education recognition status

8/15/2019 Education Recognition Status

1/15

ACCA Education Recognition Status

AN OVERVIEW OF STATUTORY AND OFFICIAL EDUCATIONRECOGNITION HELD BY ACCA AND ACCA’S QUALIFICATIONS.


2/15

2 EDUCATION RECOGNITION STATUS September 2014

Contents

INTRODUCTION 3 What is ‘education recognition’? 3 What are the benefits of ‘education recognition’? 3 How to use this document 3 About ‘education recognition’ information 3

ABOUT ACCA 4 ACCA governance 4 ACCA administrative details 4

OUR QUALIFICATIONS 5 ACCA Qualification 5 Foundation-level qualifications 5 ACCA qualifications structure 5

ACCA qualifications learning hours 6

ACCA REGULATORY STATUS 7

ACCA EDUCATION STATUS 9 UK education recognition 9 International education recognition 10 ACCA qualifications’ framework recognition 11 Mapping of ACCA qualifications’ intellectual levels 11

with education framework levels

APPENDICESAppendix 1 UK qualification equivalence 12

Appendix 2 Foundation-level qualifications’ recognition on the QCF 13 Appendix 3 ACCA Qualification recognition on the SCQF 14

If you have a query on any aspect of the information

contained here, please contact our global

customer contact centre, ACCA Connect

+44 (0)141 582 2000 [email protected]

http://www.accaglobal.com/en/redirect-pages/acca-connect.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/redirect-pages/acca-connect.html


3/15

September 2014 EDUCATION RECOGNITION STATUS 3

Introduction

WHAT IS ‘EDUCATION RECOGNITION’?Education recognition refers to the official recognitionof ACCA as an awarding body and ACCA’s delivery andprovision of qualifications at a defined standard or level byeducational and/or regulatory authorities.

To ensure ACCA’s qualifications provide maximum benefit andvalue to our members, ACCA seeks to attain and maintainrecognition of ACCA and our qualifications. Recognition canbe sought from regulators in both the relevant regulatedprofessions and education environment.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ‘EDUCATIONRECOGNITION’?

• Quality assurance ACCA’s recognised qualifications provide the assurance of

independent oversight of the quality of our qualifications,and in some instances nationally recognised benchmarkingof the qualifications’ levels.

• Employer recognition Employers can be confident in our members’ level of

ability, ensuring that they have the expertise they need.Members have access to job opportunities that arebefitting the ACCA designation.

• A portable qualication

Having a qualification which is recognised by keyregulatory and education authorities around the worldprovides a greater choice of locations for our members towork where all the benefits of the ACCA designation canbe realised. Through Mutual Recognition Agreements with other professional bodies, ACCA members can alsobenefit from the professional mobility that comes through

joint membership of both bodies.

• Funding opportunities Recognition of ACCA’s qualifications with some

governmental agencies may assist with access to publicfunding towards tuition.

• Academic credit ACCA qualifications can be used to gain access to,

and exemptions from, a number of other academicqualifications. Students who go on to study the OxfordBrookes University bachelor degree can also benefit bygaining a recognised UK undergraduate degree.

HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT

The information provided here details the recognition givento ACCA and our qualifications in both educational andregulatory environments.

We have also provided a general introduction to ACCAand the qualifications that we award. The information canbe used to inform employers, evaluation services andeducational institutions of the current endorsement by thirdparty regulators as a means to demonstrate the standard andquality of our qualifications.

ABOUT ‘EDUCATION RECOGNITION’ INFORMATIONThe global education recognition environment is constantly

evolving with developments in regulation continuallyimpacting how qualifications are recognised. Informationprovided here is correct at September 2014 and wherepossible, links to external websites have been provided ingold text to verify the information. This document is subjectto continual review with the most up to date version availableonline.

http://www.accaglobal.com/en/member/membership-benefit/mutual-memberships.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/member/membership-benefit/mutual-memberships.html


4/15


About ACCA

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)is a global professional accountancy body, and non-profitmaking organisation, with 170,000 members and 436,000students worldwide, as at September 2014.

ACCA offers first choice qualifications to people of application,ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewardingcareer in accountancy, finance and management. ACCA worksto achieve and promote the highest professional, ethical andgovernance standards and advance the public interest.

ACCA delivers qualifications in partnership with manyorganisations. ACCA operates joint examination schemesin 16 countries and works closely with over 200 Approved

Learning Partners and over 8,500 Approved Employers ofaccountants and finance professionals. ACCA delivers servicesto students and members through a network of over 91 officesand other centres, aiming to support them throughout theircareers.

ACCA uses its expertise and experience to assistgovernments, donor agencies and professional bodies todevelop the profession. ACCA aims to achieve and promotethe highest professional, ethical and governance standardsand advance the public interest.

ACCA’s reputation is grounded in over 100 years of providing

accounting and financial qualifications. Our long traditionsare complemented by modern thinking, backed by apredominantly young, dynamic membership.

ACCA’s core qualifications are:

• ACCA Qualication – a professional qualification enablingmembers to reach the highest level in accountancy

• Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business – Ifyou decide to complete the ACCA Qualification, youwill be awarded the Advanced Diploma in Accountingand Business on your way to completing the ACCAQualification.

•

Diploma in Accounting and Business – the Diploma issuitable for those aspiring to work or already working in thefollowing types of roles:

basic bookkeeping, trainee accountant in a commercialorganisation or accounting practice, accounts clerk inpublic sector.

