The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is one of the UK’s most popular qualifications for those looking to begin or advance their careers in accounting and finance. Choosing the right training provider for you is a significant decision that will influence your learning experience, support, and exam success.
To help you make an informed decision, Kaplan conducted survey research between March and May 2025. This involved new Kaplan AAT learners and prospective learners who opted for other providers.1 The goal was to identify the key factors influencing a learner's choice of AAT training provider. Using this insight, we explore the key themes and offer a factual comparison of training providers based on these important criteria.1
The key decision factors for AAT learners
When surveyed, new Kaplan AAT learners were asked to rank the factors most important to them when choosing their training provider, on a scale of 1 to 10 (where 1 is the highest priority), their priorities were clear:
| Factor | Rank (Scale 1–10) | |
|---|
| Pass rates | 1 | Indicator of course effectiveness. |
| Study materials / resources | 1.4 | The range of digital and printed resources and practice assessments is included. |
| Price | 2 | Affordability and overall value for money. |
| Recommendations (from friends, colleagues, online reviews) | 2.6 | Confidence based on the experiences of others. |
| Tutor support | 2.6 | The availability, responsiveness, and quality of academic support. |
| Reputation/brand recognition | 2.7 | A core consideration for trust and credibility. |
| Flexibility - study method options | 3 | Essential for fitting studies around work and life and learning styles. |
AAT training provider overview
We have taken a look at the criteria that matter most to new Kaplan AAT learners when choosing their training provider, based on our survey results.
AAT pass rates
Pass rates were the top priority for surveyed Kaplan learners, particularly for those starting their careers in the 18-34 age bracket. Between January 2025 and December 2025, Kaplan’s AAT pass rates* were:
| Distance Learning (Includes Kaplan OnDemand)** | Live Online | AAT worldwide pass rates |
|---|
| Level 2 | 87.6% | 82.3% | 77.1% |
| Level 3 | 79.6% | 77.5% | 69.4% |
| Level 4 | 75.9% | 76% | 71.4% |
*Please note that the information in the above table refers to the pass rates based on computer-based assessments (CBAs) only and not achievement rates for the overall qualification. The pass rates shown are the rates for all CBAs completed between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025 on the Q2022 standards.
**Kaplan’s Distance Learning pass rates combine data from both our Distance Learning and OnDemand study methods. Classroom pass rates are omitted from this national summary for clarity, as they are split into smaller volumes across individual regional centres.
Training providers will often publish information about their pass rates. When doing your own research, we’d recommend reviewing the methodology used to calculate them. This will help ensure that you feel confident that the figures accurately cover a broad range of AAT subjects and study methods offered by the provider and are recent enough to feel representative.
AAT study materials and learning resources
The quality of study materials and learning resources ranked second. Even when the study method is the same across training providers, there can be differences in what is included in the course. Based on our experience, here are some things to look out for when reviewing your options:
| Criteria | Evaluation question | Our recommendations on how to check |
|---|
| Relevance and clarity | Are the resources current, clear, and comprehensive? | - Check that resources are aligned with the latest AAT syllabus.
- Look for sample content or a free trial to ensure explanations are clear, use language you understand, and feature ample, well-explained worked examples.
- Look for visual aids like diagrams, charts, and colour, as these boost memory and comprehension.
|
| Assessment quality variety | Do the practice assessments genuinely test your learning, and are there different types? | - Check whether the course includes varied assessment types, such as quizzes, mock exams, and practice questions.
- Review whether these are designed to test learning objectives or just memorisation.
|
| Feedback and support | Will you receive effective, timely, and accessible feedback and support? | - Clarify if you receive personalised, constructive feedback on assessments or only automated scores.
- Look for ‘Tutor access’ or ‘Tutor Support’ details. If tutor support is promised, check how it is delivered (e.g., live Q&A sessions, email, dedicated forums, response time guarantees).
|
| Resource format | Is the format convenient for you, and are all costs clear? | - Carefully check for hidden costs and ensure all essential materials are included.
- Look for a clear ‘Technical Requirements’ section (e.g., ‘requires specific software license’ or ‘needs a minimum internet speed’).
- When choosing an online course, consider whether the course is interactive and tailored for self-directed study.
|
Payment options for AAT qualifications
While quality factors are essential, our research indicated that price and affordability can be reasons why learners choose a particular provider. If budget is a key consideration for you, you may find that providers offer a variety of payment options and competitive pricing.
Payment options offered by Kaplan and other AAT Providers2
| Debit/Credit card | PayPal Pay in 3 | Invoice employer | Payment plan | Subscription | Pay by subject |
|---|
| Kaplan | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes - 12-month interest-free plan (with a 10% deposit) | No | Yes |
| BPP | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Eagle Education | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes - Monthly, quarterly, annually | No |
| First Intuition | Yes | No | Yes | Yes - 2 to 12-month interest-free payment plan for Online and Online Live | No | Yes |
| ICS Learn | Yes | No | Yes | Yes - 10-month interest-free payment plan (with a 10% deposit) | No | No |
| Learn Signal | Yes | No | Employer sponsored training available | No | Yes - Monthly, Quarterly, Yearly, Lifetime | No |
| Premier Training | Yes | No | Yes | Yes - 12-month interest-free plan | No | No |
| Staysharp | Yes | No | No | No | Yes - Monthly, Quarterly, Prepaid | No |
The power of recommendations
Based on our survey results, recommendations from friends, colleagues, or educators are the most common way new Kaplan AAT learners and prospective learners first learned about Kaplan.
