Question 1

What's the difference between FIA and ACCA?

Accepted Answer

FIA vs ACCA Explained

FIA (Foundations in Accountancy)

For: Anyone — no minimum entry requirements
Structure: 3 certificate levels:
Introductory: FA1, MA1 (2 papers)
Intermediate: FA2, MA2 (2 papers)
Diploma: FAB, FMA, FFA (3 papers)

Outcome: Diploma in Accounting and Business
Bonus: Automatic exemption from ACCA's first 3 papers (BT, MA, FA)

> 2027 Update: From July 2027, ACCA's Foundations level launches with new papers (F1, F2, F3). The final ACCA exams under the current FIA structure are in June 2027. Starting now means you complete fully under the current proven pathway.

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)

For: Any 2 A-Levels + 3 O-Levels (including English and Maths, in 5 separate subjects) — or FIA Diploma completers
Papers: 13 papers across 3 levels
Outcome: Full professional qualification
Levels: Applied Knowledge → Applied Skills → Strategic Professional

Which Should You Choose?

> Not sure? Get your personalized study plan and we'll advise based on your background.

Question 2

Do you teach all ACCA papers?

Accepted Answer

Our ACCA Paper Coverage

We Teach In-House

Applied Knowledge (All 3)
BT (Business and Technology)
MA (Management Accounting)
FA (Financial Accounting)

Applied Skills (Selected)
PM (Performance Management)
FR (Financial Reporting)
FM (Financial Management)

Via Trusted Network

Specialist Papers
LW (Corporate and Business Law)
TX (Taxation)
AA (Audit and Assurance)
Strategic Professional — SBL, SBR + 2 Options (AFM, APM, ATX, or AAA)

How It Works

When you request specialist papers, we connect you with vetted tutors in our network — same quality standards, specialized expertise.

> One point of contact for all your ACCA needs, whether we teach directly or via partners.

Question 3

How many years does ACCA take to complete?

Accepted Answer

How Long Does ACCA Take?

On average: 3–4 years. The range depends on your starting point and how many papers you attempt per sitting.

The Numbers

Realistic Timelines

What Slows Students Down

Failed papers add 3–6 months each. Our 80%+ pass rate keeps students on track.

ACCA caps you at 4 papers per sitting and 8 different exams per year. For Strategic Professional, we recommend no more than 2 per sitting — rushing causes fails.

36 months of relevant work experience is required for membership — but this runs concurrently with your studies.

> Our students average 3.5 years from registration to full ACCA membership. We plan your exam strategy from day one to get you there efficiently.

Question 4

Are classes online or in-person?

Accepted Answer

Flexible Learning Formats

We offer both!
Live via Google Meet or Zoom
Evening sessions: 6pm - 8pm CAT
Weekend intensives available
Recorded for revision
Same quality as in-person
Home visits — we come to you in Harare
In-person at our Harare CBD venue (by appointment)
Ideal for focused 1-on-1 coaching

What's Included (Both Formats)
Study materials
WhatsApp support
Practice questions
Mock exams
Exam technique coaching

> 80% of students choose online for flexibility, but both formats deliver the same results.

Question 5

Can I study ACCA while working full time?

Accepted Answer

ACCA While Working Full Time

Yes — and most of our students do exactly this.

Over 80% of ACCA students in Zimbabwe are employed. ACCA is specifically designed to be completed while working.

Why It Works

Four exam sittings per year (March, June, September, December). You choose when you sit — no lock-in.

Applied Knowledge papers (BT, MA, FA) are available on-demand via Computer-Based Exams — sit whenever you're ready.

Your job is building the 36 months of practical experience required for ACCA membership. Study and work simultaneously — not sequentially.

How We Make It Work

Recommended Pace (Working Students)
2 papers per sitting = manageable alongside full-time work
3 papers per sitting = ambitious but achievable with our structured support
Avoid 4 papers per sitting unless on study leave

> We work around your job — not the other way around.

Question 6

Do you teach in Shona?

Accepted Answer

Shona-English Bilingual Instruction

Ehe! Tinotsanangura neShona!

