- What are the minimum entry routes to ACCA?
- How do I qualify as an ACCA accountant?
- Where can I work?
- Can I work/study overseas?
- What are the differences between ACCA and other Accounting Bodies i.e. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA) and Certified Public Accountants (CPA)?
- Do I need to be in relevant employment to start studying for ACCA exams?
- What are the costs involved in studying for the exams?
- Can I choose who to study with?
- Are there any important dates I need to be aware of?
1. What are the minimum entry routes to ACCA?
- Irish Leaving Certificate in 5 subjects with 3Cs at 3 higher level papers, and a pass in English and a pass in Maths
- Higher Certificate, Ordinary Degree or Honours Degree
- If you do not have any of the above qualifications you can register on the Foundations in Accounting qualification
2. How do I qualify as an ACCA accountant?
To qualify as an ACCA member you need to pass a total of 14 exams (excluding some exams that you may be exempt from), complete at least 3 years' relevant work experience in an accounts related role in a finance or accounting function and complete an online ethics module.
3. Where can I work?
You can work in any company, anywhere in the world, as long as the work that you are doing is relevant. ACCA can provide you with a list of ACCA Accredited Employers who have been approved by ACCA to provide the relevant employment.
4. Can I work/study overseas?
Yes, ACCA has students and members in over 170 countries worldwide. Our exams are held in English wherever you choose to sit the exams. You can start your study in one country and complete the qualification in any of our 170 countries.
5.What are the differences between ACCA and other Accounting Bodies i.e. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA) and Certified Public Accountants (CPA)?
All professional accountancy bodies require you to register as a student in order to complete exams. The differences between the professional accountancy bodies would relate to exam structure, timeframe given to complete the exams, necessity to sign a training contract. Some employers may have a preference for one particular qualification but most employers will allow you to select the professional body that you wish to study with.
6. Do I need to be in relevant employment to start studying for ACCA exams?
Although ACCA would recommend that you study for the exams at the same time as completing the work experience there is no requirement to be in relevant employment when you register as a student with ACCA. You could complete some of the exams and then look for employment in a relevant area. Work experience can be gained before, after or while you are studying with ACCA.
7. What are the costs involved in studying for the exams?
ACCA is a global accountancy body with our global headquarters in the UK, as such all fees are payable in Sterling. View the list of current fees 
In addition, if you decide to study with a tuition provider will be required to pay tuition fees. You will need to contact the tuition provider directly regarding their fees but an average cost is €700 - €800 per subject.
8. Can I choose who to study with?
Yes, but to guarantee a quality learning experience, ACCA strongly recommends that you choose to study with one of our Approved Learning Partners. ACCA's Approved Learning Partners are tuition providers who have demonstrated that they can meet a range of challenging performance targets set by ACCA. Gold and Platinum approvals are granted only to high-quality tuition providers whom ACCA is confident to recommend to you.
Current ACCA Platinum Approved Learning Partners in Ireland are:
BPP Dublin, BPP Limerick, Dublin Business School, Griffith College Dublin, Griffith College Cork and Independent Colleges
9. Are there any important dates I need to be aware of?
Yes, in order to sit exams with ACCA, students must register with ACCA first. Exam closing dates for the June 2012 exams are 8 March (early fees apply), 8 April (standard fees apply) and 8 May (late fees apply). To enter for exams before any of these dates your application to register must be received by our head office in Glasgow 15 days prior to these dates. For further information please contact:
ACCA Ireland Student Team
9 Leeson Park, Dublin 6
T: +353 1 4988900
F: +353 1 4963615
E: info@ie.accaglobal.com
