Navigating the path to becoming a Chartered Certified Accountant requires clarity about time commitments, exam structures, and practical experience requirements. In Nepal, where CCA College has established itself as the premier ACCA college with over 20 years of excellence, students can expect a structured 3-4 year journey on average. However, your personal timeline depends on several factors including prior qualifications, study intensity, and exam success rates.
What is the ACCA? (Quick Overview)
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a UK-based global professional accounting body offering the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification. Recognized in over 180 countries, ACCA prepares professionals for careers in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management. The qualification consists of 13 exams across three levels, plus an Ethics and Professional Skills Module and a 36-month Practical Experience Requirement (PER).
Estimated ACCA Duration Summary (Table Format)
| Your Background | Exams Required | Typical Duration | Fast-Track Potential |
| After +2/A-Level | 13 exams | 3-4 years | 2.5 years (with intensive study) |
| After Bachelor’s | 9-11 exams* | 2.5-3 years | 2 years (with exemptions) |
| After CA Intermediate | 7-9 exams* | 2-2.5 years | 1.5-2 years |
| Qualified CA | 4 exams (Strategic Professional) | 1-1.5 years | 1 year |
*Exemptions vary based on university and subjects studied
ACCA Course Duration Based on Educational Background in Nepal
ACCA Duration After +2 / A-Level / Grade 12
Starting ACCA immediately after completing Grade 12 is the most common path in Nepal. Students must appear for all 13 exams:
- Applied Knowledge (3 papers): 6-9 months
- Applied Skills (6 papers): 12-18 months
- Strategic Professional (4 papers): 12-18 months
Total Duration: 3-4 years
At CCA College, Nepali students benefit from a structured 9-month Applied Knowledge + LW program, followed by 15 months for Applied Skills and 12 months for Strategic Professional. With CCA’s industry-leading 82% pass rate in the September 2025 exams and dual faculty system, students can confidently complete within this timeline. The college’s three-month session system ensures focused learning and timely exam progression.
Pro Tip: CCA’s Learn360 LMS platform allows you to access recorded lectures and study materials 24/7, enabling faster preparation and revision.
ACCA Duration After Bachelor’s
Graduates from recognized universities receive valuable exemptions:
- B.Com/M.Com graduates: Typically exempt from Applied Knowledge (3 papers) and possibly 1-2 Applied Skills papers
- Business/Finance graduates: May receive up to 5 exemptions
Exams Remaining: 8-10 papers
Total Duration: 2.5-3 years
CCA College recognizes these exemptions and offers a 50% admission fee waiver for students from Bachelor’s, Master’s, ICAN, or ICAI backgrounds. This significantly reduces both cost and duration. The college’s credit transfer facility ensures seamless transition and personalized study plans.
CCA Course Duration After CA Intermediate
Students who have completed CA Intermediate receive substantial exemptions:
- Applied Knowledge: Fully exempt (3 papers)
- Applied Skills: Partially exempt (2-4 papers)
Exams Remaining: 6-8 papers
Total Duration: 2-2.5 years
CCA’s experienced faculty, including ACCA members and chartered accountants, provides targeted support for CA Intermediate students navigating the transition. The personalized mentoring ensures you focus only on the remaining strategic papers, optimizing your study timeline.
ACCA Course Duration After Qualified CA
Fully qualified CAs receive maximum exemptions, needing to complete only:
- Strategic Professional Level (4 papers): 2 Essentials + 2 Options
Total Duration: 1-1.5 years
This accelerated path is ideal for CAs seeking international recognition. CCA College, as Nepal’s first ACCA Approved Employer, provides seamless integration and recognizes your professional background with appropriate fee waivers and study support.
ACCA Membership Requirements
Becoming a full ACCA member requires more than passing exams. You must complete:
- 13 ACCA exams (or fewer with exemptions)
- Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)
- 36 months Practical Experience Requirement (PER) in a relevant finance/accounting role
The PER can be completed before, during, or after your exams. CCA College has established partnerships with 30+ placement partners including REANDA, SDR, Sterling, Delphi, and Dynamic audit firms, providing structured articleship opportunities. Students earn NPR 8,000-16,000 monthly during their 3-year articleship, totaling NPR 4,20,000.
Factors That Affect Your ACCA Duration
Several variables impact your personal timeline:
- Study Intensity: Full-time vs. part-time study
- Exam Windows: ACCA offers exams in March, June, September, and December
- Exam Attempts: First-time pass rates vs. retakes
- Work Commitments: Balancing studies with employment
- Exemptions: Prior educational qualifications
- PER Completion: When you start and complete your practical experience
CCA College mitigates these factors through:
- Digital mock tests replicating actual exam conditions
- Blended learning options combining online and classroom instruction
- Quarterly Scholarship Fund Exam providing financial support and motivation
- Dual faculty system ensuring comprehensive concept understanding
Tips To Complete ACCA Faster
- Enroll with a Platinum Approved Learning Partner: CCA’s Platinum status guarantees teaching quality that exceeds global pass rates.
