If you’re looking to start a career in bookkeeping, develop your finance skills, or take your first steps towards becoming a professional bookkeeper, an AAT bookkeeping qualification could be a good place to start.
But which bookkeeping course is right for you?
The answer depends on your existing knowledge, experience, and career goals. If you’re new to bookkeeping, the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping can help you build essential skills and knowledge. If you already have some bookkeeping experience, the AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping can help you develop more advanced skills.
Both are short, industry-recognised qualifications, and you don’t need previous bookkeeping or accounting experience or qualifications to start studying either. If you complete both, you can also progress towards becoming an AAT Professional Bookkeeper (AATQB).
So, which is the best bookkeeping course for you? Let’s compare your options.
Which bookkeeping course should you choose?
Your starting point is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a bookkeeping course.
If you’re new to bookkeeping: The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping can give you a solid grounding in essential bookkeeping processes, including double-entry bookkeeping, ledger accounts, and financial transactions.
If you already have bookkeeping knowledge or experience: The AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping can help you build on your existing skills, with more advanced bookkeeping, financial statements, VAT, and payroll.
If you want to become a professional bookkeeper: Completing both AAT bookkeeping qualifications can give you the skills and knowledge needed to progress towards AAT Professional Bookkeeper status (AATQB).
If you want to progress into accountancy: AAT bookkeeping qualifications can also be a stepping stone towards the wider AAT accounting qualification, with exemptions available when you progress.
Let's look at what each qualification involves.
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping is designed to give you the essential knowledge and practical skills needed for bookkeeping activities that underpin many accountancy and finance roles.
You don’t need any previous accounting experience or qualifications to start, making it a suitable option if you’re new to bookkeeping, considering a career change, or want to try AAT before committing to a full accounting qualification.
The qualification covers two areas:
Introduction to Bookkeeping
You’ll learn the fundamentals of bookkeeping, including how to:
- Set up bookkeeping systems
- Process customer and supplier transactions
- Process receipts and payments
- Record transactions in ledger accounts
Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
You’ll then develop your knowledge of bookkeeping controls, including how to:
- Use control accounts
- Reconcile a bank statement with the cash book
- Use the journal
- Produce trial balances
You’ll also learn about more complex bookkeeping procedures, including payroll, dealing with errors, and bank reconciliation.
Who is the Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping for?
Level 2 could be the right bookkeeping course for you if you:
- Have little or no previous bookkeeping experience
- Want to change career and move into finance
- Want to develop practical bookkeeping skills
- Are leaving school or university and considering a career in finance
- Want to explore bookkeeping without committing to a full accounting qualification
The course typically takes 3–6 months to complete, depending on your study approach. There are two computer-based exams to complete.
AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping
The AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping is designed for learners who want to develop more advanced bookkeeping skills.
It builds on the fundamentals of bookkeeping, covering areas including advanced double-entry bookkeeping, non-current assets, financial statements, VAT, and payroll. You’ll also learn about errors, late filing and payment, and Making Tax Digital VAT returns.
The qualification covers two areas:
Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements
You’ll develop your understanding of:
- Advanced double-entry bookkeeping
- Final accounts preparation
- The acquisition and disposal of non-current assets
- Depreciation
- Period-end adjustments
- Trial balances
- Financial statements for sole traders and partnerships
- Profitability ratios
- Accounting records from incomplete information
Tax Processes for Businesses
You’ll also learn about:
- VAT legislation
- VAT calculations
- VAT returns
- Making Tax Digital VAT returns
- Payroll principles
- Reporting VAT-related information
These skills can help you take on more advanced bookkeeping responsibilities and understand how bookkeeping information contributes to financial reporting.
Who is the Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping for?
Level 3 could be the right choice if you:
- Already have some bookkeeping knowledge or experience
- Have completed the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
- Want to develop more advanced bookkeeping skills
- Want to take on greater responsibility within a finance role
- Want to work towards becoming a professional bookkeeper
The qualification typically takes around six months to complete and includes two computer-based exams.
AAT Level 2 vs Level 3 bookkeeping: which is right for you?
If you’re deciding between the two AAT bookkeeping qualifications, your current knowledge is a good place to start.
| AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping | AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping |
|---|
| Best suited to | Beginners and those developing their foundation bookkeeping skills | Learners with existing bookkeeping knowledge or experience |
| Main focus | Essential bookkeeping processes and controls | Advanced bookkeeping, financial statements, VAT, and payroll |
| Key skills | Double-entry bookkeeping, ledgers, transactions, reconciliations, and trial balances | Advanced double-entry bookkeeping, financial statements, VAT, payroll, and period-end adjustments |
| Typical duration | 3–6 months | Around 6 months |
| Next step | Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping or wider AAT study | AAT Professional Bookkeeper status or further AAT study |
You don’t necessarily have to choose one and stop there. If you’re new to bookkeeping, you could start with Level 2, build your confidence, and then progress to Level 3.
