Strong CBE pass rates in ACCA’s first exam session for 2018

The body said results were generally strong in the latest exam sitting which saw 100,487 students around the world enter.

A total of 127,267 exams were taken and 3,430 students completed their final exams to become ACCA affiliates.

Commenting on the latest exam results, Alan Hatfield, ACCA executive director strategy and development said: “We’re delighted with the pass rates in the March 2018 sitting. Results were notably strong for computer-based exams (CBE) in Skills exams (F5 to F9) demonstrating how well the learning support we have in place is working. With the continued success of the session CBE rollout, paper exams have been fully withdrawn from nine of our markets, making CBE the only mode offered in those markets for F5 to F9 Skills at the March session. A further 15 markets will be CBE only from June 2018.”

ACCA said it has aimed to lead the way with technology, using innovative approaches for its exams by introducing on-demand CBEs as early as 1998, making ACCA the first professional body to offer this flexible option for its students. It then introduced session based CBEs in 2016, available four times a year.

Mr Hatfield continued: “All our CBEs align with the way in which tasks are carried out in today’s working environment. In the session-based CBEs, for example, students use spreadsheet and word-processing tools to answer questions. Students are supported with a range resources to familiarise themselves with the exam format through the ACCA website, which provides interactive video support, technical articles, CBE skills practise and access to full pilot and past exam questions exams for each subject to ensure student are fully prepared to succeed.

“Pass rates were also pleasing for P1 Governance, Risk and Ethics and P3 Business Analysisexams which remain above historic averages. Many learning resources have been created to help students on their journey to these exams, both of which must be completed before Strategic Business Leader, our new integrated case study exam, begins in September 2018.”

Affiliate numbers also remain strong with 36 per cent of those eligible to become affiliates doing so at this session, up from 34 per cent in the previous two sessions giving us 3,430 new affiliates.

Mr Hatfield added: “As always, students attending our approved learning providers continue to get stronger pass rates, as they work with us to support the latest qualification changes. The ACCA Qualification rigorously tests the skills, abilities and competencies demanded by a modern day accountant, preparing students for a rewarding career as a qualified and ethical finance professional.”