• Intermediate Certicate in Financial and Management Accounting – this certificate is suitable for those aspiringto work or already working in a bookkeeping or cost clerkrole in an SME or a range of accounting administrationroles within an accounting department of a largerorganisation or financial shared service centre.

•

Introductory Certicate in Financial and Management Accounting – this certificate is suitable for those aspiringto work or already working in a junior accounts clerk/

junior bookkeeper role in an SME or in a range of junioraccounting administration roles within an accountingdepartment of a larger organisation or financial sharedservice centre.

Additionally Oxford Brookes University (OBU) in partnershipwith ACCA offers a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting centred on the needs of employers for practical, professionalaccounting, and an MBA which is designed to broaden businessunderstanding and enhance strategic decision making.

In keeping with ACCA’s commitment to lifelong learning, it haslaunched a range of further qualications and a leading edgecontinuing professional development (CPD) scheme. Theseprogrammes are designed to suit the needs of accountants,finance-professionals and non-finance professionals withfinancial responsibility, at all stages of their careers. ACCA GOVERNANCEACCA Council is the elected governing body of ACCA and isresponsible for determining ACCA’s strategic policy objectivesand monitoring organisational performance in relation tothe organisational budget. The Council is elected by itsmembers on a one member, one vote basis. The Councilacts as a trustee for the membership; as such, it is ultimately

responsible for ACCA affairs and is accountable to themembers. Its responsibilities to the UK Privy Council, underthe Royal Charter granted by Her Majesty the Queen, andunder statute, require it to act in the public interest. Councilhas the key role in ACCA’s affairs and Council members have aresponsibility to act in the best interests of ACCA as a whole.The Council devises strategy for ACCA’s Executive Team, andidentifies the key performance measures which will be usedboth to monitor the work to implement that policy and todevelop future policy. ACCA’s Executive Team is responsiblefor the delivery of the strategy, and Council providegovernance of the process and performance management.

To help govern ACCA, and in line with best corporategovernance practice, the council have a number ofcommittees, including an audit committee, a remunerationcommittee, and a nominating committee. Council membersare volunteers, and do not receive payment for their servicesto ACCA. They also adhere to a strict ‘Code of Practice forCouncil Members’.

ACCA ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILSName: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Acronym: ACCAMain address: ACCA, 29 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London,WC2A 3EE, United KingdomLocal ofce address: Our national ofces | ACCA |

ACCA Global

http://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/learning-provider/approved-learning-partner.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/learning-provider/approved-learning-partner.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/acca/overview.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/acca/diplomas.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/foundation-level/course-details.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/foundation-level/course-details.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/foundation-level/course-details.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/foundation-level/course-details.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/foundation-level/course-details.htmlhttp://business.brookes.ac.uk/undergraduate/2014/acca/http://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/members/cpdhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/footertoolbar/contact-us/national-offices.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/footertoolbar/contact-us/national-offices.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/footertoolbar/contact-us/national-offices.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/footertoolbar/contact-us/national-offices.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/footertoolbar/contact-us/national-offices.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/footertoolbar/contact-us/national-offices.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/footertoolbar/contact-us/national-offices.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/members/cpdhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance.htmlhttp://business.brookes.ac.uk/undergraduate/2014/acca/http://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/foundation-level/course-details.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/foundation-level/course-details.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/foundation-level/course-details.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/foundation-level/course-details.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/foundation-level/course-details.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/acca/diplomas.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/acca/overview.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/learning-provider/approved-learning-partner.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/learning-provider/approved-learning-partner.html


5/15


Our qualications

FOUNDATIONS IN PROFESSIONALISM is an online ethics

module which can be completed before or after the exams

but must be completed if you wish to receive certification

for the award you have achieved

THE PROFESSIONAL ETHICS MODULE is an online ethics

module which must be completed before, at the same time,

or soon after you become eligible to sit Paper P1

RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE can be completed before,

at the same time, or after the exams

ACCA QUALIFICATIONS STRUCTURE

FA1 Recording Financial Transactions

MA1 Management Information

INTRODUCTORY CERTIFICATE IN FINANCIAL

AND MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING

FA2 Maintaining Financial Records

MA2 Managing Costs and Finance

DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS

KNOWLEDGE

F1 Accountant in Business

F2 Management Accounting

F3 Financial Accounting

SKILLS

F4 Corporate and Business Law

F5 Performance Management

F6 Taxation

F7 Financial Reporting

F8 Audit and Assurance

F9 Financial Management

ESSENTIALS

P1 Governance, Risk and Ethics

P2 Corporate Reporting

P3 Business Analysis

ACCA QUALIFICATION

INTERMEDIATE CERTIFICATE IN FINANCIAL

AND MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING

FAB Accountant in Business

FMA Management Accounting

FFA Financial Accounting

DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS

BSc IN APPLIED ACCOUNTING AWARDED

BY OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY

OPTIONS (two to be completed)

P4 Advanced Financial Management

P5 Advanced Performance Management

P6 Advanced TaxationP7 Advanced Audit and Assurance

FO UND ATI O NS I N

P R O F E S S I O N A L I S M M O D U L E

FOUNDATION FUNDAMENTALS PROFESSIONAL

P R O F E S S I O N A L E T H I C S M O D U L E

All of the above plus two of the following:

FTX Foundations in Taxation

FFM Foundations in Financial Management

FAU Foundations in Audit

+ 12 months relevant work experience

ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING

AND BUSINESS

P R O F E S S I O N A L E T H I C S M O D U L E

To qualify for membership of ACCA, students must completethe ACCA Qualification, consisting of 14 professionalexaminations, an ethics module and three years’ practicalexperience gained before, during or after the examinations.In line with ACCA’s statutory requirements, entry to the ACCAQualification requires a UK university matriculation levelqualification. ACCA also provides entry level qualifications.The foundation-level qualifications consist of awards,including certificates, diplomas and a Certified AccountingTechnician (CAT) Qualification. The Diploma in Accountingand Business is equivalent in level to year one of a UKbachelor degree, and is suitable for entry and exemption tothe ACCA Qualification.

