Your Complete Self-Study Roadmap to Clear the ACCA Diploma in IFRS Exam

For finance professionals and students aspiring to strengthen their expertise in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the ACCA Diploma in IFRS (DipIFR) is one of the most recognised and respected certifications. While many candidates choose coaching classes, it is absolutely possible to clear the diploma through self-study. Several professionals across the globe have achieved success this way, provided they follow a disciplined, structured approach backed by the right resources.

Understanding the exam is the foundation of self-study

Before beginning your preparation, it is vital to understand the structure and demands of the exam. The DipIFR exam is held twice every year, in June and December and runs for 3 hours and 15 minutes. Candidates face four mandatory questions of 25 marks each, covering both numerical computations and descriptive explanations.

This is a closed-book exam, so you must rely on your own understanding rather than quick referencing. The passing threshold is 50%, with no negative marking, which makes strategic preparation and practice crucial. Since the exam requires application-based responses, simply memorising standards is insufficient. You need to train yourself to apply IFRS concepts to case-style problems, journal entries, and financial scenarios.

Building the right self-study toolkit

The quality of resources you rely on will determine how well your self-study journey unfolds. Candidates often turn to comprehensive textbooks such as BPP Learning Media, which provides detailed explanations with practice exercises, or Kaplan Publishing, which is especially suited for beginners seeking a structured path. Some learners prefer the practical flavour of Hennie van Greunen’s guide, which illustrates standards through real-world examples. The most effective approach is to consult more than one source, cross-check explanations, and create your own notes that simplify complex standards into easy reference points.

In addition to textbooks, supplementary aids such as summary sheets and flashcards are useful in the revision phase. Digital platforms add another layer of support: YouTube lectures break down IFRS with practical demonstrations, while Reddit communities, Telegram or WhatsApp groups, and ACCA Global forums provide opportunities to exchange queries and preparation strategies. Even for independent learners, resources like Zell Education’s recorded lectures and summaries can serve as valuable companions, ensuring that self-study does not mean studying in isolation.

The pros and cons of self-study approach

Self-study for the DipIFR comes with significant advantages but also demands careful self-management. The flexibility to set your own pace allows you to balance study with professional or personal commitments, and the absence of coaching fees makes the journey more cost-effective. More importantly, studying on your own often results in deeper comprehension because you are actively engaging with the standards rather than passively relying on explanations from a trainer. At the same time, independent preparation can feel challenging without the structured discipline of a classroom. Motivation must be sustained from within, and doubts may remain unresolved if you do not seek clarification through peer groups or forums. Gathering reliable and up-to-date material also takes additional effort, and the absence of feedback on your answers can make it difficult to measure progress. However, candidates who anticipate these hurdles and address them with consistent practice tests, peer collaboration, and disciplined scheduling often find themselves well-prepared by exam day.

Structured study plan is the key

The most effective self-study journeys are anchored in a well-designed plan. A good approach is to divide your preparation into four phases over approximately sixteen weeks. The first six weeks should focus on building familiarity with the standards, understanding their scope, recognition criteria, and disclosure requirements. The next six weeks should be dedicated to application, working through practice problems and attempting past exam questions under timed conditions. The following four weeks should revolve around refining your knowledge, writing full-length mock exams, and identifying areas that need reinforcement. In the final stretch, ideally two to three weeks before the exam, candidates should concentrate on summary notes, frequent revisions, and polishing exam technique, particularly for standards such as IFRS 9, 15, and 16, which tend to feature prominently

Clearing the ACCA Diploma in IFRS through self-study is certainly possible. With disciplined preparation, high-quality resources, and a structured plan, candidates can build the confidence to succeed without formal coaching.

BY: Pratham Barot, CEO & Co – Founder  – Zell Education