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The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has officially announced a significant change to its global exam structure. Remote exams will no longer be available in countries where ACCA exam centres already exist. This update affects both session-based exams and remote on-demand CBEs.
This article provides a full research-based explanation covering timelines, eligibility, reasons, impacts, and practical steps for students.
ACCA is phasing out most remote exams and returning to centre-based assessments.
From 4 November 2025
Students living in countries with ACCA exam centres cannot purchase new remote on-demand exam tokens.
Existing tokens can still be used until their expiry date.
From March 2026
Session-based exams and on-demand CBEs will only be available in physical exam centres in all countries where centres are already present.
Remote exams will continue only in countries where ACCA has no exam centre infrastructure.
This marks the end of the flexibility introduced during the COVID period.
ACCA has provided several reasons for this strategic shift.
Students in Countries With ACCA Exam Centres
Students in Countries Without Exam Centres
Students With Medical or Accessibility Needs
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| November 4 2025 | Remote tokens disabled for countries with exam centres |
| Nov 2025 to Feb 2026 | Transitional period for on-demand and session-based exams |
| March 2026 onwards | Centre-based exams become mandatory where centres exist |
| Post 2026 | Remote exams remain only where there is no exam centre provision |
Tokens Bought Before 4 November 2025
They remain valid until their original expiry date and can still be used.
After 4 November 2025
Candidates cannot purchase remote exam tokens in countries with physical exam centres.
Despite the reduced flexibility, there are several benefits.
Step 1: Check Your Country Exam Availability
Visit the official ACCA exam availability page to confirm whether your country will allow remote exams.
Step 2: Review Existing Remote Tokens
Check token validity dates and plan to use them before they expire.
Step 3: Identify Your Nearest Exam Centre
Locate the closest ACCA approved centre and review available dates for upcoming sessions.
Step 4: Book Exams Early
Seats should be booked at least six to eight weeks before the exam session.
Step 5: Adjust Your Study Plan
With the removal of on-demand remote CBEs, students must follow a more structured preparation schedule.
Step 6: Arrange Travel and Logistics
Book travel and accommodation in advance, especially in cities with high candidate volume.
A large number of ACCA students in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and UAE have been using remote exams since 2020.
Since these countries have well established exam centres, all future exams will be centre-based starting March 2026.
Students should begin preparing for location based attempts immediately to avoid last minute challenges.
The ACCA decision to phase out remote exams marks a return to traditional, controlled, centre-based assessments. The change aims to improve exam security, strengthen fairness and uphold global professional standards.
While students may face initial inconvenience due to travel and reduced flexibility, the long-term benefit is greater credibility and uniformity across markets.
Early planning is essential for all students, especially those preparing for the March 2026 exam session.

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