ACCA 2025: What the Examiners Actually Said About Passing

The 2025 examiner reports for FR, AA, TX and FM all reveal a similar pattern:  candidates lose marks on fundamentals. Not hard questions - actually, the 'easy' ones.

You don't need to learn more. 
You just need to dial down on what you already know. 
If the basics aren't automatic to you under exam pressure, the harder questions have no foundation to sit upon.

What The Examiners Flagged

1. FR: Candidates confused margin and markup in an unrealised profit calculation. The examiner called it one of the two most common errors on the consolidation question.

2. AA: All four statements were true. Candidates second-guessed themselves and talked themselves out of the right answer. 
   The examiner's words: 'Candidates need to be confident with their knowledge and not second-guess themselves.'

3. TX : Candidates forgot to spread transition profits over five years under the new basis period rules. This is core syllabus stuff and there were many missed marks here.

4. FM: Candidates confused buffer inventory with reorder level. Candidates were strong on calculations but weak on knowing which formula to use.

   None of these were trick questions, the examiners reported.

Drill the fundamentals. Don't just read them. Drill them. Practise questions. Time yourself. Practise again -  Until they're automatic.

Read the examiner reports. They're free on accaglobal.com and there's a lot of detail here on our blog. 
They tell you exactly where marks were lost. Most candidates never even open them - a wasted opportunity!

Trust what you know. If a question feels straightforward, it probably is. The examiner isn't trying to trick you - don't overthink it!

After you feel confident with the core syllabus areas, start practising questions. Use the aCOWtancy exam centre to help you. Compare your answers with the model answers provided.
And if your paper has the Ultra marking option, make the most of that. The feedback and tips you'll receive from our tutors will help you spot your weaker areas and help you understand exactly what the examiners are looking for - perfect exam prep!

Good luck with all the studying :)