ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) today announces the pass rates of the latest exam sitting. The March 2019 results saw over 96,000 students around the world entering over 117,000 exams. A total of 3,600 students completed their final exams to become ACCA affiliates. 

 

The new Strategic Professional exams, which are now in their third sitting, achieved good results in the March 2019 exam session. There was an improved pass rate for Strategic Business Reporting, whilst the result for Strategic Business Leader was firmly in line within expectations. 

 

Additionally, this latest exam sitting saw 83 countries taking the Applied Skills as session-based computer-based exams (CBE). These exams replicate the workplace, requiring use of spreadsheet and word processing skills, as well as testing technical skills. Considerable support has been focused on preparing students to better apply knowledge in the working environment and demonstrate the skills employers expect.

 

Commenting on the latest exam results, Alan Hatfield, ACCA executive director - strategy and development said: ‘We’re pleased with the exam results for March 2019. With the provision of our extensive learning support in many key markets ACCA students have made tremendous strides. We plan to implement even more support on Options exams later this year to extend the support we provide for these exams.

 

‘Through our CBE rollout we are continuing to improve workplace relevance of the qualification globally. ACCA is committed to supporting students to better apply knowledge in the working environment and demonstrate the skills employers expect. 

 

‘Again, what we see with these results is that students attending tuition from approved learning providers, combined with use of ACCA’s own resources, achieved better pass rates in all exams than those who self-studied. This shows the importance of students seeking quality support and undertaking guided practice for the ACCA Qualification. The learning of professional skills in particular can be greatly enhanced by the broad and discursive nature of group learning.’

 

The ACCA Qualification rigorously tests the skills, abilities and competencies demanded of a modern-day accountant, preparing students for a rewarding career as a qualified and ethical finance professional. The qualification also examines digital skills and knowledge, with enhanced digital content across many of the exams designed to keep ACCA students ahead. 

Because digital is a vital professional quotient, the ACCA Qualification ensures that students are developing and being assessed in digital skills from the very beginning of their journey all the way to membership and beyond, as shown clearly in ACCA’s recently updated competency framework. 

 

Alan Hatfield concludes: ‘Our affiliate numbers remain strong, with 3,600 new affiliates completing their exams, leaving only completion of their ethics and experience requirements before they apply to become ACCA members.’