ACCA 2027 · Expertise
ACCA E5 Performance with Data Analysis
E5 Performance with Data Analysis is a Expertise-level exam in ACCA’s 2027 qualification. It replaces PM (F5) — Performance Management. It is a Session CBE, 3 hours, 100 marks exam with a 50% pass mark, and the first exams run from September 2027.
Key facts
- Level
- Expertise
- Format
- Session CBE · 3 hours · 100 marks
- Pass mark
- 50%
- Replaces
- PM (F5) — Performance Management
- First exams
- September 2027 (session CBE, four sittings a year)
- Syllabus
- 7 sections (A, B, C, D, E, F, G), 8 subsections, 34 learning outcomes
- Employability module at this level
- Digital Tech and Innovation
Overview
What E5 covers
E5 Performance with Data Analysis is significantly expanded beyond old PM. It integrates data analytics, AI applications, and technology-driven performance management alongside the traditional PM content of cost accounting, decision making, budgeting, standard costing, and performance measurement. A substantial new data analytics section is the key differentiator.
Exam format
| Part | Detail |
|---|---|
| Section A | 15 × 2-mark OTs (30 marks) |
| Section B | 3 × 10-mark MTQs (30 marks) |
| Section C | 2 × 20-mark constructed response (40 marks) |
| Overall | 3 hours |
Key changes vs PM/F5
- Major new Section G: Data Analytics for Performance Management
- Includes AI, machine learning, predictive/prescriptive analytics
- Data visualisation for performance reporting added
- Core PM content retained but enhanced
- E5 linked to BSc university pathway (university partner paper)
Syllabus comparison
PM/F5 → E5: topic-by-topic changes
31 changes, from whole sections removed to topics added or raised in intellectual level.
| Change | Area or topic | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| EXAM FORMAT | Overall structure and mark allocation | Sec A 15×2 OTs (30) + Sec B 3×10 cases (30) + Sec C 2×20 CRQs (40) = 100 marks, 3 hrs; Sec C anchored to E + C/D; 10 mins extra reading time → Same marks, same duration; Sec B AND Sec C each focus on ONE of 5 sections A–E; no extra reading time mentioned |
| ADDED | Environmental cost categories (conventional, hidden, contingent, reputational) | Not in PM → E5 A4b — analyse costs by category [2] |
| ADDED | Quality cost categories (prevention, detection, internal failure, external failure) | Not in PM → E5 A4c — analyse quality costs [2] |
| ADDED | Green budgeting as named concept | PM D1k — ethical and sustainability considerations when setting budgets (no specific name) → E5 C2f — explain how green budgeting aids incorporation of sustainability goals [1] |
| ADDED | Data collection challenges for NFPIs | Not in PM → E5 E1g — assess challenges of data collection for NFPIs [2] |
| ADDED | Data analysis and data overload challenges when using BSC | Not in PM → E5 E2d — assess challenges [2] |
| ADDED | Sustainability impact on business decision making (as decision-making criterion) | PM addressed sustainability in budgeting context (D1k) only → E5 B5b — assess impact of sustainability factors on decision-making processes [2] |
| ADDED | Data collection/interpretation challenges in each topic area | PM A3e: challenges of big data implementation as standalone outcome in MIS section → E5 embeds specific data challenges into A1d (ABC), A2d (target costing), A4f (environmental costing), B5e (decision making) — integrated thread throughout |
| REMOVED | PM Section A — MIS and Data Analytics (entire section) | PM A1–A3: MIS types (TPS, MIS, EIS, ERP, CRM), big data 5Vs, big data pyramid, descriptive/diagnostic/predictive/prescriptive analytics, data visualisation, controls and security → Not in E5 as standalone content; data thread woven throughout instead |
| REMOVED | PM Section F — Employability and Technology Skills (entire section) | PM F1–F4: use technology; work under time pressure; navigate screens; present data → Not in E5 |
| REMOVED | Throughput Accounting (PM B4 — entire subsection) | PM B4: discuss and apply theory of constraints [2]; calculate and interpret TPAR [2]; suggest how TPAR could be improved [2]; apply TA to multi-product decision [2] → Not in E5. Note: Goldratt and Cox Theory of Constraints is retained in E5 B3a at [1] (explain only — as context for limiting factor analysis), but TPAR and numerical TA work are gone |
| REMOVED | Beyond budgeting model (PM D1f) | PM D1f: explain beyond budgeting model, benefits and problems [2] → Not in E5 |
| REMOVED | Decision trees (PM C6e) | PM C6e: interpret a decision tree and solve multi-stage decision problem [2] → Not in E5 |
| REMOVED | Value of perfect and imperfect information (PM C6f) | PM C6f: calculate value of perfect and imperfect information [1] → Not in E5 |
| REMOVED | Research techniques to reduce uncertainty (PM C6a) | PM C6a: suggest research techniques (focus groups, market research) [2] → Not in E5 |
| REMOVED | PM Section E3 — NFP and public sector specific analysis (entire subsection) | PM E3: non-quantifiable objectives [2]; multiple objectives in NFPs [2]; measuring performance in NFPs [2]; VFM and 3Es (economy, efficiency, effectiveness) [1] → Not in E5. Note: PM explicitly stated all areas could be examined in private/public/NFP context — E5 does not state this |
| REMOVED | Building Block model — Fitzgerald and Moon (PM E1f) | PM E1f: Balanced Scorecard AND Building Block model (dimensions, standards, rewards) [2] → Not in E5. BSC retained; Building Block model removed |
| REMOVED | Make-or-buy as standalone subsection (PM C5) | PM C5: 3 outcomes specifically dedicated to make-or-buy analysis and outsourcing → Absorbed into E5 B1c as one application within relevant costing principles |
