Free ACCA SBL past papers are on ACCA's own practice platform, which has specimen exams, selected past exams and mocks in the real exam software, with marking guides. Sit them under timed conditions after reading the matching pre-seen, then mark them against the guide and read the examiner's report.
Where to find SBL past papers
| Source | What you get | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ACCA past exams and question practice (SBL) | Specimen exams, selected past exams and mock exams in the real computer-based software, with marking guides and pre-seen material | Free |
| ACCA SBL study support resources | Examiner's reports, mock debrief videos, technical articles | Free |
| OpenTuition SBL | Free lectures and links to past exam practice | Free |
| aCOWtancy SBL exam centre | Specimen and past exam questions online | Free and paid |
| Approved exam kits (Kaplan, BPP) | Bank of case study questions with full answers | Paid |
Avoid unofficial PDF downloads. They are often out of date and may not match the current exam format.
How to use past papers properly
- Read the pre-seen first. Give yourself the same head start you will have on the day.
- Sit it in the ACCA software. Get used to the word processor, spreadsheet and slide tools.
- Time it strictly. 3 hours 15 minutes, including reading and planning.
- Mark it honestly against the marking guide. Check both technical marks and the five professional skills.
- Read the examiner's report. Note the mistakes the examiner calls out and fix them in your next attempt.
- Fill gaps in your knowledge straight away. If a model or topic tripped you up, revise it before the next paper. Our SBL models guide and the book are built for this.
A six-week question practice plan
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Single tasks from the exam kit by syllabus area. Learn the formats: report, briefing note, slides, email. |
| 2 | Specimen exam 1 under timed conditions. Mark it and read the examiner's commentary. |
| 3 | Revise weak areas found in week 2. More single tasks on professional skills. |
| 4 | A second full past or specimen exam, timed. Compare your answer with the model answer line by line. |
| 5 to 6 | Pre-seen released: analyse it, then sit at least one mock built on it. |
How to mark your own SBL answer
- Did every point use a fact or number from the case?
- Did you answer the exact requirement and verb (assess, evaluate, recommend)?
- Did you use the format and audience the task asked for?
- Did you reach a clear recommendation where asked?
- Score each of the five professional skills honestly against the marking guide.
FAQs
Where can I get ACCA SBL past papers for free?
On ACCA's practice platform, through the SBL past exams and question practice page on accaglobal.com. It includes specimen exams and selected past exams in the real exam software, with marking guides.
Are old SBL papers still relevant?
Yes for practice, but past papers appear as originally set. Check them against the current syllabus and examinable documents before relying on technical detail.
How many SBL mock exams should I do?
At least two full papers under timed conditions, plus regular single-task practice. ACCA recommends doing as many mocks as you can, ideally marked.
Do I need the pre-seen to attempt a past paper?
Yes. Each SBL exam is based on its own pre-seen. Read the matching pre-seen first, as you would on exam day.