ACCA introduces four exam sessions beginning September 2015 in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur – Global accountancy body ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is introducing four exam sessions a year – starting in limited markets and exam centres beginning September 2015, before being rolled out across all its markets and centres from March 2016. Malaysia is part of the 15 markets globally that is part of this pilot offering.

With this new development, ACCA students in Malaysia can now sit for their exams in the September and March sessions on top of the usual June and December sessions.

Increasing the number of exam sessions from two to four a year provides ACCA students greater choice and flexibility. They can spread their studies over additional exam sessions, thereby maximising their chances of success. They will also have an opportunity to sit resits faster (within three months as opposed to six months previously).

This will mean that ACCA students can potentially progress through the qualification and become a chartered certified accountant at a faster rate. 

Commenting on the timeliness of this development, head of ACCA Malaysia, David Chin, said:

“We are changing the way our exams are delivered and structured in order to enhance the flexibility of studying the ACCA exams and increase the relevance of our qualification in the market place. ACCA’s new exam sessions are timely if we are to meet the Malaysian government’s aim to record at least 60,000 professional accountants by 2020.”

“This provision is not something that developed overnight; it is a result of inclusive discussions with our students and employers. A lot of work went into this to ensure that our infrastructure is ready to support this new provision. We’re very proud to offer this new flexibility to our students so that they can achieve their aspirations to become chartered certified accountants in a shorter time frame,” added David. 

The faster progression time frame referenced by David is due to the ability for ACCA students to enter for two consecutive exam sessions at the same time. This means that students can plan ahead and use the additional exam sessions to study for more papers over the course of a year – students can still take a maximum of 8 distinct exams a year. In this way, they can also take advantage of the cheapest exam fees.

The additional exam sessions are particularly helpful for those who are working full-time and currently pursuing their ACCA Qualification on a part-time basis, as they can now plan their studies around work commitments.

In concurrence with the introduction of additional exam sessions, ACCA has also launched its ACCA Exam Planner, an online tool to help students plan their studies around the new exam calendar.

David concluded: “A high quality student exam experience is extremely important to us. We want to make sure that our students receive optimum support and service on their way to become chartered certified accountants. Employers are relying on us to groom professional accountants they can rely on, and we’re set on meeting those expectations.” 

The ACCA September 2015 exam session is currently open for registration to existing ACCA students. They have until 10 August 2015 to register via myACCA.