If you already have relevant knowledge or experience, you may be able to start with Level 3 instead.
Can you study AAT bookkeeping without experience?
Yes. You don’t need previous accounting experience or qualifications to start studying either, so you can begin by developing your knowledge from the ground up.
That makes AAT bookkeeping courses suitable for a range of learners, including school or university leavers, people changing careers, and those who want to develop their finance skills without immediately committing to a full accounting qualification.
If you’re unsure which level is right for you, consider what you already know.
If terms such as double-entry bookkeeping, ledger accounts, and bank reconciliation are completely new to you, Level 2 is likely to be the better starting point.
If you already work with bookkeeping or finance, or have studied these areas before, you may have the knowledge needed to start at Level 3.
What can you do after an AAT bookkeeping course?
An AAT bookkeeping qualification can help you develop practical skills for working in bookkeeping and finance roles. But it doesn’t have to be the end of your learning.
If you complete and pass both the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping and AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping, you can progress towards becoming an AAT Professional Bookkeeper (AATQB).
You can also use your bookkeeping studies as a stepping stone towards a wider AAT accounting qualification.
For example, if you complete the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping, you can be exempt from the first two units of the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting when you progress to the full qualification.
This means you can start by focusing specifically on bookkeeping, then broaden your accounting knowledge as your career develops.
What is the best way to study bookkeeping?
Choosing the right qualification is important, but so is choosing a study method that fits your life.
At Kaplan, you can choose from Live Online, OnDemand, and Distance Learning study methods for AAT bookkeeping qualifications.
Live Online
Study through live, tutor-led classes at scheduled times, with the option to rewatch your lessons. You can also interact with other learners studying the same course.
OnDemand
Study at your own pace with interactive online study modules, giving you greater flexibility over when and where you learn.
Distance Learning
Study at your own pace, with the flexibility to fit your learning around work, family, or other commitments.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll have access to a range of study resources, including expert study materials, practice questions, mock exams, and your personalised MyKaplan online study space. You’ll also have access to academic support from Kaplan’s team of more than 50 finance experts and advisers, seven days a week.
Why choose Kaplan for your AAT bookkeeping course?
Choosing the right bookkeeping qualification is only part of the decision. The support you receive while you study can make a real difference, too.
Kaplan’s AAT bookkeeping courses combine expert study materials, practical exam preparation, and academic support to help you build your knowledge and work towards your qualification.
You can choose the level that matches your experience, select a study method that works around your commitments, and access support when you need it.
And if you complete both AAT bookkeeping qualifications, you can progress towards AAT Professional Bookkeeper status, giving you a recognised route to develop your bookkeeping career.
Find the right AAT bookkeeping course for you
Whether you’re completely new to bookkeeping or ready to develop your existing skills, Kaplan can help you find the right place to start.
Explore Kaplan’s AAT bookkeeping qualifications and choose the level and study method that suit your goals.
FAQs
What is the best bookkeeping course for beginners?
The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping is a good starting point if you’re new to bookkeeping. It covers essential bookkeeping skills, including double-entry bookkeeping, ledger accounts, financial transactions, reconciliations, and trial balances. You don’t need previous accounting experience or qualifications to start.
What is the difference between AAT Level 2 and Level 3 bookkeeping?
The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping focuses on essential bookkeeping processes and controls. Level 3 develops more advanced skills, including advanced double-entry bookkeeping, financial statements, VAT, payroll, and period-end adjustments.
Can I study AAT bookkeeping with no experience?
Yes. There are no previous accounting experience or qualification requirements for Kaplan’s AAT bookkeeping short qualifications. Level 2 is likely to be the most suitable starting point if you’re completely new to bookkeeping.
How long does an AAT bookkeeping course take?
The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping typically takes three to six months to complete, while the Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping takes around six months. Your study method and pace can affect how quickly you complete your course.
Can I progress from AAT Level 2 to Level 3 bookkeeping?
Yes. Level 2 can provide the foundation for progressing to Level 3, where you’ll develop more advanced bookkeeping skills. You can also progress from the bookkeeping qualifications into the wider AAT accounting qualification.
Can an AAT bookkeeping course help me become a professional bookkeeper?
Yes. If you pass both the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping and AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping, you can progress towards becoming an AAT Professional Bookkeeper (AATQB).
Is AAT bookkeeping worth it?
An AAT bookkeeping qualification can be a useful way to develop practical bookkeeping skills and gain an industry-recognised qualification. It can support progression into bookkeeping and finance roles, and completing both bookkeeping qualifications can provide a route towards AAT Professional Bookkeeper status.
Which AAT bookkeeping course should I choose?
If you’re new to bookkeeping, the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping is likely to be the best place to start. If you already have relevant bookkeeping knowledge or experience, you may be ready for the AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping. Your current skills and career goals should guide your decision.