How It Works

Best For
FIA papers
BT, MA, FA (Applied Knowledge)
Students more comfortable in Shona

Example

When we teach "accruals and prepayments":
Explain concept in Shona first
Use English terminology for exam
Reinforce with Shona examples

> This bilingual approach has helped hundreds of students pass who struggled with English-only instruction.

Question 7

Should I start with AAT or go straight to ACCA?

Accepted Answer

AAT vs ACCA: Which Path is Right for You?

The honest answer depends on your current qualifications and career goals.

Quick Decision Guide

AAT: The Case For It

Anyone can start AAT regardless of academic background. It is accessible and builds from the ground up.

Covers bookkeeping, payroll, financial statements, and tax — all of which appear in ACCA.

AAT is a respected qualification in its own right. Many employers value AAT-qualified staff.

Students who complete AAT Level 4 get exemptions from ACCA's BT, MA, and FA papers at no exemption fee. This is an official ACCA-AAT partnership benefit — you pay no extra to be credited for three papers.

ACCA: The Case For It

ACCA is recognized in 180+ countries. It is the standard for professional accountants internationally.

Going straight to ACCA is faster if you already meet the entry requirements.

What We Recommend

If you have the A-Levels — go straight to ACCA.
If you don't — AAT is a strong, dignified path that prepares you well.

> Not sure which applies to you? We'll assess your qualifications and tell you exactly where to start.

Question 8

What if I fail the exam?

Accepted Answer

Our Support If Things Don't Go as Planned

Our Track Record

80%+ pass rate (vs 60% national average)

But we understand things don't always go as planned.

Our Resit Support Policy
50% Discount on Resit Tuition
First resit gets half-price tuition — we're invested in your success.
Root Cause Analysis
We analyze what went wrong:
Knowledge gaps?
Exam technique?
Time management?
Personal circumstances?
Adjusted Study Plan
Based on the analysis, we adjust your approach.
Additional Support
Extra sessions focused on weak areas.
Partner Referrals
For papers we don't teach, we connect you with specialist tutors.

> Remember: ACCA allows unlimited resits. Many successful accountants failed a paper and went on to excel.

Question 9

Can I get exemptions from ACCA papers?

Accepted Answer

ACCA Exemptions Explained

Yes! You may qualify for exemptions from up to 9 papers (Applied Knowledge + Applied Skills). No exemptions are ever awarded for Strategic Professional papers.

Common Exemptions

Conditional Exemptions (Still Studying?)

If you are mid-degree — still studying an accounting programme — ACCA offers conditional exemptions. These allow you to:
Register with ACCA and start your exams before you graduate
Receive exemptions for Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills papers (up to FM)
Convert your conditional exemptions to full exemptions once you submit graduation evidence

This means you don't have to wait until you finish your degree to begin. Conditional exemptions are available for assessed courses at ACCA-recognised institutions.

Important Details
Apply at registration — submit your exemption application when you first register with ACCA
Fees apply — there is a fee for each exemption awarded (paid via MyACCA)
Can forfeit — you have 14 days to forfeit exemptions for a refund if you'd prefer to sit the exam
Not guaranteed — exemptions depend on your institution, programme, and graduation year

How to Check

Option 1: Use the official ACCA Exemption Calculator

Option 2: Tell us your education history in the Personalized Plan form

> Important: Exemptions save time and money, but some students choose to study exempted papers for stronger foundations. We'll advise based on your situation.

Question 10

When are the next ACCA exam sittings?

Accepted Answer

ACCA Exam Schedule

Current ACCA Exam Windows

ACCA exams run four times per year:

Tips
Register early — late registration costs more (check accaglobal.com for exact deadlines)
Start studying at least 8-10 weeks before the exam
ACCA allows up to 4 papers per session (8 per year). We recommend 2-3 for best results

> We plan your entire exam strategy — which papers, which sittings, and when to start studying.

Question 11

Do you offer CIMA or just ACCA?

Accepted Answer

CIMA at Onilaz

Yes — we support CIMA students through our partnership model.

How CIMA Works at Onilaz

While our primary focus is ACCA, we connect CIMA students with vetted specialist tutors in our network. You still get:
Single point of contact (us)
Study plan coordination
Resource recommendations
WhatsApp support group

CIMA Qualification Structure

CIMA leads to the CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant) designation.

