“ACCA IN SRI LANKA: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE AND HOW TO STAY AHEAD”
ACCA is one of the very few accounting qualifications that encourage self-paced study and portray maximum academic flexibility, which leads to varied ACCA durations in Sri Lanka for each individual, depending on their own study pace, academic choices, and exam performances. To be precise, the qualification has no structure for meeting a specific timeline; rather, it allows aspirants to study with utmost ease by leveraging multiple flexible study options.
It completely depends on students if they want to fast-track their academics or prolong it with delayed tasks. Aspirants who aim to fast-track their ACCA journey need to make certain changes in their study patterns, academic choices, and upgrade their schedules. Some basic changes in your learning patterns and academic preferences can take you a long way; it not only ensures success but also enables you to complete the qualification quickly. To help students find such academic strategies and tips, we came up with this informative blog that will guide you all about the ACCA duration in Sri Lanka and how to fast-track it.
GLOBAL AND LOCAL AVERAGES:
As mentioned before, it is nearly impossible to state the exact duration for completion of this qualification as it is highly flexible and depends on each individual’s preferences. But we can still share the average time it takes students to complete this qualification; it takes around 3 to 4 years, according to ACCA Global’s estimation. However, according to the local sources, the average ACCA duration in Sri Lanka is 2.5 to 3.5 years; of course, it is not an exact timeline and can vary from person to person depending on various factors.
ACCA DURATION IN SRI LANKA: A BREAKDOWN
As the qualification is complex and has multiple academic requirements and levels, it leads to so much confusion for students. Hence, to make things easier for students, here is a breakdown of how much time one usually invests into each academic requirement and the levels of ACCA in Sri Lanka.
- Normally, aspirants complete the ACCA Applied Knowledge level within 6 to 12 months, depending on their study pace.
- It usually takes students around 12-18 months to complete the ACCA Applied Skills level.
- The Strategic Professional level is the most challenging level that typically takes around 18 to 24 months to complete.
- Aspirants are also required to complete 36 months of PER, but it is suggested to begin alongside these exams; hence, it can not be counted separately.
Going through this breakdown, it is quite visible that the ACCA course timeline in Sri Lanka takes around 3 to 4 years to complete.
WHAT EFFECTS THE ACCA COURSE TIMELINE IN SRI LANKA:
Many visible academic factors play an essential role in affecting the ACCA duration in Sri Lanka, including mode of study, number of exemptions, and Practical Experience Requirement (PER). Want to discover how? All the aspects are discussed below:
- Study mode affects the duration of completion of this qualification; if you are a full-time student, chances are that you will complete the qualification faster than those who study part-time. Full-time students typically tend to complete ACCA within 2 to 3 years, whereas, for part-time students, the average estimated duration is 3 to 4 years.
- If you are an individual eligible to avail ACCA exam exemptions, this will automatically reduce your ACCA duration in Sri Lanka; the more exams you exempt, the lesser the duration of completion.
- Completing the requirements of PER is an essential part of the ACCA qualification, and it takes around 36 months of relevant work experience to complete PER in ACCA.
ACCA TIMELINE PLANNING TIPS:
Here are certain strategies and tips that will help you minimize your ACCA duration in Sri Lanka and fast-track your academic journey.
- A degree or certification holder is eligible for exemptions; maximize the number of exemptions and avail yourself of them.
- Plan your exam schedules very wisely and ensure flexibility by utilizing on-demand exams.
- Begin gaining your required work experience at an early stage of qualification and attempt exams alongside.
- Make sure you choose a study mode that serves your academic goals and meets your expectations.
CONCLUSION:
Indeed, the ACCA duration in Sri Lanka solely depends on an individual’s academic preferences and the study decisions they make. The timeline in which this qualification needs to be completed is not predetermined, as it remains highly flexible for students. However, an average estimated timeframe can be provided, which is usually within 3 to 4 years for most of the students globally. It can be minimized further by availing exam exemptions, full-time studies, quick completion of PER, exam successes, etc. Hence, in affecting the duration of completion of the ACCA qualification in Sri Lanka, several factors play an essential role.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Q1: What is the minimum timeline for completing the ACCA qualification in Sri Lanka?
Ans: Minimum duration to complete the ACCA qualification in Sri Lanka is 2.5 years, and it is only possible when the aspirant can clear all exams in one attempt and also complete PER and EPSM in the meantime.
Q2: What is the maximum number of exams allowed in each exam sitting?
Ans: In each ACCA exam sitting, an aspirant can take a maximum of four exams, while 8 exams are allowed in a year.
Q3: Does studying full-time really affect the duration of completion of the ACCA qualification?
Ans: Yes, full-time students of ACCA tend to complete the qualification faster as they can attempt a larger number of papers in each sitting.


