Introduction and implementation timeline
When will the redesigned ACCA qualification be introduced?
The redesigned qualification will be introduced in summer 2027.
ACCA’s official transition timeline:
- The final sitting of the current Applied Skills and Strategic Professional exams will take place in June 2027.
- The new Foundations and Knowledge exams will become available from July 2027.
- The first Knowledge, Expertise, and Strategic Professional exam session will take place in September 2027, with courses starting in June.
At PwC’s Academy, we are planning our course schedule ahead of these changes, including introducing the new Foundation courses from May 2027 onwards, so that students are prepared for the new assessments as they become available.
Entry requirements and study routes
What is the difference between the ACCA qualification and the Foundations route, and which applies to me?
The main difference is your entry point.
Students who meet ACCA’s minimum entry requirements can enter the ACCA Qualification directly at the Knowledge level. Students who do not yet meet those requirements can begin through Foundations, which provides an alternative pathway into the ACCA qualification.
You may check whether you meet the entry requirements here.
Under the redesigned structure:
Foundations
- F1 Accounts Preparation
- F2 Management Information and Costing
- F3 Decision Making with Data
- Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Essential Employability Module
Knowledge
- K1 Financial Accounting
- K2 Management Accounting
- K3 Business Law
- Responsible Business Management Essential Employability Module.
The Foundations level provides a structured starting point for students who do not currently meet the direct entry requirements.
What are the new ACCA Qualification levels?
The redesigned pathway will consist of four progressive levels:
- Foundations
- Knowledge
- Expertise
- Strategic Professional
Each level combines technical development with an Essential Employability Module, creating a pathway that places increased emphasis on practical, digital, and professional skills alongside technical accounting knowledge.
What is the new Knowledge level?
Knowledge is the first level of the main ACCA qualification for students who meet ACCA’s entry requirements. This replaces the Applied Knowledge level.
It consists of:
- K1 Financial Accounting
- K2 Management Accounting
- K3 Business Law
- Responsible Business Management, the Essential Employability Module for the level.
What is the new Expertise level?
Expertise replaces the current Applied Skills level.
Students will complete five exams:
- E1 Taxation
- E2 Financial Reporting
- E3 Audit, Risk, and Control
- E4 Finance and Investment
- E5 Performance with Data Analysis
Students will also complete the Digital Tech and Innovation Essential Employability Module.
The level is intended to build deeper technical capability while increasing the emphasis on practical application, data and digital skills.
What is changing at Strategic Professional level?
Under the redesigned qualification, students can complete the following Strategic Professional exams and Essential Employability Module towards ACCA membership. Membership also requires completion of ACCA’s Practical Experience Requirement.
Students will complete:
Two mandatory exams
- S1 Business and Sustainability Reporting
- S2 Strategic Business Leader
One option chosen from five
- SAA Audit and Assurance Professional
- SCF Corporate Finance Professional
- SDS Data Science Professional
- SPI Performance and Insights Professional
- STA Taxation Advisory Professional
Students will also complete the Ethical, Sustainable Leadership Essential Employability Module.
If you want to obtain a CPA warrant in Malta, you will need to complete both STA Taxation Advisory Professional and SAA Audit and Assurance Professional at this level. Although the redesigned ACCA qualification requires only one option exam for ACCA membership, Malta’s local requirements are separate. You may find out more information on the Accountancy Board website.
Transition guidance for current students
I am currently completing Foundations. How will the changes affect me?
You will not lose the progress you have already made.
Students completing the current Foundations route will receive transition credit where they have completed the corresponding requirements before the transition.
You may check out your progress and what papers are exempted under the new qualification here
I am currently completing Applied Skills. What happens if I am only halfway through when the qualification changes?
You should continue studying rather than pause and wait for the new qualification.
Students who are part-way through Applied Skills when the transition takes place will move to the new Expertise level and will receive credit for relevant exams they have already completed. Students who complete the entire Applied Skills level before the transition will move directly to Strategic Professional.
The current Applied Skills exams map to the new Expertise exams, including:
- Taxation → E1 Taxation
- Financial Reporting → E2 Financial Reporting
- Audit & Assurance → E3 Audit, Risk and Control
- Financial Management → E4 Finance and Investment
- Performance Management → E5 Performance with Data Analysis
The important message is therefore: keep progressing with your current study plan.
I am currently completing Strategic Professional. What happens if I am only halfway through when the qualification changes?