ACCA QUALIFICATIONIn addition to responding to the needs of its stakeholders,ACCA has designed a qualification which also embeds theglobal accounting education standards set by the InternationalFederation of Accountants (IFAC). The ACCA Qualification isfully IFAC compliant. There is a strong focus on professionalvalues, ethics and governance. These skills are essentialas the profession moves towards strengthened codes ofconduct, regulation and legislation with an increasing focus on

professionalism and ethics in accounting. They are examinedat the highest level in the ACCA Qualification, and are a coreelement of students’ practical experience requirements.

The ACCA Qualification has been designed to provide allthe competences required of professional accountants andauditors. In accordance with modern practice, ACCA takes theview that employers demand that professional accountantsand auditors apply a wide business and global perspective totheir work.

FOUNDATION-LEVEL QUALIFICATIONSThe foundation-level qualifications include certificates,diplomas and a Certified Accounting Technician (CAT)

Qualification. These flexible awards focus on the core skills offinancial accounting and management accounting; and thewider role of the accountant in business at higher levels.

The range of awards means employers can pick the level ofqualification which most appropriately meets their businessneeds. In addition, it provides students with flexible entrypoints with certification awarded at each level, allowingstudents to tailor the awards, making them an attractive andrelevant choice for employers.

Research and Analysis Project and Key Skills

Statement


6/15


ACCA Qualications’ Learning Hours

As a global accountancy body, the learning profiles of ACCA students vary greatly. ACCA promotes flexibilty in its range ofqualifications and learning methods, and therefore ACCA does not prescribe learning hours to its students. However, we haveprovided notional learning hours for each of the ACCA examinations in the tables below for guidance.

Notional learing hours are typically understood to represent the average time it would take a learner to complete a unit oflearning, in this case each of the ACCA Qualification examinations. They include guided learning hours, directed study, practicaland work-based learning, examination preparation time and examination time. Guided learning hours are the hours in whichstudy is directed by a tutor, usually with the tutor present. This can include tutorials, face-to-face delivery or directed open/distance learning and assessment. There may be variations in definitions of learning hours and credit systems betweennational education systems.

TABLE 1 Learning Hours ACCA Examinations

ACCA QUALIFICATION LEVEL ACCA PAPER NOTIONAL LEARNING HOURS TOTAL NOTATION

LEARNING HOURS

Professional Level Papers - Options (2

papers)

P7 Advanced Audit and Assurance 400

800P6 Advanced Taxation 400

P5 Advanced Performance Management 400

P4 Advanced Financial Management 400

Professional Level Papers - Essentials

P3 Business Analysis 400

1200P2 Corporate Reporting 400

P1 Governance, Risk and Ethics 400

Fundamentals - Skills Module

F9 Financial Management 400

2400

F8 Audit and Assurance 400

F7 Financial Reporting 400

F6 Taxation 400

F5 Performance Management 400

F4 Corporate and Business Law 400

Fundamentals - Knowledge Module

F3/FFA Financial Accounting 300

900F2/FMA Management Accounting 300

F1/FAB Accountant in Business 300

TABLE 2 Learning Hours Foundation-Level Examinations

ACCA QUALIFICATION LEVEL ACCA PAPER NOTIONAL LEARNING HOURS TOTAL NOTATION

LEARNING HOURS

Diploma in Accounting and Business

F3/FFA Financial Accounting 300

900F2/FMA Management Accounting 300

F1/FAB Accountant in Business 300

Specialist Certicates

FFM Foundations in Financial Management 200 200

FTX Foundations in Taxation 255 255

FAU Foundations in Audit 175 175

Intermediate Certicate in Financial and

Management Accounting

FA2 Maintaining Financial Records 220370

MA2 Maintaining Costs and Finances 150

Introductory Certicate in Financial and

Management Accounting

FA1 Recording Financial Transactions 240400

MA1 Management Information 160


7/15


ACCA regulatory status

ACCA is a self-regulating professional membershipbody for chartered certified accountants globally. Ourprofessional qualification is a membership requirement,which meets employer specifications for workingin accountancy related roles, both regulated andunregulated. Further to a submission made to the UKGovernment department (at that time to the Departmentof Trade and Industry, now the Department of Business,Innovation and Skills), ACCA’s professional examinationsare recognised in law to qualify company auditors,making ACCA a Recognised Qualifying Body (RQB).

ACCA is also officially recognised by the UK Governmentas a Recognised Supervisory Body (RSB), responsible

for regulating statutory auditors. According to the UK’sCompanies Act 2006, Insolvency Act 1986 and FinancialServices and Markets Act 2000, only the accountancy bodies– ACCA, ICAEW, ICAI, ICAS and AAPA are able to authorisemembers to conduct the legally restricted works includingaudit, insolvency and investment business work in the UnitedKingdom and Republic of Ireland.

