ACCA vs CA

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1. According to NARIC, ACCA is considered equivalent to a UK Masters degree and ACA (ICAP) is considered equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree, hence ACCA gets more points for UK immigration purposes;
2. At present ACCA members get more exemptions from the ICAEW than ACA (ICAP);
3. ACCA has much more recognition all over the world (including US/Canada, Europe, Middle East, Australia) as compared to ICAP;
4. ACCA has MRAs in place with a number of major accountancy bodies around the world, unlike ICAP. So ACCA members can practice accountancy almost anywhere by joining a local accountancy body.
So, in my humble opinion, if you at any point in your career wish to move abroad or simply want to keep your options open, you should go for the ACCA qualification. However, if you wish to always live and work in Pakistan you should do ICAP.
I completely agree with the forum member who commented above that it is wrong to compare ACCA affiliates with ICAP members. Only ACCA members (with 3 years recognised accountancy experience) can be compared with ICAP or ICAEW members.
Inko
London