| REMOVED | Manipulation issues in revising budgets (PM D6d) | PM D6d: explain and discuss manipulation issues involved in revising budgets [2] → Not in E5 |
| RAISED | Environmental management accounting techniques — all outcomes | PM B5: all 4 outcomes at [1] level (discuss/describe) → E5 A4: all 7 outcomes at [2] level (apply/assess/analyse); plus 2 entirely new outcomes (environmental cost categories A4b; quality cost categories A4c) |
| RAISED | High-low method for cost analysis | PM D2a [1] → E5 C3a [2] |
| RAISED | BSC elevated to standalone subsection | PM E1f: BSC was one outcome within the general performance analysis subsection → E5 E2: BSC is its own dedicated subsection with 4 outcomes |
| CHANGED | Linear programming approach | PM C3c: formulate AND solve multiple scarce resource problems using graphs and simultaneous equations [2] → E5 B3c/d: prepare input data for simplex packages; interpret output results [2] — hand-solving graphically/algebraically no longer required |
| CHANGED | Relevant cost concept | PM C1a: explain concept [2] → E5 B1a: explain concept [1] |
| RETAINED | ABC, target costing, life-cycle costing core | PM B1–B3 [2] → E5 A1–A3 [2] — same outcomes, same level |
| RETAINED | CVP analysis, limiting factors, pricing decisions | PM C2–C4 [2] → E5 B2–B4 [2] — same outcomes, same level |
| RETAINED | Budgeting approaches (incremental, ZBB, rolling, ABB) | PM D1 [2] → E5 C2 [2] — retained |
| RETAINED | Mix/yield variances, planning/operational variances, standard costing | PM D3–D7 [2] → E5 D1–D2 [2] — retained |
| RETAINED | Performance analysis (FPIs, NFPIs, short-termism) | PM E1 [2] → E5 E1 [2] — retained with new data challenges outcome added |
| RETAINED | Divisional performance (ROI, RI) and transfer pricing | PM E2 [2] → E5 E3 [2] — retained |
| RETAINED | Learning curve, correlation, regression, time series | PM D2 [2] → E5 C3 [2] — retained (high-low raised from [1] to [2]) |
Syllabus
E5 syllabus breakdown
Every section, subsection and learning outcome in the E5 Performance with Data Analysis syllabus.
AInformation, Technologies and Systems
A1Information systems
- Understand the role of management information systems
- Identify costs and benefits of information
- Understand ERP systems and their role in performance management
- Understand cloud computing and big data in management accounting
BSpecialist Cost and Management Accounting Techniques
B1Cost techniques
- Apply activity-based costing and management
- Apply target costing and life-cycle costing
- Apply throughput accounting
- Apply environmental management accounting
CDecision-Making Techniques
C1Decision making
- Apply relevant costing techniques
- Apply CVP analysis in complex scenarios
- Apply limiting factor analysis and linear programming
- Apply pricing strategies: cost-plus, market-based, penetration, skimming
- Make decisions under risk and uncertainty: decision trees, expected values, maximin, minimax regret
DBudgeting and Control
D1Budgeting
- Prepare budgets using various methods: incremental, zero-based, activity-based, rolling
- Apply beyond budgeting concepts
- Evaluate behavioural aspects of budgeting
D2Quantitative analysis
- Apply regression analysis and correlation
- Apply time series analysis and forecasting
- Apply learning curves
- Apply simulation and modelling techniques
EStandard Costing and Variances
E1Advanced variance analysis
- Calculate advanced variances: mix and yield, planning and operational
- Evaluate the role of standard costing in modern environments
- Apply variance analysis for performance evaluation
FPerformance Measurement and Control
F1Performance measurement
- Apply financial performance measures: ROI, RI, EVA
- Apply non-financial performance measures
- Apply the Balanced Scorecard
- Evaluate performance in divisional structures: transfer pricing
- Evaluate performance in not-for-profit organisations
GData Analytics for Performance Management
G1Data analytics
- Understand descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive analytics
- Apply data visualisation techniques for performance reporting
- Understand the role of AI and machine learning in performance analysis
- Apply data analytics to identify performance trends and anomalies
- Understand data governance and data quality issues
- Evaluate the ethical implications of data analytics
ACCA E5: frequently asked questions
What is the ACCA E5 exam format?
E5 Performance with Data Analysis is a Session CBE, 3 hours, 100 marks exam. Structure: Section A: 15 × 2-mark OTs (30 marks) · Section B: 3 × 10-mark MTQs (30 marks) · Section C: 2 × 20-mark constructed response (40 marks) · 3 hours. Pass mark: 50%.
When is the first ACCA E5 exam?
September 2027. New Expertise and Strategic Professional exams start with the September 2027 session. The current syllabus’s last sitting is June 2027.
Which current ACCA paper does E5 replace?
PM (F5) — Performance Management. See the old-to-new paper mapping for every paper.
I passed PM. Do I need to sit E5?
Our mapping links PM Performance Management to E5, and ACCA maps exams passed under the current syllabus to the new structure, so you should not retake equivalent content. Check your full position in the transition planner and confirm with ACCA’s Transition Tool.
What changed in E5 compared with PM/F5?
Major new Section G: Data Analytics for Performance Management. Includes AI, machine learning, predictive/prescriptive analytics. Data visualisation for performance reporting added. Core PM content retained but enhanced.
Clear PM before June 2027
PM maps to E5. Passing it on the current syllabus before the last sitting means one less exam to sit in the new qualification.