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AAT

Association of Accounting Technicians

Have you thought of becoming an accountant but don’t know where to start? AAT is the beginning of your accountancy career.

"Kaplan made it easy for me to study AAT and I was able to learn at the pace that suited me."

Hannah Clarke, Kaplan AAT Live Online student, 20.

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About AAT

AAT is one of the most popular accounting qualifications. It is made up of three levels: Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4, each of which takes around a year to complete. There’s also Bookkeeping, which is a special ‘short’ qualification that takes certain subjects from Level 2 and Level 3 to create a Bookkeeping qualification.

You don't need any previous qualifications or accountancy experience to begin studying AAT. And anyone, from school leavers to career changers, can start the qualification. We provide training for all levels, and we offer four study methods to suit your lifestyle: OnDemand, Classroom, Live Online, and Distance Learning.

We only offer courses for the AAT Q2022 syllabus. If you’re currently studying AQ2016 and are unsure what this means for you, please refer to our Syllabus Guidance.

There are two bookkeeping qualifications, Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping and Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping. If you take and pass both qualifications, you can gain AAT Professional Bookkeeper status.

You don't need any previous accounting experience or qualifications to start studying an AAT Bookkeeping qualification, just a willingness to learn. It's ideal if you're a school or university leaver, or thinking of changing career, and want to try AAT without making a commitment to the full qualification. After you pass this level you'll gain the skills to become a bookkeeper, of which you can earn up to £25,000. If you want to progress further, you'll be exempt from certain subjects in the Level 2 Certificate in Accounting and Level 3 Diploma in Accounting of AAT.

View AAT Bookkeeping Qualifications

Level 2 covers the basic principles of accountancy and if you've never studied accountancy before this is your starting point. You'll learn the basic principles of accountancy, such as double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing and have a greater awareness of the business environment. You can complete this level within six to 12 months.

Once you've passed this level, you can work in roles such as an accounts payable clerk, accounts officer, payroll administrator and a finance assistant, with salaries of up to £25,000. If you want to progress further, we recommend studying AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.

View AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting

Level 3 builds on the knowledge gained at Level 2. If you work in accounts or have studied accountancy before, you may be able to start at this level. You'll learn how to prepare final accounts for Sole Traders and Partnership as well as dealing with VAT returns for businesses. You will also learn various accounting techniques a management accountant requires, an understanding of business awareness and ethical practices for accountants. You can complete this level within six to 12 months.

After completing this level, you can become a finance officer, assistant accountant and an advanced bookkeeper, earning salaries of up to £25,000. If you want to continue studying, you can move onto AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.

View AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting

Professional is the final level, teaching you more complex accounting theory, and lets you choose two specialist subjects. You'll learn about budgeting, management accounting, preparing financial statements, accounting systems, and tax. You can complete this level in 12 to 18 months.

You can work in exciting jobs such as a forensic accountant, tax manager, accountancy consultant and finance analyst, earning salaries of up to £42,500 as you advance and gain experience.

View AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting

£37k

Up to salary

77%

Students say AAT increased earning potential

80,000

People get AAT qualified every year

40%

Earn more when qualified

Stay on track, study online

Live Online

Structured, interactive study method with live lectures from our expert tutors.

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OnDemand

Award winning, flexible, online study option so you can study when it suits you best

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For information on AAT, and to help you get started, view our free guide.

View FREE guide

AAT brochure

Why study AAT with Kaplan?

When studying with us, you get complete support throughout your entire AAT learning experience. Our expert tutors provide support, seven days a week. We offer four study options that suit a range of different learning styles and lifestyles, and our pass rates exceed the national average.

  • 4 ways to study
    Whether you prefer online study, or learning in a classroom, you’ll find a study option to suit your lifestyle.
  • 4 payment options
    Pay directly online, invoice your employer, or choose from more flexible options like interest free payment plans, or study through an Apprenticeship. Terms and conditions apply.
  • 100s of practice questions
    Get exam confident with testing at every stage of your studies, including 100s of practice questions and marked mock exams that look like the real exams.
  • 7 days a week
    Stuck or need to speak to someone? Contact a tutor 7 days a week. Get an instant response by Live Chat, or within 4 working hours by email, or you can request a callback.
  • Above average pass rates
    We always have exceptional pass rates that consistently exceed the national average, so you can be confident of success when you choose us.
  • Award winning provider
    Kaplan is consistently recognised for its commitment and innovation to develop courses that achieve results and prepare accountants of the future.

FREE trials of our study methods

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Classroom

Face to face learning, at a centre convenient to you

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Live Online

Scheduled online learning.

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OnDemand

Study in your own time, online with high-levels of guidance and support.

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Distance Learning

Study independently when it's convenient to you, wherever you are.

Free 5 day trial

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AAT courses

Save 20%
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Bookkeeping Qualifications

Full level (all subjects):

£594 - £1,287 (inc. VAT)

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AAT Level 2 Certificate

Full level (all subjects):

£1,056 - £2,056 (inc. VAT)

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AAT Level 3 Diploma

Full level (all subjects):

£1,200 - £2,536 (inc. VAT)

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AAT Level 4 Diploma

Full level (all subjects):

£1,680 - £3,580 (inc. VAT)