There is a lot of confusion with these two words; they are words that have a similar sound but with very different meanings.
'Accept' is a verb and it has several meanings:
To accept something as true - I accept your explanation.
To take something willingly - I accept this award on behalf of my friend.
'Except' on the other hand is a preposition which is also used as a conjunction or a verb.
As a preposition it means - apart from or excluding something.
E. g. I hate all sweets except chocolates.
As a conjunction it means "but".
E. g. I would love to go except I don't know how to swim.
As a verb again it means to exclude something.
E. g. You are excepted from this punishment.