- Utilize Digital Resources: Access CCA’s LMS for recorded lectures and self-paced study.
- Take Advantage of Exemptions: Get your qualifications evaluated early.
- Plan Exam Sittings Strategically: Sit for 2-3 papers per session maximum.
- Start PER Early: Begin documenting practical experience alongside studies.
- Join Study Groups: CCA’s collaborative environment enhances learning.
- Attend Regular Mock Tests: CCA’s digital mock tests prepare you for exam pressure.
Success Story: Abhay Thakur, a CCA student, achieved perfect 100/100 scores in three ACCA papers (FA, MA, TX), earning full scholarships for remaining papers and a NPR 20,000 cash prize. Such achievements are possible through CCA’s structured support system.
Why Study ACCA at CCA College?
Unparalleled Track Record:
- Nepal’s largest ACCA college with highest student enrollment
- Consistently highest pass rates year after year
- 82% pass rate in September 2025 ACCA exams (ranked #1 among ALPs)
- World and Nepal rank holders in every exam session
Elite Accreditation:
- ACCA Platinum Approved Learning Partner (highest global status)
- ISO 9001:2015 Certified for structured learning systems
- First ACCA Approved Employer in Nepal among colleges
- Licensed CBE Centre for convenient on-campus computer-based exams
World-Class Infrastructure:
- Modern classrooms, well-equipped computer labs, resourceful library
- Hostel facilities available
- Advanced digital learning through CCA LMS mobile app
Exceptional Faculty & Support:
- ACCA members, chartered accountants, and subject specialists
- Unique dual faculty system for comprehensive learning
- Personalized mentoring and career counseling
- Comprehensive career advisory services and placement support
Affordable Investment:
- Total investment: NPR 6,88,500 (tuition, exams, books)
- Net cost: Only NPR 2,68,500 after 3-year articleship earnings
- Scholarships up to 50% for high achievers
- Quarterly scholarship fund exam worth NPR 115,000
Comprehensive Career Development:
- 30+ placement partners including top audit firms and finance companies
- Paid articleship earning NPR 4,20,000 over 3 years
- Option to pursue BBS alongside ACCA for dual qualifications
Frequently Asked Questions about ACCA Course Duration
What’s the minimum possible time to complete ACCA in Nepal?
The fastest possible timeline is 2.5 years for students starting after +2 who pass all exams on first attempt and complete PER concurrently. However, the realistic minimum is 3 years. CCA’s structured 9+15+12 month program framework supports this accelerated timeline.
Can I work full-time while studying ACCA?
Yes, ACCA’s flexibility allows part-time study. Many CCA students work full-time while preparing for exams. The blended learning approach and LMS platform enable you to study anytime, anywhere. However, full-time work may extend your duration to 4-5 years.
Does ACCA expire if I take too long?
ACCA registration remains valid as long as you pay the annual subscription fee (£137/year). There’s no strict time limit to complete exams, but the syllabus evolves. CCA’s continuous curriculum updates ensure you stay aligned with current requirements.
How many hours per week should I study?
- Applied Knowledge: 50-60 hours per paper (4-5 weeks)
- Applied Skills: 70-80 hours per paper (6-8 weeks)
- Strategic Professional: 90-100 hours per paper (8-10 weeks)
This translates to 15-20 hours per week if preparing for 1-2 papers per session. CCA’s dual faculty system and assistant classes optimize this study time.
When should I start the PER process?
Start immediately after registering as an ACCA student. The 36-month requirement can be met through internships, part-time, or full-time work. CCA’s First Approved Employer status and 30+ placement partners facilitate early PER commencement.
Can I pause my ACCA studies?
Yes, you can pause by not sitting for exams in particular sessions. However, you must maintain active student status by paying annual subscriptions. CCA’s flexible session system allows you to rejoin without losing progress.
Conclusion
The ACCA course duration in Nepal realistically spans 3-4 years for most students, with timelines varying based on exemptions, study pace, and exam success. The key to completing ACCA efficiently lies in choosing the right learning partner, planning strategically, and leveraging available resources.
With CCA’s structured approach, students can confidently complete their ACCA journey within the optimal 3-4 year timeframe while gaining world-class preparation for global accounting careers. Your decision today shapes your professional tomorrow—choose wisely, choose CCA.