In summary, part of ACCA’s official accreditation fromregulatory bodies in the UK and globally, is as follows:

• International Federation of Accountants (IFAC):ACCA is a founding member body of IFAC. ACCAfollow the IFAC Compliance Program to meet the

membership requirements. More information on theIFAC Compliance Program is available at www.ifac.org/ComplianceProgram

• Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies(CCAB): ACCA is a founding member of the CCAB in theUK. CCAB provides a forum in which matters affecting theprofession as a whole can be discussed and co-ordinatedand enables the profession to speak with a unified voice togovernment. Further details can be found at: www.ccab.org.uk

• UK Government Privy Council – Incorporated throughRoyal Charter – requirement for at least 75% of members

to have first degree level standard qualification, thusthe ACCA Qualification is recognised as being at leastequivalent to UK bachelor degree. Please see the officialPrivy Council website for further information click here.

• European Union (EU): Article 6 of the EU 8th CompanyLaw Directive, which has been implemented in UKdomestic law, states that statutory auditors must have‘passed an examination of professional competence ofuniversity final or equivalent examination level’, whichtherefore applies to the level of the ACCA Qualification.

ACCA is also a competent authority for the EU Recognitionof Professional Qualifications Directive for ‘Chartered

Certified Accountant’.The Directive provides for a GeneralSystem for recognition of professional qualifications. TheGeneral System has been established with the purpose ofenabling individuals to transfer their qualifications and skills

between Member States. Please see refer to Admission to ACCA membership under the European Communities(Recognition of Professional Qualications) Regulations(Directive 2005/36/EC) for further details on admissionto ACCA membership under the terms of the EuropeanCommunities (Recognition of Professional Qualifications)Regulations 2005.

• UK Government Department of Business, Innovationand Skills (BIS): BIS officially granted ACCA RQB and RSBstatus. RQB status means that the ACCA Qualificationofficially qualifies statutory auditors in the UK. The relevanttext in relation to the level of the ACCA Qualificationbeing at least bachelor degree level is within Schedule 11

of the Companies Act 2006. Number 8 – 1(b) states ‘andrequiring a standard of attainment at least equivalent tothat required to obtain a degree from a university or similarestablishment in the United Kingdom’. The full CompaniesAct 2006 can be located at this address: www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/46/contents. The ProfessionalOversight Team, part of the UK Financial Reporting Council(FRC), reporting to the UK Government, and providingindependent oversight of the auditing and accountingprofession, audits ACCA’s quality assurance proceduresand qualification syllabus and assessments annually. Forfurther information on the Financial Reporting Council(FRC), please visit the following webpage: www.frc.org.uk

• Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority(IAASA): IAASA granted ACCA Recognised AccountancyBody status. A Recognised Accountancy Body is anaccountancy body that has been granted recognitionunder section 191 of the Companies Act 1990. By virtueof that recognition, a recognised accountancy body ispermitted to authorise its members and/or member firmsto perform audits under the Companies Acts, providedthat those members and/or member firms satisfy certainadditional conditions. The full Companies Act 1990can be located at this address: www.irishstatutebook.ie/1990/en/act/pub/0027/index.html

IAASA audits ACCA’s quality assurance procedures

and qualification syllabus and assessments. For furtherinformation on IAASA, please visit the following webpage:

www.iaasa.ie/about/index.htm • Insolvency Service: Insolvency Service: ACCA is a

Recognised Professional Body (RPB) under the InsolvencyAct 1986 and the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989.This allows ACCA to authorise individuals to undertakeinsolvency work. The Insolvency Service visits ACCA everythree years to review quality assurance procedures aroundthe issue and renewal of insolvency licences, monitoringof practitioners and complaints against practitioners.For further information on the Insolvency Service, please

visit the following webpage: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/insolvency-service

http://www.ifac.org/ComplianceProgramhttp://www.ifac.org/ComplianceProgramhttp://www.ccab.org.uk/http://privycouncil.independent.gov.uk/royal-charters/chartered-bodies/http://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam/acca/global/PDF-members/2012/2012m/mrd_g_2012.pdfhttp://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam/acca/global/PDF-members/2012/2012m/mrd_g_2012.pdfhttp://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam/acca/global/PDF-members/2012/2012m/mrd_g_2012.pdfhttp://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam/acca/global/PDF-members/2012/2012m/mrd_g_2012.pdfhttp://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/46/contentshttp://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/46/contentshttp://www.frc.org.uk/https://www.iaasa.ie/about/index.htmhttps://www.iaasa.ie/about/index.htmhttp://www.frc.org.uk/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/46/contentshttp://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/46/contentshttp://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam/acca/global/PDF-members/2012/2012m/mrd_g_2012.pdfhttp://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam/acca/global/PDF-members/2012/2012m/mrd_g_2012.pdfhttp://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam/acca/global/PDF-members/2012/2012m/mrd_g_2012.pdfhttp://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam/acca/global/PDF-members/2012/2012m/mrd_g_2012.pdfhttp://privycouncil.independent.gov.uk/royal-charters/chartered-bodies/http://www.ccab.org.uk/http://www.ifac.org/ComplianceProgramhttp://www.ifac.org/ComplianceProgram


8/15


As a consequence of legislation in the UK and Ireland, ACCAhas statutory monitoring responsibilities in the following areas:

Registered auditors: ACCA members who are responsiblefor audit work must hold a valid practising certificate andaudit qualification. All firms, including sole proprietorships,must hold a firm’s auditing certificate to conduct audit work.Those individuals holding a practising certificate and auditqualification, as well as firms holding auditing certificatesare subject to monitoring of their practices.

