2. Applied Skills Level
It introduces more advanced subjects such as Corporate and Business Law, Performance Management, Taxation, Financial Reporting, Audit and Assurance, and Financial Management. At this stage, the books become more detailed. You require a deeper understanding of concepts and their application.
These six papers are the current Applied Skills exams listed by ACCA.
3. Strategic Professional Levels
At the Strategic Professional level, students move into advanced topics. You study Strategic Business Leader and Strategic Business Reporting as compulsory papers. You also choose two optional subjects such as Advanced Financial Management, Advanced Performance Management, Advanced Taxation, or Advanced Audit and Assurance.
At Strategic Professional, students take both Essential exams and choose two Options exams.
So, for ACCA study materials, the key takeaway is that for each paper, a study text and an exam kit are the most important resources.
The ACCA Course offered by IIM SKILLS covers all concepts in-depth.
Which ACCA Book Should You Use for Each Paper?
For every paper, the key study material should be appropriate to the syllabus as well as the exam session that you are preparing for. In most cases, the Study Text or Course Book is used for gaining knowledge about the syllabus, while Exam Kit or Practice & Revision Kit is utilized for practicing and revising the questions.
It is very important to confirm the edition as well as syllabus coverage before buying the book. Syllabus changes are always mentioned by ACCA for each exam year.
ACCA Study Text vs Exam Kit: What's the Difference?
The study materials of ACCA have different functions depending on the stage of preparation for exams. The use of a Study Text/Course Book aims at acquiring knowledge and understanding the topic, while the aim of Exam Kit/Practice & Revision Kit is to apply the knowledge and concepts in practice using exam-type questions.
It is crucial to check the edition and syllabus content prior to purchasing the book. Changes in the syllabus are always provided by ACCA in advance.
Kaplan vs BPP ACCA Books: Which Should You Choose?
Both the ACCA Content Partners offer ACCA study and revision materials for ACCA students, but their choice usually depends upon the kind of ACCA study materials one prefers and the method of study, among others.
Kaplan ACCA Books
The study and revision materials by Kaplan Publishing for individual ACCA papers are known as Study Texts and Exam Kits, respectively. The current Kaplan ACCA materials are relevant for the corresponding ACCA exams, and some of them contain additional online resources.
Kaplan ACCA Study Text enables students to grasp the syllabus whereas Exam Kit is aimed at helping them with question practice and exam technique.
BPP ACCA Books
Like Kaplan Publishing, BPP Learning Media is another ACCA Content Partner providing ACCA study and revision materials for ACCA students. Their materials consist of ACCA study materials and question practice materials for the exams.
The terminology of BPP's ACCA materials includes Study Text and Practice & Revision Kit where the latter is for the sake of question practice and revision.
Kaplan vs BPP: Quick Comparison table
| Factor | Kaplan | BPP |
|---|
|
ACCA status
|
✓
ACCA Content Partner
|
✓
ACCA Content Partner
|
|
Main learning resource
|
Study Text
|
Study Text
|
|
Main practice resource
|
Exam Kit
|
Practice & Revision Kit
|
|
Purpose
|
Learn the syllabus and practise exam-style questions
|
Learn the syllabus and practise/revise through exam-style questions
|
|
Format
|
Print and eBook options vary by product
|
Print and eBook options vary by product
|
|
Best choice
|
Depends on your paper and study preference
|
Depends on your paper and study preference
|
ACCA status
Kaplan
✓
ACCA Content Partner
BPP
✓
ACCA Content Partner
Main learning resource
Kaplan
Study Text
BPP
Study Text
Main practice resource
Kaplan
Exam Kit
BPP
Practice & Revision Kit
Purpose
Kaplan
Learn the syllabus and practise exam-style questions
BPP
Learn the syllabus and practise/revise through exam-style questions
Format
Kaplan
Print and eBook options vary by product
BPP
Print and eBook options vary by product
Best choice
Kaplan
Depends on your paper and study preference
BPP
Depends on your paper and study preference
Which Is Better: Kaplan or BPP?
It does not matter which publishing house is better since there is no such publisher that is suitable for all the students who prepare for the ACCA. Kaplan and BPP are the publishers who are ACCA Content Partners, meaning that they publish books based on ACCA syllabus and exams requirements.
Before you decide to purchase any material, make sure to review the content of the book, its syllabus and your preferences in terms of format and explanations.
Advice: do not choose the book only because some other students recommend a certain publisher.
