Pursuing ACCA Qualification in the USA

I'm interested in accounting and considering studying ACCA in the USA after high school. Is it possible to pursue ACCA certification there, and if so, what universities offer it? How would the process work for an international student?

While the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification is highly respected and internationally recognized, it's not as commonly pursued in the United States as it is in other parts of the world. Instead, the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is the most widely recognized accounting credential in the U.S.

That being said, it's definitely possible to study for the ACCA qualification in the United States. However, you should note that U.S. universities typically do not offer ACCA certification. Mostly, ACCA is self-studied, with students enrolling in courses with approved learning providers, that could range from full classroom courses to distance learning and self-study guides.

As an international student, your first step would be ensuring that you meet the entry requirements for the ACCA qualification. It usually requires a minimum of three GCSEs and two A Levels in five separate subjects including English and math, or equivalent.

Next, you would apply to become an ACCA student, pay the annual student subscription fee, and then you could start to schedule and take the ACCA exams. All can be done online on the ACCA website. Different papers have different sittings throughout the year, so you can structure your study and exams in a way that suits you.

Remember, while pursuing the ACCA in the U.S., it's a good idea to check with potential employers or your preferred industry to understand the recognition and acceptability of ACCA. You might find that earning your CPA could open more doors in the U.S. job market. There's no right or wrong path here. It very much depends on your career goals and where you plan to work in future.