This Diploma is suitable for anyone looking to do an introductory qualification in accounting and finance, including school leavers or those already working in account-support roles. The ability level is broadly equivalent to the first year of a degree programme/HND.
Do I need any qualifications to start?
If you don't have any previous academic qualifications you can complete the Diploma but you will need to register on Foundations in Accountancy. However, you may wish to complete ACCA's Introductory Certificate and/or the Intermediate Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting before attempting the Diploma.
What's involved?
There are two routes to achieving this qualification:
Route 1
If you do not have any formal qualifications or you have completed the Introductory and/or Intermediate Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting you will need to complete:
- three exams: Accountant in Business (FAB), Management Accounting (FMA) and Financial Accounting (FFA)
- a professionalism and ethics module called Foundations in Professionalism. Please note, if you have already completed this module you don't have to complete it again.
Route 2
If you have qualifications to meet the minimum entry requirements to start your ACCA Qualification, you can achieve the Diploma on the way to gaining your ACCA Qualification. You will need to register as a student on the ACCA Qualification and complete:
- the first three exams of the ACCA Qualification. These are: F1, Accountant in Business, F2, Management Accounting and F3, Financial Accounting
- a professionalism and ethics module called Foundations in Professionalism.
What kind of work could I do with this qualification?
You could work in the following type of roles:
- basic bookkeeping
- a trainee accountant in a commercial organisation or accounting practice
- an accounts clerk in the public sector.
How long will it take to complete?
It's up to you but please note there is a 10-year time limit to complete the exams when achieving the ACCA Qualification. You can sit the exams on demand as computer-based exams or choose to sit paper-based exams in June and December at one of our 380 exam centres around the world. You can complete Foundations in Professionalism before or after the exams. So you could complete this Diploma in six to 12 months.
Are my English and maths skills good enough to do the qualification?
Check your English and maths skills to see if you're ready to study with ACCA by using our free self-check modules. Just click on the link in the Related links box on the left-hand side of this page.
Can I miss out some exams if I have relevant qualifications?
Yes. Please visit our exemptions page page (by clicking on the link in the See also box on the left-hand side of this page) to check what exemptions you may claim based on your previous qualifications.
Can I go on to do other ACCA qualifications?
If you complete the Diploma via the Foundations in Accountancy route, you can continue your studies onto the Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) Qualification and qualify at technician level. Alternatively, you can continue your studies and become a professional-level accountant. Having completed the Diploma, you can transfer to the ACCA Qualification, miss out exams F1, F2 and F3 and continue your studies from F4 onwards.