Practising certicate: A member has to obtain three years’training in an Approved Employer – Practising Certificate

Development of which at least two years must be afteradmission to membership, to obtain a practising certificate.

Investment business: In the UK, firms wishing to offermainstream investment services are authorised and regulatedby the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) but ACCAregulates those firms undertaking only exempt regulatedactivities. The Central Bank of Ireland regulates firms thatprovide investment business services and investment advicein Ireland. ACCA regulates those firmsundertaking investmentactivities.

ACCA regulatory status

http://www.fca.org.uk/http://www.centralbank.ie/Pages/home.aspxhttp://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/insolvency-servicehttp://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/insolvency-servicehttp://www.centralbank.ie/Pages/home.aspxhttp://www.fca.org.uk/


9/15


ACCA education status

ACCA education status refers to the endorsement ofACCA and our qualifications by bodies concerned withthe educational value of our qualifications and the qualityassurance mechanisms around their provision.

ACCA has secured recognition by a number of keyeducational regulators. Official endorsement by educationregulators is widely understood by employers, addingvalue to employer recognition of our qualifications.Education recognition also provides third party qualityassurance giving our stakeholders the benefit of impartialscrutiny of our qualifications and ensuring that ACCAis conforming to current ‘best practise’ in qualificationdevelopment and delivery.

To support education recognition further, ACCA seeksframework recognition of our qualifications at specific andconsistent levels of recognition. Please refer to Appendix 1,specifying these levels.

A qualification framework is an appropriately authorised toolthat clearly defines each and every qualification broughtunder it. It provides a hierarchy of qualifications wherelearning from a qualification is benchmarked to definedcriteria. Frameworks can enable learners to make comparisonsbetween different types of qualification, allowing them toplan their learning and progression. A qualification frameworkcan be specific to one country or region with establishedframework recognition in one location having potential to

support recognition in other countries or regions.

UK EDUCATION RECOGNITION• UK Visas and Immigration UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) replaced the UK Border

Agency in 2013.UKVI assesses immigration applications for the UKand assigns points to qualifications for assessment ofapplications. The ACCA Qualification is assigned to thelevel of ‘taught masters degree’. More information on theUK Visas and Immigration points based system is availableat: www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas and the points based calculator can be found here.

• UK National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) NARIC equates the ACCA Qualification to a UK taught

Masters degree. NARIC is the National Agency, managedon behalf of the UK Government, responsible for providinginformation, advice and expert opinion on vocational,academic and professional skills and qualifications fromover 180 countries worldwide. NARIC will verify ACCAQualification equivalence on individual application to theirStatement of Comparability service.

• England, Wales and Northern Ireland regulator –

Ofce of the Qualications and Examinations Regulator(Ofqual)Ofqual, together with its partner regulators in Wales

(Welsh Government) and Northern Ireland (CCEA), isresponsible for regulation of the QCF (Qualifications andCredit Framework). ACCA is recognised as an ‘AwardingOrganisation’ for the QCF, as well as being able to develop

and submit units and rules of combination, for accreditedqualifications on the QCF.

QCF criteria require the QCF qualification names to beformatted with the QCF level number and qualificationtype in the title. Details of Foundations in Accountancyqualifications’ recognition on the QCF can be found onthe Register of Regulated Qualications, provided byOfqual. The guided learning hours for each qualification isprovided here.

The ACCA qualifications are also listed on the UKLearning Aims Reference Application (LARA) (formerlyLearning Aim Database (LAD)). The Learning AimsReference number is the reference number for accredited

qualifications and funding in England. Please also referto Appendix 2 for more information on Foundations inAccountancy qualifications on the QCF.

• Scottish regulator – Scottish Qualications Authority(SQA) Accreditation

SQA Accreditation is the national accreditation andawarding body in Scotland who accredits vocationalqualifications that are offered across Scotland, andapprove awarding bodies that wish to award them. SQAAccreditation has approved ACCA as an awarding bodyand has accredited ACCA qualifications. Please also referto Appendix 3 for more information on the qualificationslisted on the SCQF.

The SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)promotes lifelong learning in Scotland. The full suiteof qualifications, through their recognition by SQAAccreditation have been credited and leveled forplacement on the SCQF.

