Choosing the Right ACCA Professional Exams: A Comprehensive Guide

With the upcoming changes to the ACCA Professional Level, specifically the changes to subjects P1, P2, and P3, it's essential to carefully consider which exams to undertake in 2018. This guide aims to help you navigate the options and provide you with the necessary insights to make an informed decision.

Overview of the Changes

Starting from the September 2018 exam, the subjects of P1, P2, and P3 will undergo changes. Specifically, P1 will now be known as SBL (Strategic Business Leadership), while P3 will be known as SBR (Strategic Business Reporting). Each exam is set to last four hours, and the syllabi will be revised to reflect these changes.

Examination Options

There are two primary paths you can take:

Complete P1, P2, and P3 to be exempt from the new SBL and SBR papers. By successfully completing these papers by September 2018, you will be exempt from the new SBL and SBR exams. Take two optional papers P4 to P7. If you choose this route, aim to clear these exams by the September 2018 sitting. It also gives you the option to complete P2 to gain exemption from SBR.

Note: Never take P1 and P3 as a pair, as if you fail to pass them both by September 2018, you will have to retake the SBR exam.

Key Considerations

Revisiting the subject of exam techniques and confidence is crucial at this level. Here are a few tips and considerations:

Exam Techniques

Study Schedule: Establish a well-structured study plan. Allocate sufficient time to prepare for each exam, and ensure you have enough resources to support your learning. Past Exam Papers: Inclusion of past exam papers in your revision schedule is highly beneficial. Practice not only reinforces your understanding of the subject matter but also familiarizes you with the exam conditions. Practice: Consistent practice is key to passing the exams. Make it a habit to tackle practice questions and simulate exam conditions to manage time effectively during the actual exam.

These techniques will significantly improve your chances of success in the exams.

Confidence and Willpower

Choosing the right papers at this stage is vital. The essential professional level papers P1 and P3 will be combined and more challenging. P2 is also set to become harder but has been rigorous over the years. It's recommended that you focus on these core papers first before moving on to the optional papers.

Choosing the Right Papers

Given the changes and the difficulty levels, here are some tips to help you select the right papers:

Essential Professional Level P1-3

P1 and P3 will be the most challenging due to the consolidation and increase in difficulty. These papers are set to be 4 hours with multiple case studies. P2 is also likely to be challenging but has been consistently difficult over time. Therefore, I recommend starting with these core papers. Completing P2 will also exempt you from the SBR paper.

Optional Papers P4-7

If you decide to attempt the optional papers first, go for it. However, it's important to note that P3 and P5 share similar topics, making them somewhat redundant.

In Summary: Choose the papers based on your confidence in passing them. Save the harder ones for last as confidence will likely wane. Additionally, complete the professional ethics module now, as a new version will be introduced and may incur additional costs.

Conclusion

The choice of which ACCA professional exams to undertake between September 2018 and beyond should not be taken lightly. By following the above advice and tips, you will be better prepared to make a well-informed decision that will benefit your ACCA journey. Good luck!