For many students pursuing a career in finance and accountancy, the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification remains one of the most recognized and respected global certifications. In Ireland, where the financial sector is thriving and internationally connected, combining an academic accounting degree with ACCA qualifications can fast-track your professional growth. But how much of the ACCA Exemptions journey can you skip if you’ve already earned an accounting degree?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ACCA exemptions available for students with an accounting background in Ireland, how to apply for them, what documents you’ll need, and how institutions like Hamzah Academy can support your ACCA journey with streamlined ACCA Courses and ACCA Coaching.
Beyond the classroom, ACCA also values practical experience through its Practical Experience Requirement (PER), which is essential for full membership. For Irish graduates, securing relevant finance roles while completing ACCA can accelerate both learning and professional growth. Many employers in Ireland recognize the ACCA qualification and support staff through paid study leave, sponsorships, and mentoring. This workplace experience not only strengthens your understanding of the concepts but also enhances your CV globally. Institutes like Hamzah Academy often collaborate with employers to help students fulfill these requirements while enrolled in their structured ACCA Courses and job-ready ACCA Coaching programs.

Why ACCA Matters in Ireland’s Job Market

Before diving into exemptions, it’s worth understanding why ACCA holds such importance in Ireland. The country is home to global finance hubs, tech giants with in-house finance teams, and numerous accounting firms, including the Big Four. Employers in Dublin, Cork, and Galway view ACCA as a versatile, globally aligned qualification that offers real-world expertise in financial reporting, audit, tax, risk management, and ethics.

For accounting graduates, adding the ACCA credential can significantly boost employability and salary potential. It also opens pathways to work abroad or transition into leadership roles in multinationals, government departments, and financial advisory firms.

What Are ACCA Exemptions?

ACCA exemptions allow students to skip specific exams based on prior academic or professional qualifications. This means you won’t have to repeat topics you’ve already studied in depth during your degree.

There are 13 exams in total under the ACCA qualification, divided into three levels:

Applied Knowledge (3 papers)

Applied Skills (6 papers)

Strategic Professional (4 papers)

Students with relevant qualifications may be exempt from up to 9 exams (all of Applied Knowledge and some or all of Applied Skills). The Strategic Professional level, however, typically requires everyone to complete it without exemptions.

Accounting Degrees in Ireland That Qualify for ACCA Exemptions

Many Irish universities and institutes of technology offer accounting and finance degrees that align closely with ACCA content. Some of the top institutions whose degrees are recognized for exemptions include:

University College Dublin (UCD) – BCom in Accounting

Dublin City University (DCU) – BA in Accounting & Finance

Trinity College Dublin – BBS in Business & Accounting

National University of Ireland Galway – BComm (Accounting)

Technological University Dublin – BSc in Accounting

If your degree covers core subjects such as Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Taxation, Audit, and Law, you may be eligible for up to 9 exemptions.

Typical ACCA Exemptions for Irish Accounting Graduates

Here’s a breakdown of the common exemptions available after completing a recognized accounting degree:

Applied Knowledge Level (Fully Exempted)

Business and Technology (BT)

Management Accounting (MA)

Financial Accounting (FA)

Applied Skills Level (Partial or Full Exemptions)

Depending on your course modules and grades, you may receive exemptions in:

Corporate and Business Law (LW)

Performance Management (PM)

Taxation (TX)

Financial Reporting (FR)

Audit and Assurance (AA)

Financial Management (FM)

Students from top-tier universities often receive all six Applied Skills exemptions, but it’s subject to syllabus coverage and academic performance.

How to Check and Claim Your ACCA Exemptions

To determine exactly which exemptions you’re eligible for, follow these steps:

Step 1: Use ACCA’s Exemption Calculator

Visit the ACCA website and use the Exemptions Calculator tool. Enter your university name and course to see the potential exemptions granted.

Step 2: Apply During Registration

When you first register as an ACCA student, declare your qualification. ACCA will assess your eligibility based on the syllabus and award exemptions accordingly.

Step 3: Submit Academic Transcripts

You must upload official documents including:

Final degree certificate

Official transcript with module names and grades

Syllabus or module descriptions (if requested)

All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

Step 4: Pay the Exemption Fees

There is a fee for each paper you’re exempt from. These are typically the same as the standard exam fees but save you the time and effort of sitting those exams.

Are Exemptions Always Beneficial?

While exemptions help you skip exams and save time, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons:

Pros:

Shorter route to ACCA membership

Reduced exam load

Cost savings over time

Avoid repeating known material

Cons:

You miss out on revision and exam techniques for those subjects

If your academic training wasn’t recent, the knowledge might be rusty

You’ll still face tough exams at the Strategic Professional level

Many students opt to take revision courses for exempted subjects to stay sharp—an area where structured ACCA Coaching from providers like Hamzah Academy can help significantly.

How Hamzah Academy Helps You Navigate Exemptions

One of the biggest challenges students face is figuring out how to use their exemptions strategically. Hamzah Academy, a top-rated ACCA training provider, supports students in Ireland and internationally with:

Guidance on exemptions based on individual academic records

Customized ACCA Courses starting from the appropriate level

Revision support for exempted subjects

Job placement training and career readiness modules

Their expert coaching team ensures that students who join mid-way through the ACCA pathway due to exemptions are not at a disadvantage when preparing for the more advanced exams.

What If Your Degree Is Not Fully Recognized?

If your Irish accounting degree is from a newer institution or does not match ACCA’s curriculum closely, you may still get some exemptions—but not all. You can:

Submit detailed module descriptions for manual assessment

Appeal the exemption decision (if needed)

Begin ACCA from the level granted and prepare with additional coaching if required

Remember: exemptions are not automatic—they must be verified and approved. So, the earlier you begin this process, the smoother your registration will be.

Strategic Professional Level: What Comes Next?

Even with maximum exemptions, every ACCA candidate must complete four papers at the Strategic Professional level:

Strategic Business Leader (SBL)

Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)

Two Optional Papers (from Advanced Audit, Tax, Performance Management, Financial Management)

These are advanced-level exams that require integrated thinking, case study analysis, and a deep understanding of business strategy.

Institutes offering expert ACCA Coaching, such as Hamzah Academy, play a key role in preparing students for these challenging modules through simulations, mock exams, and real-time feedback.

Conclusion

If you hold an accounting degree in Ireland, your journey to becoming ACCA-qualified can be significantly shortened through exemptions. With up to 9 exam exemptions, you’ll be able to fast-track your professional qualification, boost your employability, and save both time and money.

However, exemptions must be managed wisely. Understanding which papers you’re exempt from, staying academically fresh on those subjects, and preparing thoroughly for Strategic Professional exams is essential for success.

With the right planning and support—particularly from expert-led ACCA Courses and ACCA Coaching programs offered by Hamzah Academy—you can turn your Irish accounting degree into a global finance career faster than you imagined.