• Welsh regulator – Welsh Government In Wales, qualifications must be approved by the

Welsh Government before they become a mainstreamqualification that is recognised in Wales and, undercertain conditions, eligible for funding. The DAQW (Database of Approved Qualifications in Wales) lists thesequalifications, including those included in our Foundations

in Accountancy suite of qualifications.• UK Universities

UK Government approved providers of academic degreequalifications, UK universities, provide credit from theirMasters degrees on the basis of the ACCA Qualification,and in some cases incorporate the Professional Level ofthe ACCA Qualification as the examined element of theirMasters degree. UK universities are quality assured by theQuality Assurance Agency (QAA) in the UK. The PrivyCouncil in the UK is responsible for approving an institutionas competent to grant degrees. Oxford Brookes Universityin the UK externally assures the ACCA examinations forthe award of its BSc (Hons) Applied Accounting, and credit

from its MBA and MSc Accounting.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculatorhttp://www.ecctis.co.uk/NARIC/individuals/Compare%20Qualifications/Statement%20of%20Comparability.aspxhttp://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification%3FrecognitionNumber%3DRN5113https://gateway.imservices.org.uk/sites/lara/Pages/Welcome.aspxhttp://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/42159.htmlhttp://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/42159.htmlhttp://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/42159.htmlhttp://www.scqf.org.uk/The%20Frameworkhttp://www.scqf.org.uk/The%20Frameworkhttp://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/%3Flang%3Denhttp://www.daqw.org.uk/http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.qaa.ac.uk/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.daqw.org.uk/http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/%3Flang%3Denhttp://www.scqf.org.uk/The%20Frameworkhttp://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/42159.htmlhttps://gateway.imservices.org.uk/sites/lara/Pages/Welcome.aspxhttp://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification%3FrecognitionNumber%3DRN5113http://www.ecctis.co.uk/NARIC/individuals/Compare%20Qualifications/Statement%20of%20Comparability.aspxhttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator


10/15


To find out more about entry and exemptions from a particular programme of study on the basis of qualificationsawarded by ACCA, please refer to the qualificationprovider directly.

ACCA has partnerships with a number of leadinguniversities to provide further qualifications. For moreinformation, please refer to the following page: www.accaglobal.com/en/discover/our-partners/academic-partnerships.html

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION RECOGNITION• European Qualications Framework The European Qualifications Framework (EQF), agreed

upon by the European institutions in 2008, recommendsthat member states relate their national qualificationssystems to the EQF, so that all new qualifications issuedfrom 2012 carry a reference to the relevant EQF level.The EQF acts as a translation device to make nationalqualifications more readable across Europe, promotingworkers’ and learners’ mobility between countries andfacilitating their lifelong learning. The EQF referencing toolcan be found here.

• Irish Government regulator – Quality and QualicationsIreland (QQI) (previously Higher Education Training and Awards Council (HETAC))HETAC aligned the ACCA Qualification to Level 9 of

the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ),indicating it is equivalent to the examinations within anIrish Masters degree, which through articulation betweenthe frameworks, also equates to UK Masters degreelevel. Please refer to the Professional Bodies section onpage: www.nfq.ie/nfq/en/awards_in_the_framework.html#higher

Quality and Qualications Ireland was established on6 November 2012 under the Qualifications and QualityAssurance (Education and Training) Act 2012. The newAuthority is being created by an amalgamation of fourbodies that have both awarding and quality assuranceresponsibilities: the Further Education and Training Awards

Council (FETAC), the Higher Education and TrainingAwards Council (HETAC), the National QualificationsAuthority of Ireland (NQAI) and the Irish UniversitiesQuality Board (IUQB). The new Authority will assume allthe functions of the four legacy bodies while also havingresponsibility for new or newly-statutory responsibilities inparticular areas.

• Malta regulator – Malta Qualications Council (MQC) MQC has mapped the full suite of ACCA qualifications

on the Malta Qualifications Framework. The NationalCommission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE)incorporates the Malta Qualifications Council (MQC) aswell as the National Commission for Higher Education(NCHE).

• Pakistan regulator – Higher Education Commission (HEC)HEC equated the ACCA Qualification to a Pakistan Masters

in Commerce (MComm). Further information on HECequivalance can be found here.

• South African regulator – South African Qualications Authority (SAQA) SAQA has aligned the ACCAQualification to Level 8 of the South African NationalQualications Framework (NQF), indicating its positionat postgraduate level. FASSET, the quality assuror of theproviders on the SA NQF, regulate ACCA to ensure ourcontinued provider status in South Africa.

• Barbados regulator – Barbados Accreditation Council(BAC) ACCA is officially recognised as an ‘Awarding Body’ in

Barbados by BAC.

• Trinidad & Tobago regulator – Accreditation Council ofTrinidad and Tobago (ACTT) ACCA is officially accredited as an ‘Awarding Body’ inTrinidad and Tobago by ACTT.


