BACKGROUND:
The ACCA qualification is one of the most prestigious and globally acknowledged qualifications in accounting; it opens a gateway to a promising career in the accounting and finance sector. However, the qualification has numerous career benefits but students are still anxious while choosing ACCA because of its competitive nature, complex syllabus, and difficulty level of ACCA exams.
This qualification consists of a series of 13 exams; these exams are divided into three categories, namely applied knowledge level, applied skills level, and strategic professional level. Amongst all these levels, the most complex and advanced level of ACCA qualification is the Strategic Professional level. Several factors could contribute to the complexity of ACCA exams, including study patterns, prior knowledge, concentration, learning techniques, etc. To know more about the difficult ACCA exams and effective solutions to them, read the blog ahead.
STRUCTURE OF ACCA EXAMS:
Applied Knowledge level:
This is the introductory level of ACCA qualification; this level builds the foundational knowledge regarding accounting and financial principles and business practices in students. The applied knowledge level consists of three exams (Business and Technology, Financial Accounting, and Management Accounting).
Applied Skills level:
This level is a step ahead of the previous level; it ensures the application of the theory learned in the previous level in real-life scenarios. This practice gives students a deeper knowledge about implementing theory in practical life, equipping them with skills to accelerate their professional journey. This level consists of six exams, namely, corporate and business law, performance management, financial management, audit and assurance, financial reporting, and taxation.
Strategic Professional level:
This level is the most advanced level of ACCA qualification, hence considered the most challenging level, requiring critical thinking and decision-making skills. There are four exams included in this level, two of which are optional.
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PERCEIVED DIFFICULTY OF ACCA EXAMS:
There are various factors influencing the difficulty level of ACCA exams, some of which are discussed below:
Subject Matter:
The difficulty of ACCA exams largely depends on the complexity of the subject; some subjects are easier than others and vice versa. For example, financial reporting, taxation, audit, and assurance are the subjects considered difficult because of their depth of knowledge and incorporation of practical skills. While management accounting and business technology are considered a bit easier and more approachable.
Prior knowledge and experience:
Another huge factor that plays a prominent role in influencing the difficulty of ACCA exams is the candidate’s prior knowledge. If a candidate has an educational background or work experience in the accounting or finance sector they might not struggle with some of the subjects of ACCA. Having a good fundamental understanding of accounting can help them deal with the complexity of ACCA exams. Whereas, students who do not have any prior knowledge or experience in the relative field might face issues and complexity.
Time commitment and study strategy:
Students usually overlook ACCA exams, which contributes to their exam failures. To succeed in difficult exams, ACCA students need to stay consistent, devote a good amount of time to their studies, and follow a structured study plan. Brushing off exam preparation can result in last-minute chaos, poor preparation, and eventually failure. Hence, students are advised to do active revision, contribute more time to the subjects they find difficult, utilize reliable study resources, stay consistent with their studies, and not give up.
Personal Strengths and Interests:
The difficulty level of ACCA exams may differ from person to person depending on an individual’s interest and strength in the specific area. If a student is interested in a specific area of study, they tend to find it easier and more interesting despite the complexity of the syllabus. For example, if a student is attracted to the areas of taxation and auditing, they might find them easier as compared to the other exams. Hence, no one can determine if a subject is difficult, as some might find that subject easier depending on their interest level.
COMMONLY CHALLENGING ACCA EXAMS:
However, the difficulty of the subject may differ from student to student, but it is observed that some subjects are commonly challenging for many students and require extra hard work as well as dedication. These subjects include financial reporting, taxation, audit and assurance, strategic business leadership, etc. 
HOW TO OVERCOME THE DIFFICULTY OF ACCA EXAMS:
Create a structured study plan allocating time to every subject depending on the complexity of the course, your strengths, and weaknesses, etc.
Stay consistent with your studies, practice daily to gain confidence, and be fluent in the area of study. Solve past papers, take mock exams, etc., daily.
Rather than memorizing the answers, try to understand the key concepts. This is essential for ACCA qualification, as this qualification also focuses on practical skills and real-life scenarios as well in Zimbabwe and globally.
If you feel like you are struggling in a subject, do not hesitate to ask for help from professionals; don’t panic or take stress, as it will lead to nothing but less productivity.
CONCLUSION:
ACCA exams are considered competitive and complex amongst other accounting qualifications, but with the right strategy, consistency, determination, and motive, one can easily ace the exams of ACCA. No one can determine a subject’s difficulty, as it can vary from student to student. While some students might find financial reporting a difficult course, others might contradict this statement; the level of difficulty of ACCA exams depends on an individual’s interest and hard work in the area of study. Nevertheless, a structured study plan, the practice of past papers, and consistency can make every complex course an easy one.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q1: Are all ACCA exams equally difficult?
Answer: No, The difficulty level of each exam may vary amongst students depending on their interest and hard work. However, some courses are commonly found difficult or complex amongst ACCA aspirants. Typically, these courses are from the Strategic Professional level of the qualification.
Q2: Which ACCA exams are considered the most difficult?
Answer: ACCA exams, which demand a strong understanding and implementation of theory into practical scenarios, are considered difficult, such as financial reporting, taxation, audit and assurance, strategic business leadership, etc.