Starting from scratch (no accounting degree):

BA1, BA2, BA3, BA4 — all computer-based objective tests. Can be completed in as little as 12 months. Provides entry for those without an accounting background.

Professional Qualification — 12 exams across 3 levels:

3 objective tests + 1 case study exam. Covers enterprise management, performance operations, and financial operations.

3 objective tests + 1 case study exam. Advanced management accounting, financial reporting, and strategic enterprise.

3 objective tests + 1 case study exam. Strategic management, risk management, and financial strategy.

Total journey: 4 Cert BA + 12 Professional = 16 exams (if starting from zero). Degree holders may enter the Professional Qualification directly — skipping Cert BA.

Practical Experience (PER)

To use the CGMA designation, you need a minimum of 3 years of relevant finance/management experience, verified by a supervisor. This runs alongside your exams — not after.

2026 Syllabus Update

From January 2026 (objective tests) and May 2026 (case studies), the CGMA Professional Qualification has an updated syllabus. The structure and number of exams remain exactly the same. The update adds:
Finance business partnering skills
Sustainability reporting (IFRS S1/S2 standards)
Generative AI and financial technology
Analytical and critical thinking applied to real business scenarios

No transition arrangements are needed — candidates continue their normal exam schedule.

ACCA vs CIMA: Quick Comparison

Study Pathways

CIMA offers two main study routes:
Self-tailored pathway — self-study with tuition providers (Kaplan, BPP, etc.)
Finance Leadership Program (FLP) — integrated digital study program with structured learning and business simulations

> Unsure which path? Book a free consultation and we'll advise based on your career goals.

Question 12

What is the PER (Practical Experience Requirement)?

Accepted Answer

ACCA Practical Experience Requirement (PER)

To become an ACCA member, you must complete the PER alongside your exams.

Three Components
36 months of employment in an accounting or finance-related role
9 performance objectives — 5 Essentials + at least 4 Technical (chosen from a list)
My Experience record — log everything online via MyACCA

Key Facts
⏰ Can start from day 1 of your ACCA journey — don't wait until you've passed all exams
🔄 Transferable — across employers, sectors, and countries
Experience before registration counts (if your supervisor can verify it)
👨–🏾‍💼 Your practical experience supervisor must be a qualified accountant (IFAC body member)
⏱️ Part-time counts pro-rata (35 hrs/week = full-time; 1,540 hrs = 12 months)

What Counts?

Supervisor Requirements

Your supervisor reviews and signs off your objectives. If your line manager isn't qualified, you can have two supervisors — your manager for time, and a qualified accountant for objectives.

> We help you understand PER for free — what it is, how to log it, and how to find a supervisor.

Question 13

Can I take ACCA exams in any order?

Accepted Answer

ACCA Exam Progression Rules

The Order Rule

You must follow the level progression:

Applied Knowledge → Applied Skills → Strategic Professional

However, within each level, you can take papers in any order.

Detailed Rules

Cross-Level Entry

You can enter exams in the next level as long as you've also entered any outstanding exams in your current level. For example, if you've passed BT and MA, you can enter FA and LW (next level) in the same session.

Our Recommendation

> We build your exam strategy — which papers, which order, which sittings.

Question 14

What is the ACCA Ethics and Professional Skills module?

Accepted Answer

Ethics and Professional Skills Module

What Is It?

An online, self-paced module that every ACCA student must complete to qualify for membership. It's separate from your 13 exams.

Key Details

What It Covers
Professional and ethical behaviour
Stakeholder relationship management
Innovation and critical thinking
Commercial awareness
Leadership and teamwork

Three Requirements for ACCA Membership
Pass all 13 exams
Complete the Ethics and Professional Skills module
Complete the PER (36 months practical experience)

> Tip: Start the Ethics module early — it complements your exam studies and helps with SBL (Strategic Business Leader).

Question 15

How do I register with ACCA as a student?