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Best ACCA Books for Indian Students
The best ACCA study material is not always the one that costs the highest or contains the most information. The one that is tailored to your ACCA paper, exam session, study medium, and preparation needs will be the best one.
Kaplan Publishing and BPP Learning Media are ACCA Content Partners that produce ACCA study and exam-preparation material.
When you are planning to study for ACCA by yourself, pick a study guide or course book that can help you understand your syllabus and go along with an Exam Kit/Practice & Revision Kit.
What Should Indian Students Look For In An ACCA Book?
The following are things you should look for before purchasing an ACCA book:
Correct Paper: Ensure the book corresponds with the ACCA paper you are studying for.
Correct Exam Session: Make sure the book is suitable for your exam session.
Type of Study Material: Choose between Study Text or Course Book for concept study and Exam Kit or Practice and Revision Kit for answering questions.
Medium: Print books or eBooks should be chosen according to your study requirements.
Publisher: Compare the appropriate Kaplan and BPP material for your ACCA paper as opposed to believing that there is one publisher that is superior at all subjects.
Budget: Individual books, a full kit or any other combination may be considered.
For instance, currently, some publisher lists contain books that cater to students who are taking exams in September 2026 – June 2027 sessions while some books will be valid for other exam sessions. It is essential to know which exam session is covered by the book before making the purchase.
Kaplan or BPP: Which Is Better for Indian Students?
It is not an easy question to answer. Both these publishers are ACCA Content Partners and thus, instead of choosing one based on the publisher's name, choose based on your course and exam session.
If you would like to read the printed version, find out the availability of the same in your region. For online reading, both Kaplan and BPP have eBooks that may vary in format and period of access.
Tip: Before buying ACCA books in India, check the paper, edition/session, format and syllabus coverage instead of depending solely on the title of the book.
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What is the Price of ACCA Books in India?
Price of ACCA course materials depends on various factors such as paper, publisher, type of study material, edition, format, and seller. Hence, there is no standard cost that applies to all the ACCA study materials.
For instance, current Kaplan offers varyingly-priced Study Texts, Exam Kits and other revision resources, per paper. Some of the current Kaplan Study Texts are listed at around £42-£45 for print editions, while the prices for Exam Kits and other revision resources are listed separately. These are prices listed by the publisher and may not be the actual cost that an Indian student pays once the delivery is made, taxes are calculated and currency conversion takes place.
BPP Learning Media provides ACCA course materials in printed and eBooks for ACCA candidates. Current 2026-2027 editions of ACCA course materials are currently available
You can also opt for shared resources, or ACCA books pdf online. Second-hand books are also an option. These help cut down on the expenses.
What Determines the Cost of ACCA Books?
The Publisher: The ACCA books published by Kaplan and BPP will differ in cost.
The type of materials: There is a difference between a study text/course book and an exam kit/practice & revision kit.
Format: The printed version of the books differs in cost from the eBook.
Paper: The price of ACCA books will be different based on the papers you study.
Edition: The exam-session edition may differ in cost from other editions.
Shipping fees: Additional fees will be charged for students purchasing books from overseas publishers.
How to Save Money When Buying ACCA Study Materials?
There is no need for you to buy all of the available books. It makes more sense that once you identify the paper and exam-session you are studying, you choose if you need the study text, exam kit, or both.
Always verify your choice of the current publisher list and exam session when purchasing.
If you are curious about ACCA vs CA and which one offers more career avenues, check out this article.
ACCA Books: Print vs eBook - Which Should You Choose?
The choice between online and printed books depends on what is more convenient for you.
Printed books offer a conventional route to study. They make it easier to highlight important points, write notes, and study without distractions. They are also good for extended study sessions for the eyes.
On the other hand, ACCA books online provide flexibility and convenience. They can be accessed from anywhere and are often more affordable. Digital formats also make it easier to search for specific topics quickly as well.
You can use a combination of both. You can have printed books for detailed study and use online resources for revision and quick access.
You can also learn about ACCA Job Roles in India and abroad here.
How to Choose the Right ACCA Books?
The selection of ACCA books is dependent on not just the publisher. Before selecting your study material, there are certain aspects that you must consider including your paper, preparation level, preferred way of learning, budget, and exam session.
1. Select the Right Book for Your ACCA Paper
Firstly, identify the particular ACCA paper you are going to prepare for. The study material that you choose should be relevant to your paper and its examinable content.
2. Identify What You Really Need
In case you are studying the topic for the first time, you can select a study text or course book to assist in grasping the concept and syllabus.
In case you understand all the topics and you just need some exam practice, an exam kit or a practice and revision kit will assist you in practicing exam-type questions.
