Introduction: Make Registration the Easiest Part of ACCA
ACCA Exam Registration
If you’re ready to start ACCA, the first major milestone is registration—creating your ACCA account, submitting documents, claiming exemptions (if any), and booking your first exam. Sounds simple, but students often trip on small details like ID verification, uploading the wrong documents, or missing the standard entry window.
This guide walks you through the ACCA registration process for candidates in India and the UAE, including timelines, fees (at a high level), must-have documents, and pro tips to avoid last-minute stress.
ACCA Registration vs Exam Entry: Know the Difference
ACCA Registration (Student Registration)
One-time process to become an ACCA student and receive your myACCA ID. You’ll also pay your initial registration fee and upload identity/education documents.
Exam Entry (Booking Exams)
Once you’re registered, you can use your myACCA portal to book specific exam sessions (on-demand CBEs for Applied Knowledge; quarterly session CBEs for Applied Skills & Strategic Professional).
You must register as a student first before booking any exams.
Step-by-Step: ACCA Registration (India & UAE)
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
- Minimum: Completed 10+2 (for direct entry) or relevant foundation route.
- Graduates (BCom, BBA, BA Eco, etc.) can proceed directly and may claim exemptions.
- CAs/MBA Finance may be eligible for multiple exemptions (varies by curriculum).
- Tip: If you’re unsure, talk to a mentor first to avoid paying for the wrong exemptions.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents (Scanned, Clear)
- Valid ID (Passport preferred—especially for UAE candidates; Indian candidates can use Passport/Aadhaar).
- Recent passport-style photo (clear background).
- Academic transcripts/certificates (10+2, degree mark sheets; provisional degree is usually acceptable if recent).
- Name consistency: Ensure your name matches across ID and certificates.
Step 3: Create Your myACCA Account
- Go to the ACCA Global website and choose “Apply now.”
- Fill in personal details, address, and contact information.
- Verify your email and set up myACCA login.
- Pro Tip (Stride): Use a primary email you’ll keep for years; all ACCA communications, exam confirmations, and fee invoices arrive there.
Step 4: Claim Exemptions (If Applicable)
- Use ACCA’s Exemptions Calculator to preview exemptions.
- Upload the required academic proofs (degree/transcripts) during the application.
- Pay the exemption fees when prompted (each exemption typically carries a fee similar to the paper entry fee).
- Stride tip: Even if you get exemptions, consider light revision of exempted papers (FR/MA/FA basics) to avoid a knowledge gap later.
Step 5: Pay Registration & Subscription
- You’ll pay the initial registration fee and set up your annual subscription (ACCA’s yearly membership fee).
- Keep your receipt PDFs—useful for reimbursement or company sponsorship.
Step 6: Wait for ACCA Approval & Student ID
- Approval is usually quick if documents are clear.
- You’ll receive your ACCA student number; now you can log in to myACCA and plan exam entries.
Booking Exams: India & UAE
Once registered, use myACCA to book exams:
Exam Types & Windows
- Applied Knowledge (BT, MA, FA): On-demand CBEs (Computer-Based Exams) available year-round at approved CBE centers.
- Applied Skills (LW, PM, TX, FR, AA, FM) and Strategic Professional (SBL, SBR, AFM/APM/ATX/AAA): Session CBEs in March, June, September, December.
You’ll see Standard Entry and Late Entry deadlines for each session in your myACCA portal. Always aim for Standard Entry to avoid higher fees and center unavailability.
Where to Sit Your Exams
India (popular cities): Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Kochi, etc.
UAE: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah (availability can vary by session).
Use ACCA’s “Find an exam centre” tool in your portal to confirm availability and seats.
Remote Session CBEs (Where Available)
Some session CBEs support remote invigilation. You’ll need:
- Stable internet (wired preferred),
- Quiet, well-lit room,
- ID verification via webcam,
- System check well before exam day.
ACCA Exam Dates (UAE Focus) & Planning
ACCA publishes dates a year in advance for March/June/September/December sessions. For UAE candidates, plan around public holidays and Ramadan if relevant.
Planning tips:
- Pick papers in a logical sequence (e.g., FR → SBR; AA → AAA; PM → APM).
- Avoid booking 3–4 skills/professional papers together unless you have full-time study bandwidth.
- Use ACCA’s Exam Planner inside myACCA to visualize entries and deadlines.
Fees: What to Expect (High-Level)
Fees vary by paper and exam window (Standard vs Late), plus exemption fees and annual subscriptions. Because amounts change periodically, always check your myACCA portal for the latest figures before you pay.
Typical buckets:
- Registration fee (one-time)
- Annual subscription (recurring)
- Exemption fees (per exempt paper)
- Exam entry fees (vary by level & window)
Pro Tip (Stride): Book during Standard Entry and watch for early-bird planning to save cost and secure your preferred center.
Common Registration & Booking Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Name/ID mismatch
Ensure exact name match. Even a hyphen or spelling variation can cause issues on exam day. - Wrong photo format
Follow the passport-style photo guidelines: clear background, full face visible, correct file size. - Missing transcripts
Upload complete mark sheets (all semesters/years) when claiming exemptions. - Late booking
Centers in major cities (Dubai, Chennai, Mumbai) can fill up quickly near deadlines. - Over-scheduling
Don’t book more papers than you can realistically prepare for—quality beats quantity. - Forgetting annual subscription
Keep your ACCA membership active; lapses can block exam entries.
Special Notes for UAE Candidates
- Passport is the safest ID for registration and exam entry.
- Keep an eye on corporate tax/indirect tax syllabus changes if you’re selecting tax variants or planning ATX later.
- If you work full-time, choose evening/weekend prep and consider remote session CBEs (if available) to avoid commute stress.
How Stride Edutech Helps (India & UAE)
Stride Edutech supports you end-to-end:
- Registration assistance: myACCA setup, document checks, exemption guidance.
- Exam planning: Paper sequence, study roadmap, Standard vs Late entry strategy.
- Coaching: Live + recorded classes, mock exams, and performance tracking.
- Local relevance: Time-zone friendly schedules for the Gulf, placement support, and mentoring.
Need help right now? We’ll walk you through registration in a single 20-minute call.
FAQs
Q1. How long does ACCA registration approval take?
Usually a few working days if documents are clear. During peak times, allow extra time.
Q2. Can I claim exemptions after registering?
Yes, but it’s smoother (and cheaper) to submit all documents during registration.
Q3. Do I need a passport to register from India?
Passport is preferred; other national IDs may work for India, but passport is essential for UAE candidates and for travel/cross-border recognition.
Q4. Can I reschedule exams?
Rescheduling policies depend on timing and window. Check the reschedule option in myACCA and note any fees.
Q5. Are remote exams available for all papers?
No. Availability varies by exam and region. Always confirm inside myACCA.
Conclusion
Registering for ACCA is straightforward when you know the steps—create myACCA, upload the right documents, claim exemptions, and book exams early. For India and the UAE, the process is the same, but planning around center availability and session dates is crucial.
If you want done-for-you simplicity, Stride Edutech can take care of registration support and build your exam plan, so you focus on studying—not paperwork.
📞 Ready to register for ACCA the right way—without missing deadlines?
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Stride Edutech has guided 2,000+ students across India & the Gulf to exam success and global careers.