INTRODUCTION:
ACCA qualification is considered to be one of the most competent qualifications in accounting and finance because of its unique and complex curriculum. The qualification is known for adopting modern techniques, skills, knowledge, and learning patterns. Therefore, the ACCA exam Structure, Pattern and syllabus are far more different from the traditional accounting practices. The exams of ACCA are designed in a way that not only examines your theoretical knowledge but also your technical skills. This unique ACCA exam pattern emphasizes students to focus on incorporating theoretical knowledge with real-world problems.
Students of ACCA in Ireland tend to find this qualification and its unique structure a bit difficult to understand and end up facing complications during exams. Therefore, to avoid such situations students are advised to understand the ACCA structure and ACCA exam pattern thoroughly.
ACCA EXAM STRUCTURE IRELAND: AN OVERVIEW
The qualification of ACCA consists of a series of 13 exams, all of which cover a variety of different areas of accounting, finance, and business. These exams are categorized into three levels, and with each level, the complexity of these exams increases. These levels are known as Applied knowledge level, Applied skills level, and Strategic Professional Level. Each level is further defined below:
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Applied knowledge level:
This is the fundamental level of ACCA qualification, also known as the introductory level. It consists of three exams: Business Technology, Management accounting, and Financial accounting.
Applied Skills level:
This level offers comprehensive knowledge about the courses, making it a bit more complex than the previous one. This level can be considered the intermediate level, focusing on theoretical knowledge as well as technical skills. It consists of six exams, namely; Corporate & business law, Performance Management, Taxation, Financial Reporting, Audit and Assurance, and Financial Management.
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Strategic Professional level:
It is the most advanced level of ACCA qualification, also considered the most difficult and complex level of them all. This level consists of four exams including two optional exams. The two mandatory exams are Strategic Business Leadership and Strategic Business Reporting. The students can choose two courses of their choice amongst these exams, Advanced Taxation, Advanced Audit and Assurance, Advanced Financial Management, and Advanced Performance Management.
ACCA EXAM PATTERN IN IRELAND:
To crack ACCA exams it is essential to first have clarity regarding the ACCA exam pattern in Ireland. Below are the types of question patterns included in ACCA exams.
- The Applied knowledge level usually consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and subjective questions examining your theoretical knowledge regarding fundamental accounting principles.
- The ACCA Exam pattern of Applied Skills level on the other hand consists of Objective (Multiple choice questions) and subjective questions. Subjective questions of this level are scenario-based detailed answer questions, these questions require in-depth responses. To ace these exams students should have great critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to integrate theoretical academic knowledge with real practical problems and generate effective solutions.
- The ACCA exam pattern at the Strategic Professional level is quite complex and difficult to crack. Students need to be very careful with these exams and create an effective ACCA exam strategy. The exam usually consists of detailed case studies, professional reports, etc.
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ACCA EXAMS DURATION:
The ACCA Exam duration can vary from exam to exam depending on the level of the qualification, the Applied Knowledge exam’s duration is 2 hours for each exam. Applied skills exams offer a duration of 3 hours for each exam. Whereas, the mandatory exams of the Strategic professional level consist of a 3-hour duration for each exam. However, the duration offered for optional exams of the strategic professional level is 2.5 hours.

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EXAM MODE:
Along with different ACCA Exam Structure, patterns, there are also ACCA exam modes, these two modes are Computer-based exams (CBE) and Paper-based exams. Computer-based exams are taken at ACCA-approved centers. The exams included in CBE are generally taken from either Applied knowledge or Applied skills level.
Whereas, paper-based exams are especially taken for the Strategic Professional level. However, it is normally the most common mode of ACCA exams in Ireland, these exams are held at ACCA-approved centers.
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ACCA STUDY AND EXAM RESOURCES:
After understanding the ACCA exam pattern, the next step is to look for reliable ACCA study materials and exam resources. Nowadays, everything is available online and the fact that this qualification is globally well-acknowledged makes it easily accessible for the students of ACCA in Ireland. Students in Ireland can find numerous ACCA study materials, resources, and course providers online but it is important to look for a reliable resource. Therefore, students should always consider ACCA-approved resource providers only, an example of which is Mirchawala’s Hub of Accountancy.
Website: https://admissions.mirchawala.com/
These study materials and resources include textbooks, revision kits, practice papers, mock exams, and online learning platforms. By using all these resources while preparing yourself for ACCA exams you can easily crack these papers. Thorough practice from past papers and revision kits helps in familiarizing you with the ACCA exam pattern.
ACCA EXAM STRATEGY: AN OVERVIEW
To accelerate your academic journey and adopt a good ACCA exam strategy, the first and foremost important thing is your determination and consistency towards it. Staying consistent is the key to success. Students should start by creating a study plan, setting realistic goals, efficient time management, Utilizing reliable study material, understanding key concepts, and focusing on the exam technique.
Apart from all this, one more ACCA exam strategy that is quite effective in avoiding last-minute chaos is to stay calm and composed as panic can lead to losing control at the moment.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q1: When do ACCA exams take place in Ireland?
A: ACCA exams in Ireland take place quarterly every year, which means four times annually. These exam sessions are in March, June, September, and December.
Q2: What is the passing ratio for ACCA exams in Ireland?
A: To clear ACCA exams you should have at least 50% marks in each exam.