ACCA Exam Schedule 2026

ACCA Exam Schedule 2026

The ACCA exam schedule 2026 outlines the specific dates for the four main exam sittings: March, June, September, and December. It includes deadlines for standard and late entry, and the dates when results will be released for all Computer-Based Exams (CBE) at the Applied Skills and Strategic Professional levels.

Why this actually matters

For a full-time professional, knowing the 2026 exam dates isn't just about booking the exam. It's about booking annual leave, planning project deadlines, and creating a realistic study plan without sacrificing your sanity or career progression. It provides the certainty you need to manage your limited time effectively.

Structured breakdown

While the specific day-by-day schedule for 2026 is released by ACCA closer to the time, the structure is predictable. You can use this reliable pattern to plan your year with confidence. Always confirm final dates on the official ACCA Global website.

• March 2026 Sitting: The first session of the year. Exams will take place during a single week in early March. The standard entry deadline is typically at the end of January, with the late entry deadline in early February. Results are released in mid-April.
• June 2026 Sitting: The second session, ideal if you need a bit more preparation time after the new year. Exams will occur in a single week in early June. The standard entry deadline falls at the end of April, with the late entry deadline in early May. Results come out in mid-July.
• September 2026 Sitting: The third session, perfect for those who use the summer months to study. Exams are held in a single week in early September. The standard entry deadline is usually at the end of July, and the late entry deadline is in early August. Results are released in mid-October.
• December 2026 Sitting: The final session of the year. Exams take place in a single week in early December. The standard entry deadline is at the end of October, with the late entry deadline in early November. Results are released in mid-January of the following year (2027).
• Key Deadlines: There are two critical deadlines for each sitting: the standard entry deadline, which has the lower fee, and the late entry deadline, which has a higher fee. Missing the late entry deadline means you cannot sit for that session.
• Exam Levels Covered: This quarterly schedule applies to all Applied Skills and Strategic Professional exams. Applied Knowledge (BT, MA, FA) and an increasing number of Applied Skills exams are available as on-demand Computer-Based Exams (CBEs), which you can book at any time.
• Results Release: Results for each sitting are always released on a specific, pre-announced date, approximately six weeks after the exam week. This date is critical for planning a potential retake in the next session.

If you're working full-time

Juggling a demanding job and ACCA study requires strategic planning, not just hard work. The exam schedule is your primary planning tool.

• Work Backwards From The Exam Date: Once you choose your target sitting (e.g., September 2026), immediately block out the entire exam week in your work calendar. Book your annual leave or necessary time off now, not later. This prevents future clashes and reduces stress.
• Align with Your Work's Rhythm: Look at your professional calendar. Is March your company's year-end? Is Q4 packed with client deadlines? Choose a sitting that avoids your peak work seasons. A June or September exam might be more manageable than a December one if you work in audit.
• Choose One Paper: The four-session-per-year structure is designed for sustainable progress. For most people working full-time, sitting one paper per session is the most realistic and effective strategy. It allows you to focus, learn the material deeply, and avoid burnout.
• Schedule Your Study Blocks: With the exam date fixed, you can now schedule your study time. A 90-minute session on a Tuesday evening and a 4-hour block on a Saturday morning feels more manageable when you know exactly what date you're working towards. Protect this time in your calendar.
• Plan for Contingencies: The schedule allows for a quick turnaround. If you are unsuccessful in the March sitting, you can use the feedback and resit in June. Knowing these dates in advance helps you mentally prepare for this possibility without it feeling like a major setback.

Common mistakes

Being aware of common scheduling errors can save you time, money, and significant stress. Avoid these mistakes when planning your 2026 exams.

• Missing the standard entry deadline: This is the most common mistake. It results in paying a higher late entry fee, which is an unnecessary financial burden, especially for self-funded students.
• Forgetting to book time off work: Many candidates assume they can get time off closer to the exam date, only to be denied due to project deadlines or colleagues' leave. Book it as soon as you book your exam.
• Overly optimistic planning: Booking two papers in a session while working 50+ hours a week during a busy season is a recipe for burnout and a likely fail. Be brutally realistic about the time you have.
• Ignoring work/life conflicts: Failing to account for planned holidays, weddings, or predictable busy periods at work when choosing your exam session.
• Not checking the local exam centre schedule: While ACCA sets the week, the exact day and time for your specific paper depends on your local centre. Check this carefully when booking.
• Forgetting about the results date: The results date is not just for the result. It marks the start of the period where you need to decide whether to re-book the same paper or move on to the next one for the following sitting.
• Assuming dates are identical each year: While the pattern (e.g., "early March") is consistent, the exact dates shift. Never rely on the previous year's schedule for the current year.

How examiners think

Examiners are not trying to trick you; they are testing your competence as a future professional. This includes your ability to plan and prepare effectively. Using the exam schedule intelligently is part of demonstrating that competence.

• They want to see deep, applied knowledge: A candidate who has crammed for two weeks because they planned poorly will have superficial knowledge. A candidate who used the 12 weeks between sittings to study consistently will be able to apply concepts better. The schedule gives you the timeline to achieve this depth.
• They value structured, managed preparation: The exam structure, with four sittings, is a clear signal that ACCA prefers you to make steady, manageable progress. They would rather see you pass one paper with a 65 than attempt two and fail both.
• Consistency beats intensity: Examiners can spot answers from a burnt-out candidate. These are often unstructured, miss easy marks, and show poor time management in the exam. Your preparation timeline, dictated by the schedule, should be designed to avoid this.
• Planning for retakes is professional: Failing an exam is not a moral failing; it is a data point. The schedule is designed to let you analyse your results, refocus your efforts, and attempt the exam again in the next sitting. This mirrors a professional environment where you learn from setbacks and iterate.
• Time management starts at booking, not in the exam hall: An examiner assumes you have managed your time effectively to cover the syllabus. This process begins months before you enter the exam room, by selecting the right session and creating a realistic study plan based on the official schedule.

FAQ

Calm summary

Translating the exam schedule into a concrete plan is the first step to passing. Here are four things you can do this week to take control of your 2026 ACCA journey.

1. Find the Official Source: Go to the ACCA Global website and bookmark the page for exam dates. This is your single source of truth. Do not rely on third-party sites.
2. Block Your Calendar: Open your 2026 digital or physical calendar now. Mark the entire exam week for the one or two sittings you are realistically targeting. For example, block out 1-7 September 2026.
3. Book Your Leave: Send the email or submit the request to book your annual leave for those exam weeks. Getting this approved early provides immense peace of mind.
4. Decide on One Paper: Make a firm decision on which single paper you will sit for in your first chosen session. This act of commitment clarifies your focus and makes your study plan tangible.