3. Compare Kaplan and BPP for Your Paper
Kaplan and BPP are both ACCA Content Partners. Rather than automatically choosing one publisher as being superior to the other for all papers and all candidates, it is important to compare the material available from both for your particular paper.
4. Consider Your Learning Style
Different learners have different styles where some prefer more details and writing whereas others prefer concise study with more emphasis on practice.
5. Selecting between Print and eBook
The print version might be a better option if you like the process of highlighting, annotating, and studying without being glued to the screen. An eBook might suit you better if portability and searchability are your concerns.
6. Verify the Edition of the Book before Purchase
Make sure to check the book’s relevance to the right exam session and the updated syllabus. The old edition may not include syllabus updates and changes.
7. Budget
You do not have to purchase all available books. Find out which one would help you best in your preparation, and compare the price of each book and type of book.
Quick tip: Pick the book that suits your paper + exam session + preparation period + preferred method of studying, instead of just picking up any popular book.
You may also be interested in learning more about ACCA vs CPA.
Which Edition of ACCA Books Should You Buy?
When selecting ACCA study books, ensure that the book is appropriate for your exam session and the relevant syllabus. ACCA and its Content Partners issue new study materials to reflect any amendments to the syllabus and examinable content, meaning that an old version may not contain all the content necessary for your exam.
While purchasing a book, please verify:
ACCA paper: Verify that the book is written for your specific ACCA paper.
Exam session: Ensure that the book is aimed at your exam session.
Coverage of the syllabus: Ensure that the book corresponds to your syllabus.
Edition: Check publisher's product description prior to placing the order.
Book format: For eBooks, please verify that you have access to the book during your exam session.
Can You Use An Old ACCA Textbook?
An old textbook can still help you understand the concept that hasn’t been updated; however, using this book as your main study guide can be risky if there have been changes in the syllabus, examinable topics, or exam format.
When preparing for exams, you can consider it better to use the study material which corresponds to the exam session you want to take and complement it by the up-to-date information provided by ACCA whenever it is needed.
Advice: Check the paper + exam session + syllabus before buying the ACCA book and not just because the book has been recently published.
How to Use ACCA Books Effectively?
Using ACCA books effectively requires consistency and a structured approach. Read and study the text carefully, and understand the logic behind each topic. Avoid rushing through chapters, as clarity is more important than speed.
After you have clarity on the concepts, move on to the exam kit. Practicing questions helps you understand how topics are tested in the exam and improves your problem-solving skills. Regular revision is equally important.
Use your ACCA study texts in a straightforward three-step process:
Learn: This step involves using the Study Text or Course Book to grasp the concepts.
Practice: This step involves solving exam-style questions by means of Exam Kit or Practice & Revision Kit.
Review: This step involves revisiting the topics in which you need to improve yourself.
You can learn about ACCA Success rates extensively here.
FAQs
1. Which are the best books for ACCA preparation?
Both Kaplan and BPP are ACCA Content Partners providing study and exam preparation material. The best one would depend on your paper and how you are preparing for the ACCA papers.
2. Is Kaplan or BPP better for ACCA?
It does not matter because there is no better one for everybody. Compare the particular Kaplan and BPP material for your paper and exam session before making your decision.
3. Do I require both Study Text and Exam Kit?
A Study Text/Course Book will help you to learn the concept while Exam Kit/Practice and Revision Kit helps you to practice exam styled question. Having both will give you the balance in preparation.
4. Should I purchase the latest edition of ACCA book?
Yes, you should ensure that the book suits your paper, exam session, and current syllabus before purchasing.
5. Is it possible to prepare for ACCA without buying books?
Yes, it is possible to use official ACCA material along with/instead of commercial preparation material, depending on your preparation requirements.
6. Which one is better, ACCA eBooks or print books?
There isn't any format which is better. Printed books should be chosen if one needs to make physical highlights, whereas eBooks will be better for their portability.
7. What is the cost of ACCA books in India?
The price depends on different factors such as quality of paper, publisher, edition, type of books, and even vendor.
Have you wondered about ACCA vs CMA. Check out the details here.
Conclusion
It is necessary to choose the right ACCA textbooks based on the paper, exam session, level of preparation, mode of learning, and the available budget.
ACCA study materials are provided by Kaplan and BPP, while the ACCA official materials may be used in conjunction with your preparations. The easiest thing is to get a study text or course book for learning, and then a practice kit for practice.
Before purchasing, you need to ensure that you have the latest syllabus, exam session, edition, and format of the study material.
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