The Data Behind ACCA Exam Results

We've analysed the past 5 years of ACCA results - that's 20 exam sessions.
Here's what we've found.

Applied Skills - Reality Check

In order of % pass rates from highest to lowest:

• Law = 72-82%

• TX = 49-56%

• FR = 47-52%

• FM = 45-52%

• AA = 39-47%

• PM = 37-45% HARDEST TO PASS

Strategic Professional Options (2020-2025 Data)

In order easiest to hardest to pass:

1. ATX = 45.3% HIGHEST PASS RATE

2. AFM = 43.5%

3. APM = 34.4%

4. AAA = 33.8% HARDEST!

The numeric papers (ATX, AFM) average 44.4% pass rate vs Judgement papers (APM, AAA) at 34.1%. 
That's a 10.3 point gap across 20 exam sessions!

The calculation papers seem, for many, to be the easiest to pass. 
This is because the wordy papers demand more rigorous and subjective marking. There is rarely a clear-cut, black and white response, like a numbers paper,  but rather it's the shades of evaluation, justification and how you express yourself in writing that make these 'judgment' papers harder to pass.

APPLIED KNOWLEDGE: BT → FA → MA (Start with the highest pass rate to build your confidence!)

APPLIED SKILLS: LW → FR → TX (June/Sept/Dec) → FM → AA → PM (Save PM for LAST - it has the lowest pass rate!)

COMPLETE THE EPSM HERE! (It takes 20 hours and dramatically improves SBL performance - which is the most practical paper of all.)

STRATEGIC PROFESSIONAL (Recommended): SBL → SBR → ATX (June/Sept/Dec) → AFM (AFM+ATX = optimal pass probability based on data)

The 7-year rule is MANAGEABLE.

Don't let anxiety pressure you into poor decisions.
Quality preparation beats speed every time.

YOUR GOAL: Strategic, evidence-based progression through ACCA - not rushing blindly through the exams.

Good luck in your ACCA journey,

Richard and the team :)