ACCA Exam Schedule: How to Check Dates, Deadlines & Fees

ACCA Exam Schedule: How to Check Dates, Deadlines & Fees

The ACCA exam schedule is the official timetable published by ACCA, detailing the specific dates for each exam session, the deadlines for exam entry, and the associated fees. It's the definitive source for planning your ACCA journey, covering all four exam sessions held annually in March, June, September, and December.

Why this actually matters

You're already managing a full-time job and a demanding study schedule; the last thing you need is uncertainty about exam dates and deadlines. Knowing exactly where to find and how to interpret the official ACCA schedule removes the risk of missing a deadline, helping you focus your limited time on what actually matters: studying the right things.

Structured breakdown

Here's the process for finding and using the ACCA exam schedule to plan your studies effectively.

• Navigate to the Official ACCA Global Website: This is the only source you should trust. Start at the main accaglobal.com homepage.
• Find the 'Students' Section: Look for the main navigation menu and click on the 'Students' area.
• Go to 'Exam entry and administration': Within the student section, find the part of the site dedicated to exam logistics.
• Locate 'Exam dates and deadlines': This page contains the definitive schedule. Bookmark it for future reference.
• Select Your Country: Exam fees are displayed in local currency (where applicable) and exam times are specific to your time zone, so always select your location for accurate information.
• Identify Key Dates: Note the standard entry deadline and the late entry deadline. Late entry costs significantly more and adds unnecessary stress.
• Check Exam Fees: Review the fees for your specific exam and level. Fees can vary between Applied Skills and Strategic Professional papers, and also by location.
• Plan Your Study Timeline: Work backwards from the exam date to create a realistic study plan, allocating enough time for each syllabus area and for revision.

If you're working full-time

Juggling a full-time role means your time is your most valuable asset. Check the exam schedule at the start of your study period, not halfway through. Book your exam by the standard entry deadline. This creates a hard, immovable target and prevents the false economy of delaying. Once booked, calculate your available study hours. If you have 90 days until the exam and can realistically study for 1.5 hours on weekdays and 4 hours on weekends, that's approximately 135 hours. Structure your plan around this number, not an idealised one. This avoids burnout and ensures your effort is sustainable.

Common mistakes

Being aware of common errors helps you avoid them. Many candidates stumble on logistics, not the content itself.

• Relying on Unofficial Sources: Using forums, social media, or outdated blogs for dates can lead to disaster. Always use the official ACCA website.
• Missing the Standard Entry Deadline: This is the most common and costly mistake. It forces you to pay a higher late entry fee or, worse, miss the session entirely.
• Forgetting About Time Zone Differences: When booking, ensure the exam time displayed aligns with your local time zone.
• Not Factoring in Fee Changes: ACCA fees are reviewed periodically. What you paid last year might not be the same this year.
• Booking Too Many Papers: Be realistic about what you can manage alongside work. Booking four papers and failing three is less efficient than booking two and passing both.
• Ignoring Administrative Emails: ACCA sends important reminders and confirmations. Set up a folder in your email client to ensure they are never missed.
• Assuming Dates are the Same Every Year: While the sessions (Mar, Jun, Sep, Dec) are consistent, the exact dates and deadlines change. Check for every single session.

How examiners think

Examiners are not trying to trick you with the schedule, but they expect professionalism. Meeting deadlines is a basic professional competency. They set the exam entry deadlines to manage global logistics for hundreds of thousands of candidates. Missing a deadline signals to the system (and to yourself) that you are not on top of your planning. The best candidates operate with certainty. They book their exam, commit to the date, and build their entire study process around that fixed point. This removes doubt and allows them to focus 100% on mastering the syllabus and exam technique.

FAQ

Calm summary

This week, your only task is to get clarity. Go to the official ACCA Global website. Find the 'Exam dates and deadlines' page and bookmark it. Identify the next exam session you are realistically targeting. Note the standard entry deadline in your calendar with a one-week reminder. Check the fee. That's it. This single action provides the certainty you need to build a focused, realistic study plan without the stress of last-minute panic.