You should continue studying rather than pause and wait for the redesigned qualification. If you have not completed Strategic Professional by September 2027, you will receive credit for equivalent exams already passed and will not need to repeat those papers.
For example, Strategic Business Reporting gives credit for S1 Business and Sustainability Reporting, Advanced Audit & Assurance gives credit for SAA Audit and Assurance Professional.
How will I know which exams I will receive credit for?
ACCA has developed a Transition Tool specifically for this purpose.
You can use it to see how your current examinations and completed requirements map onto the redesigned qualification. ACCA introduced the Transition Tool as part of its transition-support programme.
Is there anything I should complete before the transition?
Yes. If you are currently studying under the existing qualification, it is important to keep progressing with your exams and to pay particular attention to the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM).
Completing EPSM before the relevant deadline can therefore help ensure a smoother transition.
Will PwC's Academy Malta help me understand my individual transition route?
Yes. We appreciate that every student’s position may be different depending on the exams and modules they have already completed.
PwC’s Academy Malta will support students throughout the transition and can help you understand:
- What you have already completed.
- What transition credit you are expected to receive.
- Which exams or modules you should prioritise before the transition.
- Which new level you will progress to.
- How to plan your remaining studies efficiently.
Maltese warrant requirements
Do I still need to complete AAA and ATX if I want to obtain an accountancy warrant in Malta?
Yes. If your intention is to obtain a warrant in Malta, you should continue to follow the requirements applicable to the Maltese accountancy warrant, even though the redesigned ACCA qualification changes the number and choice of Strategic Professional examinations required for ACCA membership.
You can find further information on the Accountancy Board website.
Foundation students
If I have already passed BT, will I receive credit under the redesigned qualification?
Yes, provided you complete the relevant current-level requirements before transition.
BT does not have a direct replacement exam in the redesigned qualification. Instead, relevant Business and Technology content is integrated into the new pathway, particularly through the Responsible Business Management Essential Employability Module.
Students who complete the existing Applied Knowledge level before transition can therefore obtain the relevant transition recognition rather than starting the new level again. Your exact position can be checked through ACCA’s Transition Tool.
What happens if I have not passed BT before the new qualification starts?
BT will no longer exist as a standalone examination under the redesigned qualification.
If you remain at this level at transition and have not completed BT, you may need to complete the new Responsible Business Management Essential Employability Module instead.
For this reason, if you are currently working towards Applied Knowledge, we recommend reviewing your study plan with us before the transition.
What should I do if I only have Law left but there is no upcoming Law course or exam session?
You do not necessarily need to stop progressing while waiting for Law, you should be able to begin another suitable Applied Skills course while waiting for your next opportunity to complete Corporate and Business Law.
However, Law will become K3 Business Law at Knowledge level under the redesigned qualification. Students who have not completed LW before transition may therefore need to complete K3 and must take account of this when planning their transition to Expertise. The ideal is to complete your K3 exam as soon as possible.
What happens if I have completed only one Applied Knowledge subject when the new ACCA qualification is introduced?
Your completed exam may give you transition credit towards the redesigned qualification, depending on ACCA’s transition arrangements. You will then need to complete any remaining elements required at the relevant level under the new structure.
Will I still be able to complete the current FA/MA/BT combination after the transition?
The current FIA structure is being replaced. Students who have not completed the requirements of their current award by the applicable transition deadline will need to continue under the redesigned structure and complete the outstanding requirements of the new Foundations level, taking account of any transition credits awarded.
Essential Employability modules
What are the Essential Employability modules?
Essential Employability Modules are a new part of the redesigned ACCA qualification designed to complement technical examinations with skills that accountants increasingly need in the workplace.
There is a different module at each level:
| Level | Essential Employability Module |
|---|---|
| Foundations | Enterprise and Entrepreneurship |
| Knowledge | Responsible Business Management |
| Expertise | Digital Tech and Innovation |
| Strategic Professional | Ethical, Sustainable Leadership |
They place greater emphasis on areas such as professional judgement, responsible business, technology, innovation, ethics, sustainability, and leadership.
Are the Essential Employability modules compulsory?
Yes. Essential Employability Modules form part of the redesigned qualification pathway rather than being optional extras.
They sit alongside the examinations at the relevant level and contribute towards completing that level and obtaining the associated award.
They should not be confused with Optional Employability Modules, which are additional learning opportunities students may choose to undertake.