Accepted Answer

ACCA Student Registration

Steps to Register
Check entry requirements — 2 A-Levels + 3 O-Levels (incl. English & Maths) in 5 separate subjects. No qualifications? Start with FIA (no requirements).
Register online via MyACCA
Upload documents — certified copies of your qualifications, ID, passport photo
Pay fees — initial registration fee + annual subscription
Apply for exemptions — submit your qualification documents at the same time

First Year Fees

Important Notes
📅 Annual subscription is due by 1 January each year — even if you're not sitting exams
Non-payment can result in removal from the student register (re-registration fee applies)
Keep your MyACCA email address up to date for all communications

We Help You Register (Free)

We walk every student through the full ACCA registration process at no extra cost — documents, payments, exemptions, everything.

> Ready to register? Let us guide you through it

Question 16

I have passed all my ACCA papers — what happens next?

Accepted Answer

After Your Final ACCA Exam — The Road to Membership

Passing all 13 papers is a major milestone. But there are two more requirements before you become a full ACCA member.

The Three Requirements for ACCA Membership

An online self-paced module via ACCA Learning. Must be completed before membership application. Most students finish in 15–20 hours.

36 months of relevant work experience, confirmed by a workplace supervisor. You must demonstrate 9 performance objectives (5 core + 4 from specialist areas).

Once exams, Ethics module, and PER are complete — submit your membership application to ACCA. You become an ACCA member (using the "ACCA" designation) upon approval. The FCCA (Fellow) designation comes later, after 5+ years of membership in good standing.

After Full ACCA Membership — What's Possible

OBU Degree — Closing Permanently in 2026

Oxford Brookes University offers a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting to ACCA students who pass the Applied Skills level and submit a Research and Analysis Project (RAP). This is separate from ACCA membership but highly valued.

> ⚠️ URGENT: The OBU BSc programme is being discontinued after 2026. The final RAP submission deadline is May 2026. If you fail that submission, the last resubmission opportunity is November 2026. After December 2026 the programme closes permanently — no further intake or submissions will be accepted. If you're eligible, act now.

> You've done the hardest part. We help you complete the PER sign-off process and membership application — step by step.

Question 17

What is changing with ACCA in 2027 and does it affect me?

Accepted Answer

ACCA 2027 — The Biggest Qualification Redesign in Decades

ACCA is restructuring its entire qualification from mid-2027. Here is what is changing and what it means for students today.

What Is Changing

New Paper Structure

Knowledge Level (replaces Applied Knowledge, on-demand CBE)
K1 — Financial Accounting
K2 — Management Accounting
K3 — Business Law (moved from Applied Skills)

Expertise Level (replaces Applied Skills, session-based CBE)
E1 through E5 (5 papers replacing the current 6)

Strategic Professional (unchanged approach, fewer options)
S1 (Business and Sustainability Reporting) + S2 (Strategic Business Leader) + 1 Option
Options: Audit and Assurance Professional, Corporate Finance Professional, Taxation Advisory Professional, Performance and Insights Professional, or Data Science Professional (new)

Timeline

Does It Affect You?

If you start or continue ACCA now (before June 2027):

All papers you pass are credited — your progress transfers to the new structure
ACCA will publish a transition mapping so you know exactly which new papers you are exempt from
Starting now is an advantage — you may complete more under the current structure

Bottom line: Studying ACCA in 2026 is still the right move. Papers you pass now count towards the new qualification.

> For full transition details, visit accaglobal.com. ACCA has not yet published the final transition mapping — we will update this FAQ when they do.

Question 18

What happens if I fail an ACCA exam?

Accepted Answer

Failed an ACCA Exam? Here's What to Do

The Good News

There is no limit on re-sits. You can re-take any failed exam at the next available session.

Key Facts

What ACCA Offers
Examiner reports — published after each session showing common mistakes
📝 Administrative review — if you believe procedures weren't properly applied (not a re-mark)
🏆 Pass mark — 50% for all papers

Our Approach to Re-Sitters

We work with many students who are re-sitting papers. Our approach:
Diagnose — review your previous attempt and identify weak areas
Target — focus sessions on the specific topics you struggled with
Practice — past papers under exam conditions with detailed feedback
Technique — often the issue is exam technique, not knowledge

> Remember: ACCA allows unlimited resits. Many successful accountants failed a paper and went on to excel.

Onilaz Academy

Onilaz Academy