http://www.accaglobal.com/en/discover/our-partners/academic-partnerships.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/discover/our-partners/academic-partnerships.htmlhttp://ec.europa.eu/eqf/compare/regions/uk_en.htmhttp://www.nfq.ie/nfq/en/awards_in_the_framework.html#higherhttp://www.nfq.ie/nfq/en/awards_in_the_framework.html#higherhttp://www.qqi.ie/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.ncfhe.org.mt/content/home-about-us/1343488/http://www.ncfhe.org.mt/content/home-about-us/1343488/http://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/QALI/DegreeAttestationEquivalence/EquivalenceDegreeIssuance/Documents/Guidelines%2520for%2520award%2520of%2520equivalence%2520certificate%2520to%2520ACCA%2520qualified%2520members%2520as%2520equivalent%2520to%2520M.Com.pdfhttp://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/QALI/DegreeAttestationEquivalence/EquivalenceDegreeIssuance/Documents/Guidelines%20for%20award%20of%20equivalence%20certificate%20to%20ACCA%20qualified%20members%20as%20equivalent%20to%20M.Com.pdfhttp://allqs.saqa.org.za/showQualification.php%3Fid%3D63550http://allqs.saqa.org.za/showQualification.php%3Fid%3D63550https://bac.gov.bb/https://bac.gov.bb/http://www.actt.org.tt/http://www.actt.org.tt/https://bac.gov.bb/https://bac.gov.bb/http://allqs.saqa.org.za/showQualification.php%3Fid%3D63550http://allqs.saqa.org.za/showQualification.php%3Fid%3D63550http://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/QALI/DegreeAttestationEquivalence/EquivalenceDegreeIssuance/Documents/Guidelines%20for%20award%20of%20equivalence%20certificate%20to%20ACCA%20qualified%20members%20as%20equivalent%20to%20M.Com.pdfhttp://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/QALI/DegreeAttestationEquivalence/EquivalenceDegreeIssuance/Documents/Guidelines%2520for%2520award%2520of%2520equivalence%2520certificate%2520to%2520ACCA%2520qualified%2520members%2520as%2520equivalent%2520to%2520M.Com.pdfhttp://www.ncfhe.org.mt/content/home-about-us/1343488/http://www.ncfhe.org.mt/content/home-about-us/1343488/http://www.qqi.ie/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.nfq.ie/nfq/en/awards_in_the_framework.html#higherhttp://www.nfq.ie/nfq/en/awards_in_the_framework.html#higherhttp://ec.europa.eu/eqf/compare/regions/uk_en.htmhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/discover/our-partners/academic-partnerships.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/discover/our-partners/academic-partnerships.html


11/15


ACCA QUALIFICATION LEVELS UK Framework Levels International Framework Levels ACCA

FIVE INTELLECTUAL LEVELSQCF SCQF *FHEQ Irish

NFQ

South

African

NQF

Malta

NQF

EQF

ACCA Professional Level 11 7 9 8 7 7 Synthesis and Evaluation

Advanced Diploma in Accounting and

Business / ACCA Papers F4 - F910 6 6 6 Application and Analysis

Diploma in Accounting and Business /

ACCA Papers F1–F3 / CAT4 8 4 5 5 5 Comprehension and application

Intermediate Certificate in Financial

and Management Accounting3 6 4 4 Knowledge and Comprehension

Introductory Certificate in Financial

and Management Accounting2 5 3 3 Knowledge

* validated by Oxford Brookes University (regulated by QAA). NA – not applicable

MAPPING OF ACCA QUALIFICATIONS’ INTELLECTUAL LEVELS WITH EDUCATION FRAMEWORK LEVELS

ACCA QUALIFICATIONS’ FRAMEWORK RECOGNITIONA summary of the framework recognition of the ACCA Qualification and the Foundations in Accountancy suite of qualificationsis available below. The ACCA Qualification is currently mapped to the postgraduate level of national qualification frameworks inthe UK, Ireland, South Africa and Malta. These levels align to the level of postgraduate qualifications in the UK (Level 7). Pleasesee the ‘Qualifications can cross boundaries’ leaflet for further information on comparing framework levels in the UK at thefollowing link: www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualications-can-cross-boundaries.pdf


http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-can-cross-boundaries.pdfhttp://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-can-cross-boundaries.pdf


12/15


UK QUALIFICATION EQUIVALENCEThis table specifies the educational standard that each level of the ACCA Qualification and foundation-level qualificationsequate to in the UK education system.

ACCA QUALIFICATION UK NATIONAL QUALIFICATION LEVEL

ACCA Professional Level Masters degree

ACCA Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business Bachelor degree

ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business / CAT Certificate of Higher Education

Intermediate Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting GCE Advanced Level

Introductory Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting GCSE Level

Appendix 1


13/15


ACCA QUALIFICATION ACCA PAPERS QCF QUALIFICATION

TITLE AND LEVEL

QCF

QUALIFICATION

NUMBER***

UK NATIONAL

QUALIFICATION

BENCHMARK

Certied Accounting Technician (CAT)

Complete Introductory Certificate,

Intermediate Certificate, Diploma plus 2

of these 3 optional papers**

FFM Foundations in Financial

Management

F

o u n d a t i o n s i n

P

r o f e s s i o n a l i s m

M

o d u l e *

ACCA Level 4 Certificate in

Financial Management (QCF) 601/1075/2

Certificate of

Higher Education

FTX Foundations in TaxationACCA Level 4 Certificate in

Taxation (QCF) 601/1074/0

FAU Foundations in AuditACCA Level 4 Award in Audit

(QCF) 601/1076/4

Certicates in Auditing, Taxation and

Financial Management

FFM Foundations in Financial Management ACCA Level 4 Certificate in

Financial Management (QCF) 601/1075/2

Foundations in Professionalism Module*

FTX Foundations in Taxation ACCA Level 4 Certificate in

Taxation (QCF) 601/1074/0


FAU Foundations in Audit ACCA Level 4 Award in Audit

(QCF) 601/1076/4


Diploma in Accounting and Business

FFA/F3 Financial Accounting

ACCA Level 4 Diploma in

Accounting and Business

(QCF)

601/0771/6FMA/F2 Management Accounting

FAB/F1 Accountant in Business


Intermediate Certicate in Financial

and Management Accounting

FA2 Maintaining Financial RecordsACCA Level 3 Diploma in

Financial and Management

Accounting (QCF)

601/0773/X GCE A LevelsMA2 Maintaining Costs and Finances


Introductory Certicate in Financial

and Management Accounting

FA1 Recording Financial TransactionsACCA Level 2 Diploma in


Accounting (QCF)

601/0772/8 GCSE Grades A–CMA1 Management Information


FOUNDATION-LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS’ RECOGNITION ON THE QCFACCA is accredited as an ‘awarding organisation’ within the QCF regulatory structure in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.Each of the three levels of the foundation-level qualifications, Introductory, Intermediate, and Diploma and Specialist Awardlevels, are aligned to three distinct levels of the QCF, as detailed in the following table.

