Balancing a full-time job while studying for ACCA is something countless learners in Singapore struggle with every year. Whether you’re working full-time or juggling multiple responsibilities, ACCA requires consistent effort, structured planning, and a deep understanding of the exam workload.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from understanding ACCA in Singapore, to planning daily study hours, managing your workload, and mapping out your career progression. By the end, you will have a clear plan to pursue ACCA studies efficiently while maintaining your well-being.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is an internationally recognised professional accounting qualification widely taken by individuals aiming to enter accounting, audit, taxation, and finance roles in Singapore.
ACCA Structure and Stages
ACCA consists of 3 parts:
How long does ACCA take?
The duration varies from person to person. In Singapore, most working professionals take 3 to 4 years to complete all papers at a comfortable pace.
Completing ACCA in 2 years is doable but demanding. If you can commit to multiple papers per sitting, have strong prior knowledge, or possess exemptions. This route demands discipline and consistent study hours, and is generally more manageable for full-time students or candidates without significant work duties.
Before planning your work–study balance, it’s important to understand the study load. ACCA exams require consistent revision and exam-focused practice, not last-minute cramming. Most students follow these study ranges:
On normal weeks:
During revision month:
This schedule ensures that candidates cover the syllabus, practise question techniques, and still have time to rest.
What’s most important is not the number of hours, but the consistency of those hours. Regular revision maintains understanding and reduces exam stress, especially for those juggling work responsibilities.
Balancing ACCA studies alongside a full-time job can feel like walking a tightrope. With the right strategies, it’s absolutely achievable. Success for many adult learners does not come from studying around the clock, it comes with smart planning, consistent routines, and sustainable habits that keep both your work and study life balanced.
One of the biggest mistakes working adults make is deciding daily when to study. This leads to procrastination and unnecessary stress. Instead, block out fixed study slots in your weekly schedule and treat them like professional appointments. Once you turn these sessions into a routine, studying becomes less of a chore and more of a natural part of your day.
Long study can be intimidating, especially after a full day at work. Many working adults find that shorter, focused sessions work better without feeling overwhelmed. You could try these practical strategies:
If you commute daily, that time can become a surprising productivity booster. Small pockets of time add up. You can go through:
As your exam date approaches, it’s crucial to shift your focus toward exam-style practice. Mock exams help you assess your readiness, strengthen time-management skills, and familiarise yourself with question formats. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, many ACCA candidates find that consistent mock practices significantly boost their confidence and performance.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of studying non-stop, but burnout sneaks up faster than you expect. That’s why scheduling at least one rest day a week is essential, it keeps your mind sharp, prevents fatigue and maintains your energy. Coupled with a consistent sleep routine of eight hours per night, this habit not only boosts your focus and energy, but it’s also one of the smartest time management habits you can adapt to stay on top of your prep and perform your best.Â
Balancing work and ACCA is truly about finding rhythm you can maintain for months, not just days.
It’s normal that ACCA exams are like climbing a steep hill. You may struggle at first, not because the content is overly complex, but because you jump in without a clear plan or routine. Success comes from breaking down the workload and following a structured approach.
According to ACCA global, each exam paper consists of 50 questions, carries a passing mark of 50%, and must be completed within 2 hours. This format applies across both paper-based and computer-based exams (CBE).Â
Knowing the structure beforehand helps reduce anxiety and allows you to focus purely on mastering exam contents. While pass rates differ across modules, they generally fall between 40% and 55% globally.
With a realistic plan and consistent habits, these exams become far more manageable than they initially appear.
ACCA professionals in Singapore have a wide range of career opportunities, with salaries that grow steadily with experience. These are the latest ACCA jobs in Singapore 2025:
At Acuity Academy, we understand the demands of balancing full-time work with ACCA studies. That’s why our course is designed to provide working professionals with the structure, guidance, and exam-focused training needed to succeed confidently.
Our experienced instructors simplify complex topics, provide hands-on practice, and help students follow a practical, realistic study routine. With personalised guidance and continuous support, learners can strengthen weak areas, stay accountable, and progress steadily toward exam readiness.Â
Acuity Academy equips you with the right foundation, reaches your full potential and ensures you don’t just study hard but study smart.
Balancing work and ACCA studies is demanding, but every hour of focused effort brings you closer to your goals. Stay consistent, trust your plan, and remember that small, steady progress beats last-minute cramming.
With the right support, structured guidance, and your determination, you can complete ACCA successfully without sacrificing your health or burning out.
Acuity Academy is here to guide you, keep you on track, and help you unlock your fullest potential in your ACCA journey.
For more details, visit Acuity Academy ACCA.
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