By CA X ACCA
Introduction
If you’re an ACCA student with a full-time job, you already know how hard it can be to balance work, studies, and personal life. Struggling to prepare ACCA EPSM while working full-time? Here are simple, actionable tips to complete EPSM fast and effectively, even with a busy schedule.
When it comes to the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM), many students assume it’s easy but when you’re working 8–10 hours a day, even a “simple” module feels stressful.
Don’t worry — in this article, you’ll find realistic, actionable tips to complete ACCA EPSM while working full-time, without burning out.
What is ACCA EPSM?
EPSM stands for Ethics and Professional Skills Module, and it’s a mandatory part of the ACCA qualification.
It’s an online course designed to help you:
- Understand ethical principles
- Improve communication and decision-making
- Build leadership and professional skills
EPSM has 10 units, and most students complete it in 15–20 hours.
The good news? You don’t need to memorize anything it’s self-paced and not a traditional exam.
But if you’re working full-time, finding those 15–20 hours can feel impossible that’s where these tips will help.
Why EPSM Feels Challenging for Working Students
Here are some reasons why working students struggle with EPSM:
✅ Long work hours leave little energy for studying
✅ Weekends are already packed with chores and family time
✅ Lack of focus after a tiring day
✅ Underestimating how much time EPSM actually takes
✅ Feeling guilty for taking time off work to study
The key is to plan smart and stay consistent. Let’s see how.
Tips to Prepare ACCA EPSM While Working Full-Time
1. Break It Into Small Sessions
Instead of trying to finish EPSM in one or two days, aim for 1–2 units per session.
Even if you only dedicate 30–60 minutes a day after work, you can finish it in about a week.
👉 Example plan:
- Monday: Units 1 & 2
- Tuesday: Unit 3
- Wednesday: Unit 4
- Thursday: Unit 5
- Friday: Unit 6
- Saturday: Units 7 & 8
- Sunday: Units 9 & 10
This way, you don’t feel overwhelmed.
2. Use Early Mornings or Lunch Breaks
Most people feel tired after work, but mornings are usually more productive.
Wake up 30–45 minutes earlier and complete part of a unit before work.
Or, if allowed, use your lunch break at work to go through a video or activity.
3. Avoid Multitasking
When you sit for EPSM, don’t also watch TV, check your phone, or answer emails.
Focus fully this saves time because you won’t need to repeat tasks.
Turn off notifications and use headphones if needed.
4. Watch Videos at Higher Speed
The videos in EPSM can feel slow.
Set the speed to 1.25x or 1.5x to save time but still pay attention, as the videos explain answers that you’ll need later.
5. Take Notes or Screenshots
Some units ask you to choose responses or write reflections.
Take quick notes or screenshots of your answers in case you need them later.
This saves time if you accidentally exit the session.
6. Plan More Time for Units 8 and 10
Many students say Units 8 (Case Study) and 10 (Final Test) take the longest.
Plan at least 1–2 hours for each of these, preferably on a weekend when you have more time.
7. Don’t Wait for “Free Time” — Make Time
If you keep waiting for a perfect free day to start EPSM, it might never happen.
Schedule it just like a meeting or a work task. Even 30 minutes a day moves you closer to the finish line.
FAQs About EPSM and Full-Time Work
🤔 Can I pause and resume EPSM anytime?
✅ Yes — it saves your progress automatically. You can log out anytime.
🤔 Do I need to prepare or read anything before starting EPSM?
✅ No — everything you need is provided within the module.
🤔 Can I complete EPSM in one weekend?
✅ Yes — many students dedicate one full weekend and finish it.
🤔 Is EPSM hard?
✅ Not really — it’s more about understanding and applying concepts than memorizing.
🌟 Example Weekly Plan for Busy Professionals
Here’s an example of a realistic plan for someone working Monday to Friday:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Monday | Units 1–2 (30–40 mins) |
| Tuesday | Unit 3 (30 mins) |
| Wednesday | Unit 4 (30–45 mins) |
| Thursday | Unit 5 (30–40 mins) |
| Friday | Unit 6 (30 mins) |
| Saturday | Units 7 & 8 (2–3 hours) |
| Sunday | Units 9 & 10 (2–3 hours) |
Don’t treat EPSM as “just another box to tick”
Completing ACCA EPSM while working full-time is absolutely possible — if you plan wisely and stay consistent.
Don’t treat EPSM as “just another box to tick” it teaches real skills that will help you at work too.
Even with a busy schedule, you can finish EPSM in a week or less by following the tips above.
Good luck — and if you have any questions or need more study resources, feel free to check out the rest of CA X ACCA