ACCA Exemptions
Hi all,
I’m moving from practice (general practice/audit) into an in-house tax role and planning to start CTA next year. I’m currently doing ACCA and have completed 11 out of 13 exams.
From what I understand, with the ACCA changes coming in mid-2027, only one optional exam will be needed instead of two. So technically, once I pass SBL, I could just wait until the transition happens and become qualified without needing to sit another optional.
I’ve already done ATX, so I believe I'd be eligible for two CTA exemptions once I’m ACCA qualified.
My question is, can I register for CTA and sit the papers not covered by the exemptions first, then apply for the exemptions later once the ACCA changes kick in and I qualify? Also, is there any time limit for claiming exemptions after registering as a CTA student?
The reason I’m asking is because I’m sitting an optional in June 2026 and SBL in september 2026. If I dont pass the optional, I’m thinking it might make more sense financially to just wait until after SBL and qualify through the ACCA transition changes instead.
My new company isn’t funding ACCA, and with syllabus changes every September, the materials I already have could end up outdated. Also i don’t really want to pay again for another optional exam if I can avoid it, especially since I’ll already be paying for SBL tuition myself.
Would appreciate any advice if anyone’s been in a similar position. 😃