Diploma in Accounting and Business

ACCA Foundation Diploma Exams and Syllabus

Explore the three Diploma-level FIA papers: FBT (Business and Technology), FMA (Management Accounting), and FFA (Financial Accounting). Review the main syllabus areas, understand the exam format, and choose the subjects you need to prepare for.

Syllabus note: Always check the latest ACCA syllabus and exam guidance for your intended sitting, particularly when planning studies around the 2027 qualification transition.

Exam format The three papers

At a Glance

Common Exam Format for FBT, FMA and FFA

FBT, FMA, and FFA are on-demand computer-based exams. Each exam lasts two hours and includes objective questions and multiple-choice questions.

Two-Hour Computer-Based Exams

Each of the three papers has a two-hour time limit. These exams are available on demand, subject to the exam arrangements in your location.

All Questions Are Compulsory

There are no question choices, so the exam covers the whole syllabus.

50% Pass Mark

The pass mark for each of these exams is 50%.

Section A and Section B

The exams include objective test questions in Section A and multiple-choice questions in Section B. The mix of questions and syllabus coverage varies by paper, so review the relevant ACCA exam guidance for the subject you are taking.

The Three Diploma Papers

FBT, FMA and FFA: Subjects and Syllabus Areas

FBT

Foundations in Business and Technology

FBT introduces how organisations operate, how people and business functions work together, and how governance, technology, and external factors influence business activity.

Exam format

Section	Content	Marks
A	46 objective test questions (16 one-mark, 30 two-mark)	76
B	6 multi-task questions, one per syllabus area, 4 marks each	24

Syllabus areas

AThe business organisation, its stakeholders and the external environment
BOrganisational structure, culture, governance and sustainability
CAccounting and finance functions, regulation and technology
DLeadership, and how teams and individuals are managed, motivated and developed
EPersonal effectiveness as the basis for effective team and organisational behaviour
FProfessional ethics and professional values

FMA

Management Accounting

FMA develops the management accounting techniques used to provide information for planning, control, and performance management. It covers how organisations analyse costs, prepare budgets, and assess results.

Exam format

Section	Content	Marks
A	35 objective test questions, 2 marks each	70
B	3 multi-task questions (Budgeting, Standard costing, Performance measurement), 10 marks each	30

Syllabus areas

AThe nature, source and purpose of management information
BData analysis and statistical techniques
CCost accounting techniques
DBudgets for planning and control
EStandard costing and variance analysis
FPerformance measurement and monitoring business performance

FFA

Financial Accounting

FFA introduces financial accounting principles and systems, including double-entry bookkeeping, recording transactions, preparing financial statements, and interpreting financial information.

Exam format

Section	Content	Marks
A	35 objective test questions, 2 marks each	70
B	2 multi-task questions — consolidations and accounts preparation, 15 marks each	30

Syllabus areas

AThe context and purpose of financial reporting
BAccounting principles, concepts and qualitative characteristics
CDouble-entry bookkeeping and accounting systems
DRecording transactions and events
EReconciliations
FPreparing a trial balance
GPreparing financial statements
HPreparing basic consolidated financial statements
IInterpreting financial statements

Recommended study order

Which Foundation Paper Should You Study First?

ACCA recommends that students with no prior accounting knowledge start with FA1 and MA1, followed by FA2 and MA2, before moving on to FBT, FMA and FFA. This builds knowledge progressively, although students with suitable prior learning may be able to begin at a higher level.

If you are unsure which stage is right for you, read our guide to ACCA Foundation entry requirements and exemptions.

Completing the Diploma

What Happens After FBT, FMA and FFA?

FBT, FMA, and FFA are the three exams at the Diploma in Accounting and Business level. To complete the current Foundation Diploma route, students must meet ACCA's requirements for the seven FIA exams and the Foundations in Professionalism module.

Eligible students can then progress to the ACCA Qualification with exemptions from the Applied Knowledge exams, subject to ACCA's applicable rules. The precise transfer route may depend on your circumstances and the rules in effect when you complete your studies.

Read Progression from the Foundation Diploma to ACCA for further details.

Plan for the Latest Syllabus

Check ACCA's Current Syllabus and Exam Guidance

Syllabus documents explain the topics that can be assessed, while exam guidance outlines the structure and question types. Check the current documents for your paper before you begin or revise your study plan.

ACCA is introducing a redesigned qualification from 2027. If your planned exam date falls near the transition, consult ACCA's official qualification transition guidance to understand how your progress may be carried forward.

Questions

ACCA Foundation Diploma Exams and Syllabus FAQs

How long are the FBT, FMA and FFA exams?

Each exam lasts two hours.

Are all questions compulsory?

Yes. Candidates must answer all questions in the exam. Prepare across the full syllabus rather than relying on selected topics.

What is the pass mark for FBT, FMA and FFA?

The pass mark for each of these papers is 50%.

Which subject should I study first?

If you have no previous accounting knowledge, ACCA recommends starting with FA1 and MA1, then progressing to FA2 and MA2, followed by FBT, FMA and FFA. Your prior knowledge may affect the most appropriate starting point.

Do I need to complete all seven FIA exams?

The requirements depend on the qualification route you are following. The current Foundation Diploma route requires all seven exams and the Foundations in Professionalism module. Check ACCA's guidance if you are studying individual FIA papers or claiming exemptions.

Will the syllabus change in 2027?

ACCA is introducing a redesigned qualification in 2027. Check the latest syllabus documents and transition guidance for your planned exam date before deciding which materials to use.

Preparing for FBT, FMA or FFA?

Study Your Foundation Diploma Papers with VLS

Choose the subject you need and prepare with VLS online tuition. Explore the available course resources and support before selecting your FBT, FMA, or FFA course.

ACCA Foundation Diploma Pack ACCA Applied Knowledge