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Record numbers of students entered ACCA's (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) latest examinations, with those taking the professional level papers achieving a pleasing set of results.
 
Exam results released on 22 February show that 197,928 candidates took a total of 388,872 papers around the world in December 2009, compared with 187,335 students taking 370,715 papers in June 2009. The results also show that 6,678 students have successfully completed their final examinations to become ACCA affiliates. 
 
Aude Leonetti, ACCA's acting executive director - learning, said: 'We are delighted that results are steadily improving throughout the professional level papers. This is, we believe, due to our continued focus on study resources and strong partnerships with learning providers around the world.

'We are also extremely pleased to see that performance in the Fundamentals paper F5 (Performance Management) continues to improve as a result of the package of support that we put in place for this paper. We continue to focus on ensuring that students have the best possible resources to enable them to progress through ACCA's internationally recognised examinations.
 
'It is encouraging to see that despite the global economic conditions, tens of thousands of people continue to develop their skills for a career in accounting. We also want to congratulate the 6,678 people who have now completed their exams and we look forward to welcoming them to ACCA membership on completion of their practical experience requirements and professional ethics module. ACCA is committed fully to supporting these individuals in the next phase of their careers.'

The pass rates for the December 2009 sitting of the ACCA Qualification are as follows:

• Paper F1 Accountant in Business - 66%*
• Paper F2 Management Accounting - 58%*
• Paper F3 Financial Accounting - 64%*
• Paper F4 Corporate and Business Law - 42%
• Paper F5 Performance Management - 52%
• Paper F6 Taxation - 51%
• Paper F7 Financial Reporting - 39%
• Paper F8 Audit and Assurance - 40%
• Paper F9 Financial Management - 37%
• Paper P1 Professional Accountant - 49%
• Paper P2 Corporate Reporting - 58%
• Paper P3 Business Analysis - 48%
• Paper P4 Advanced Financial Management - 41%
• Paper P5 Advanced Performance Management - 42%
• Paper P6 Advanced Taxation - 39%
• Paper P7 Advanced Audit and Assurance - 39%

* Results achieved by students for paper-based examinations and computer-based examinations during the period of 1 August 2009 to 31 January 2010

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Notes to editors

1. ACCA is the global body for professional accountants. We aim to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management. We have 362,000 students and 131,500 members in 170 countries worldwide.
2. ACCA has worked with governments, national organisations and development agencies in emerging economies - for over 20 years - promoting the accounting profession, to create value for the communities, businesses and individuals it serves.
3. ACCA believes that globalisation of business means that one set of reporting standards is essential. We favour the principles-based IFRS.
4. ACCA understands the real issues facing small businesses as 63,000 of our members work in SMEs or small partnerships worldwide.