ACCA Curriculum Change 2025 – Top 30 FAQs Answered

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has officially announced a landmark update to its global qualification. On 24th June 2025, ACCA launched the Future ACCA Qualification - a major evolution of its syllabus and exam structure.

The upgraded ACCA curriculum is carefully designed to align with the fast-changing global business landscape. It integrates digital skills, sustainability reporting, leadership, and professional ethics - ensuring finance professionals are equipped with future-ready capabilities.

From 2027, the new qualification will fully replace the existing structure, marking one of the most significant changes in ACCA’s history. If you’re an ACCA student or planning to pursue ACCA, here’s everything you need to know.

Why the ACCA Curriculum Changed?

The profession of accounting and finance is rapidly evolving. With AI, data analytics, ESG reporting, and sustainability becoming key priorities, ACCA has modernised its curriculum to ensure students are:

Digitally ready with exposure to AI, automation, and analytics.

Sustainability-focused with knowledge in ESG reporting and ethics.

Future-relevant with employability modules and practical, real-world case studies.

Globally competitive with qualifications recognised by top employers.

Top 30 FAQs on ACCA Curriculum Change 2025

1. What is the ACCA curriculum change announced in June 2025?

ACCA launched the Future ACCA Qualification with four levels: Foundations, Knowledge, Expertise, and Strategic. It introduces updated content, milestone certificates, and employability modules.

2. When will the new ACCA curriculum be implemented?

The new structure becomes effective from July 2027 (Foundations & Knowledge exams) and September 2027 (Expertise & Strategic exams).

3. Will the current 13-paper structure continue till 2027?

Yes. Students can attempt the current 13-paper system until the June 2027 session.

4. What are the four levels in the new ACCA structure?

Foundations

Knowledge

Expertise

Strategic

Each level includes milestone qualifications and employability modules.

5. What are Essential Employability Modules (EEMs)?

EEMs are mandatory, skill-based modules focusing on digital innovation, ethical leadership, and sustainability - not exams but future-ready training.

6. Will I lose my current ACCA progress?

No. All existing progress will be recognised and mapped to the new structure via the ACCA Transition Tool.

7. Is the new ACCA structure harder than the old one?

Not harder - smarter. The number of exams reduces from 13 to 11, with greater emphasis on application and real-world skills.

8. What milestone qualifications are introduced?

Diploma in Accounting & Business (Foundations)

Higher Diploma (Knowledge)

Advanced Diploma (Expertise)

9. What is the Data Science Professional paper?

It’s a new optional Strategic-level paper focused on data analytics, digital finance, and visualization.

10. Can I appear for current ACCA exams in 2026?

Yes. The current exams remain valid until June 2027.

11. What are on-demand exams in ACCA?

From July 2027, Foundations & Knowledge level exams will be offered as on-demand computer-based exams (CBEs).

12. How is the Strategic level changing?

It will include:

2 Core Exams

1 Optional Paper (e.g., Data Science)

An employability module on ethical leadership.

13. What if I don’t complete my exams before June 2027?

You’ll transition automatically to the new structure.

14. What’s the biggest benefit of the new structure?

Stronger employability through milestone certificates, tech-driven syllabus, and leadership-focused modules.

15. Will PER (Practical Experience Requirement) change?

No. But some employability modules may simulate up to 6 months of workplace experience.

16. Will exam fees increase?

No. ACCA has confirmed no additional costs due to the new curriculum.

17. How should I plan my ACCA journey now?

Use the Transition Tool. Complete as many exams as possible before June 2027 for a smoother shift.

18. Will employers recognise the new qualification?

Yes. The curriculum is designed in line with global hiring expectations across finance, ESG, and technology.

19. Can I switch to the new structure before 2027?

No. Students will move to the new structure after June 2027, if required.

20. Where can I get official ACCA updates?

Visit future.accaglobal.com for updates.

21. Will the number of exams reduce?

Yes. From 13 papers → 11 papers.

22. Are employability modules like exams?

No. They are completion-based modules to boost skills.

23. What if I fail a paper in June 2027?

You’ll retake its mapped equivalent in the new structure.

24. Will syllabus content change significantly?

Yes. It now includes AI, analytics, ESG, automation, and digital finance.

25. Will training providers adapt to this new syllabus?

Yes. ACCA-approved partners like Simandhar Education are updating content and mocks.

26. Can I complete some levels in the old and some in the new structure?

Yes. ACCA will ensure a seamless bridging process.

27. What are optional employability modules?

Simulations of workplace challenges that may count toward 6 months of PER.

28. What is the ACCA Transition Tool?

A free ACCA tool mapping your existing credits into the new structure.

29. Will exemptions still apply?

Yes. Exemptions will continue to apply in the new structure.

30. Is the new curriculum globally recognised?

Absolutely. ACCA remains one of the most respected and global qualifications in finance.

Conclusion

The Future ACCA Qualification (2025) represents a revolutionary step in accounting education. With fewer exams, milestone diplomas, and digital-first learning, students will be more career-ready than ever before.

Whether you’re midway through your ACCA journey or planning to begin, there’s no risk of losing progress - thanks to the transition tool and flexible migration. Employers worldwide already value ACCA, and this curriculum ensures graduates stay future-proof in their careers.

At Simandhar Education, we’re committed to guiding you through this transition with expert faculty, updated training resources, and 24×7 support.

Call us: +91 7780273388

Visit: www.simandhareducation.com

Take the next step in your ACCA journey with Simandhar Education - India’s trusted learning partner.