ACCA Exam Dates: 2026 Schedule and Registration Guide

The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a globally recognized professional accounting qualification that equips finance and accounting professionals with technical knowledge, strategic insight, and leadership skills. One of the most important aspects for students preparing for ACCA is understanding the exam schedule, registration process, and planning effectively. With 2026 approaching, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of ACCA exam dates, registration procedures, and preparation tips to help you succeed.

Overview of ACCA Exams

ACCA exams are divided into three levels:

1. Applied Knowledge – Covers the fundamentals of business and accounting.

2. Applied Skills – Focuses on technical accounting, management, taxation, and audit.

3. Strategic Professional – Emphasizes strategic business leadership, advanced financial management, and ethics.

Each level is designed to progressively build professional competence, ensuring that ACCA-qualified individuals are ready for real-world accounting and finance challenges.

ACCA Exam Sessions in 2026

ACCA exams are conducted four times a year, providing students with multiple opportunities to attempt papers and plan their preparation. The 2026 schedule is as follows:

• March 2026 Session: Early March (Exact dates to be confirmed by ACCA)

• June 2026 Session: Early to mid-June

• September 2026 Session: Early to mid-September

• December 2026 Session: Early to mid-December

Tip: Always check the official ACCA website before registration, as dates may vary slightly depending on the exam center and paper type.

Registration Process for ACCA Exams

Registering for ACCA exams is a straightforward process but requires attention to deadlines:

1. Create an ACCA Account:
   Visit the ACCA global website and sign up as a student if you haven’t already.

2. Select Your Exam Papers:
   Choose the exams you wish to attempt in a particular session. Students can take multiple papers based on their preparation.

3. Pay Registration and Exam Fees:
   Exam fees vary by level:

   • Applied Knowledge: ~$90–$100 per paper

   • Applied Skills: ~$120–$150 per paper

   • Strategic Professional: ~$150–$200 per paper

4. Confirm Exam Venue and Mode:
   ACCA offers computer-based exams (CBEs) for many papers, while strategic professional exams are usually paper-based at authorized centers.

5. Meet Deadlines:
   Each session has an early registration deadline and a final registration deadline. Registering early often reduces costs and secures preferred exam slots.

Key Dates for ACCA Registration in 2026 (Tentative)

Note: These are indicative dates. Always confirm with ACCA’s official portal for exact dates per paper and center.

Tips for Planning Your ACCA 2026 Exam Schedule

1. Plan According to Your Strengths:
   Attempt difficult papers in sessions when you have more preparation time.

2. Avoid Overloading:
   Taking 4–5 papers in one session can reduce performance. Start with 1–3 papers.

3. Consider Exemptions:
   If you have prior qualifications like B.Com, CA, or CMA, check ACCA exemptions to avoid unnecessary exams.

4. Practice Past Papers:
   Regularly solve ACCA past questions to understand exam patterns and time management.

5. Schedule Revision Periods:
   Allow at least 4–6 weeks for revision per paper before your exam date.

ACCA Exam Modes in 2026

• Computer-Based Exams (CBEs):
  Applied Knowledge and some Applied Skills papers are conducted online. CBEs provide flexibility and faster results.

• Paper-Based Exams:
  Strategic Professional and some Applied Skills papers are paper-based, conducted at authorized ACCA centers globally.

Benefits of Planning Early for ACCA 2026 Exams

1. Better Time Management: Early planning ensures you allocate sufficient time for study and revision.

2. Cost Efficiency: Early registration can save you exam fees.

3. Preferred Exam Slots: Popular centers may fill quickly; early registration secures your preferred location.

4. Reduced Stress: Knowing the schedule in advance helps in maintaining a consistent study routine.

Conclusion

The ACCA exams are a stepping stone to a globally recognized accounting and finance career. With 2026 approaching, understanding the exam schedule, registration process, and preparation strategy is crucial for success. By planning early, choosing the right papers, leveraging exemptions, and practicing past exams, students can maximize their performance and complete the ACCA qualification efficiently.

The ACCA qualification opens doors to international career opportunities, senior finance roles, and leadership positions, making it one of the most valuable investments for aspiring accounting professionals.

Whether you are a student starting your ACCA journey or a working professional aiming to complete the qualification, keeping track of ACCA exam dates 2026 and registering on time is the first step toward a globally recognized career in finance and accounting.