Appendix 2

* Students only need to successfully complete Foundations in Professionalism once, if they complete one or morequalifications from the foundation-level qualifications suite.

** Students are required to complete a practical experience requirement to qualify for CAT.*** The QCF Qualification Number also refers to the Learning Aims Reference for the LARA database.

http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_1075_2http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_1074_0http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_1076_4http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_1075_2http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_1074_0http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_1076_4http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_0771_6http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_0773_Xhttp://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_0772_8http://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/foundation-level/course-details.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/student/qualification-resources/foundation-accountancy/foundations-cat/cat-practical.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/student/qualification-resources/foundation-accountancy/foundations-cat/cat-practical.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/foundation-level/course-details.htmlhttp://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_0772_8http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_0773_Xhttp://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_0771_6http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_1076_4http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_1074_0http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_1075_2http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_1076_4http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_1074_0http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/601_1075_2


14/15


ACCA QUALIFICATION RECOGNITION ON THE SCQFACCA is accredited as an ‘awarding body’ by SQA Accreditation. The ACCA qualifications, through recognition by SQA

Accreditation, have been credited and leveled for placement on the SCQF.

Appendix 3

ACCA QUALIFICATION ACCA PAPERS SQCF QUALIFICATION TITLE

AND LEVEL

GROUP AWARD

NUMBER

SCOTTISH NATIONAL

QUALIFICATION

BENCHMARK

ACCA Professional

P7 Advanced Audit and Assurance

ACCA Professional at SCQF

Level 11 R374 04 Masters Degree

P6 Advanced Taxation

P5 Advanced Performance

Management

P4 Advanced Financial Management

P3 Business Analysis

P2 Corporate Reporting

P1 Governance, Risk & Ethics

ACCA Fundamentals - Skills

F9 Financial Management

ACCA Fundamentals - Skills at

SCQF Level 10 R373 04

Bachelors (Honours)

Degree

F8 Audit and Assurance

F7 Financial Reporting

F6 Taxation

F5 Performance Management

F4 Corporate and Business Law

Certied Accounting

Technician (CAT)

Complete Introductory

Certificate, Intermediate

Certificate, Diploma plus 2 ofthese 3 optional papers**

FFM Foundations

in Financial

Management

F o u n d a t i o n s i n

P r o f e s s i o n a l i s m M

o d u l e *

ACCA Certificate in Financial

Management at SCQF Level 7 R364 04 Higher National Certificate

FTX Foundations in

Taxation

ACCA Certificate in Taxation

at SCQF Level 8 R363 04

Higher National DiplomaFAU Foundations in

Audit

ACCA Certificate in Auditing


Certicates in Auditing,

Taxation and Financial

Management

FFM Foundations in Financial

Management ACCA Certificate in Financial

Management at SCQF Level 7 R364 04 Higher National Certificate


FTX Foundations in TaxationACCA Certificate in Taxation


Higher National Diploma


FAU Foundations in Audit ACCA Certificate in Auditing



Diploma in Accounting and

Business

FFA/F3 Financial Accounting

ACCA Diploma in Accounting

and Business at SCQF Level 8 R361 04

FMA/F2 Management Accounting

FAB/F1 Accountant in Business


Intermediate Certicate in


Accounting

FA2 Maintaining Financial RecordsACCA Intermediate Certificate

in Financial and Management

Accounting at SCQF Level 6

R360 04 HigherMA2 Maintaining Costs and Finances


IntroductoryCerticate in


Accounting

FA1 Recording Financial TransactionsACCA Introductory Certificate

in Financial and Management

at SCQF Level 5

R359 04 National 5 Intermediate 2MA1 Managament Information


* Students only need to successfully complete Foundations in Professionalism once, if they complete one or morequalifications from the foundation-level qualifications suite.

** Students are required to complete a practical experience requirement to qualify for CAT.

http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=303117http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=303118http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=25637http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=302648http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=302649http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=25637http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=302648http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=302649http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=302852http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=25634http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=25635http://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/foundation-level/course-details.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/student/qualification-resources/foundation-accountancy/foundations-cat/cat-practical.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/student/qualification-resources/foundation-accountancy/foundations-cat/cat-practical.htmlhttp://www.accaglobal.com/en/qualifications/glance/foundation-level/course-details.htmlhttp://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=25635http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=25634http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=302852http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=302649http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=302648http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=25637http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=302649http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=302648http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=25637http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=303118http://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/search-database/programme/?c=303117


15/15

ACCA29 Lincoln’s Inn Fields

London WC2A 3EEUnited Kingdom+44 (0)20 7059 5000+44 (0)20 7059 5151

www.accaglobal.com

The information contained in this publication is provided for general purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure that theinformation is accurate and up to date at the time of going to press, ACCA accepts no responsibility for any loss which may arise frominformation contained in this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, in any format, without prior written permission ofACCA. © ACCA June 2012.