- In Kaplan’s survey, 35% of all respondents received a recommendation from a friend, colleague, or educator. This was the most-used method by individuals for choosing a provider in both the 18–24 and 25–34 age groups.
Always look for learning providers who hold official AAT approval; you can verify this by looking for the AAT-approved logo on their website or by using the AAT Find a Training Provider service. For independent learner feedback, check external review sites like Trustpilot to see recent learner experiences.
AAT training provider awards and recognition
A strong reputation provides confidence in the quality of training and is rated as a core factor in the decision-making process.
We examined three prominent industry awards in 2025 to see which training providers have been recognised: the AAT Training Provider Awards, the Apprenticeship and Training Awards, and the Professional Qualification Awards.
| Award show | Award name | Training provider | Shortlisted | Winner |
|---|
| AAT Training Provider Awards | Large Training Provider of the Year | Kaplan | Yes | Yes |
| Large Training Provider of the Year | First Intuition | Yes | No |
| Large Training Provider of the Year | Premier Training | Yes | No |
| Distance Learning Provider of the Year | Premier Training | Yes | Yes |
| Distance Learning Provider of the Year | Eagle Education | Yes | No |
| Distance Learning Provider of the Year | eCareers | Yes | No |
| Distance Learning Provider of the Year | First Intuition | Yes | No |
| AAT Student of the Year | eCareers | Yes | Yes |
| Tutor of The Year | First Intuition | Yes | No |
| Apprenticeship and Training Awards | Best Use of Technology in Training | Kaplan | Yes | Yes |
| Diversity and Inclusion Award | Kaplan | Yes | No |
| Excellence in Learner Support | BPP | Yes | No |
| PQ Awards | Study Resource of the Year | Kaplan | Yes | Yes |
| Private Sector College of the Year | AccountancySchool.ie | Yes | Yes |
| Private Sector College of the Year | eCareers | Yes | No |
| Private Sector College of the Year | Kaplan | Yes | No |
| Distance Learning Student of the Year | eCareers | Yes | Yes |
| Online College of the Year | Premier Training | Yes | Yes |
| Online College of the Year | Eagle Education | Yes | No |
| Online College of the Year | First Intuition | Yes | No |
Tutor support
Tutor support was another important factor for new Kaplan AAT learners when choosing their training provider, as the availability, responsiveness, and quality of academic guidance can directly impact exam confidence and success.
Based on our experience, here are some things to look out for when reviewing your options:
| Criteria | Evaluation question | Our recommendations on how to check |
|---|
| Support type (Reactive vs. Proactive) | Does the provider reach out to you, or do you have to initiate all contact? | - Ask if the provider reaches out to learners who may be falling behind on their study plan or deadlines.
- Find out whether they will remind you of key dates to help keep you accountable.
- Check what specific support is triggered if an exam does not go to plan.
|
| Well-being | Does the support assist you with the broader challenges of balancing life and study? | - Review whether the provider offers guidance to help you manage exam anxiety, balance study with personal commitments, and reduce stress.
|
| Availability and access | When and how can you reach a qualified tutor? | - Check which communication methods they offer—like phone, live chat, forums or email—to make sure they provide the option you prefer to use.
- Look for clear, guaranteed response times.
- Verify if help is accessible during your preferred study hours, including evenings and weekends.
|
| Qualifications and expertise | Who is answering your academic questions? | - Check if the support team consists of fully qualified AAT tutors or chartered accountants.
|
Flexibility of study methods
AAT learners highly value the flexibility and choice of study methods, as these enable them to integrate their studies with their personal and professional lives while accommodating their individual learning styles, whether they prefer a structured approach to learning or a more flexible option.
Study method options offered by Kaplan and other AAT Providers3
| Face to face (Classroom) | Live Online | OnDemand / Online | Distance Learning / Self Study |
|---|
| Kaplan | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BPP | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Eagle Education | No | No | No | Yes |
| First Intuition | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ICS Learn | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Learn Signal | No | No | Yes | No |
| Premier Training | No | No | No | Yes |
| Staysharp | No | No | Yes | No |
For a full list of approved training providers and the study methods available for AAT Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4, visit the AAT’s Find a Training Provider tool.
Making your final decision
Selecting the right AAT training provider for you is important when you’re taking the steps to build your successful career in accounting and finance. Kaplan is one of several well-established providers offering flexible study methods and strong learner support. The right choice for you may depend on your preferred learning style, budget, and how much support you need during your studies.
No matter where you are in your AAT study journey, studying with a proven provider like Kaplan can give you the confidence and support you need to succeed and take advantage of the career and salary benefits an AAT qualification can deliver.
Before making your final decision, consider exploring free trial options to assess if the study method and sample course material align with your preferences.
We recommend visiting each provider's website for the most up-to-date details on study approaches, costs, and pass rates, ensuring a well-informed choice.
1 A total of 29 new Kaplan AAT learners and 69 prospective learners who chose different providers responded to a survey conducted between March and May 2025.
2 A comparative analysis of the payment methods offered by eight training providers (Kaplan, BPP, First Intuition, ICS Learn, Learn Signal, Premier Training, Staysharp, and Eagle) was conducted in May 2026 through a review of their respective official websites.
3 A comparative analysis of the study methods offered by eight training providers (Kaplan, BPP, First Intuition, ICS Learn, Learn Signal, Premier Training, Staysharp, and Eagle) was conducted in May 2026 through a review of their respective official websites.