulsory Paper
2.1 – Information Systems
Paper 2.2 – Corporate and Business Law (English) Paper
2.3 – Business Taxation (United Kingdom) Paper 2.4 – Financial Management and Control Paper
2.5 – Financial Reporting (International) Paper 2.6 – Audit and Internal Review (International) To
view the detailed syllabus, click on the titles of Papers Part 2: Objectives This
stage continues the introduction of the new subject areas, develops students’
analytical skills and introduces students to the problems and situations that
they will meet. It covers all the core technical skills which finance
professionals should possess, regardless of where they work. Papers in Corporate
& Business Law and Financial Reporting (papers 2.2 and 2.5) have been added
to this Part to develop students’ understanding of the legal framework in
which businesses operate and to reinforce students’ financial accounting
skills at this level. Part
2 tests the application of the theory in the context of recognisable problems
and conceptual understanding. It will consolidate knowledge of current
principles, practices and techniques and begin to develop students’ ability to
criticise current practices. Questions will present practical scenarios
requiring students to select the best answer from a range of available solutions
in order to achieve the specified objective. Skills to be tested in Part 2 Students should be able to
demonstrate the ability to:
Assessment Part 2 examinations will be assessed through a mixture of computational questions, case scenarios and essays. Examinations at this stage will be set at a level equivalent to the final examinations of a UK bachelors degree. Candidates must sit two option papers and all three compulsory core papers. Option Papers : Paper 3.3 – Performance Management Paper 3.4 – Business Information Management Core Papers : Paper
3.5 – Strategic Business Planning and Development Paper
3.6 – Advanced Corporate Reporting Paper 3.7 – Strategic Financial Management To
view the detailed syllabus, click on the titles of Papers Part 3: Objectives The core papers concentrate on the key aspects of the accountant’s role in the strategic management of a business. They cover business planning, corporate reporting and financial management. These papers focus on testing each student’s ability to evaluate information and give sound commercial advice and recommendations within a professional ethical framework. The introduction
of choice at this level allows students to focus on technical areas which are
particularly relevant to their chosen, or anticipated, fields of employment. The
four option papers cover audit and assurance, advanced taxation, performance
management and information systems management. If students are unsuccessful in
an option paper(s), or if their employment circumstances change, they will be
allowed to change their options or take additional options.* * Students who wish to obtain UK
Registered Auditor status will need to complete option paper 3.1 Audit and
Assurance Services. ACCA is currently establishing practising certificate
requirements for other countries with the relevant national professional bodies
and statutory authorities. The
main aim of Part 3 is to establish evidence of competence to practise as a
professional accountant in public practice, public sector or in industry and
commerce. This requires candidates to demonstrate not only that they have
mastered the range of required knowledge, skills and techniques, but also that
they are able to apply them in a managerial context. By
this stage, knowledge has to be fully integrated in the way it is used by
professionals with recognition of how the different subjects contribute to
dealing with problems. This stage will present students with problems which test
their skills and sensitivity in dealing with new contexts and unforeseen
circumstances. In dealing with such situations, students will be expected to
tailor solutions to problems appropriately and in a way which demonstrates their
grasp of managerial skills. Although
emphasis will be given to practical issues, students will also be expected to criticize
current practice and express views on developments in accounting. They
will be expected to show evidence of the necessary personal qualities and
interpersonal skills required of the professional accountant. Skills to be tested in Part 3 Students should be able to
demonstrate the ability to:
While
the skills identified above will be tested directly by the questions set, in
assessing the answers weight will be given to students’ ability to demonstrate
a grasp of the following personal skills and attributes:
Assessment Part 3 examinations will be assessed predominantly through the use of case studies, to allow the testing of the higher level skills of analysis and synthesis required of a qualified accountant. Examinations at this stage will be set at a level equivalent to a UK Masters degree. How to study with us For details of the flexible distance learning study option available through us ---click here--- If you have any questions regarding tuition please direct them to enquiries@webALL.org Registration & Exemption For
general information on exemptions for all ACCA programmes
---click here--- For general information on registration for all ACCA programmes ---click here--- |
