1. Structure
To pass this level you’ll need to study five units (also known as subjects), which are all mandatory. Four of the units are examined individually, and the synoptic unit that you’ll take towards the end of the level incorporates two assessments, as well as drawing on all of the other units you’ve studied at this level.
Entry requirements
You should have either passed AAT Foundation (Level 2), or you may be eligible for relevant exemptions if you’ve been working in an intermediate accounts role before enrolling on this course, or have achieved relevant A Levels.
If you are starting on Level 3, we advise that you enrol onto the Kaplan 2 Day Bookkeeping course, as there is an assumption at this level that you have a good knowledge of Double Entry Bookkeeping.
If you have a university degree in accountancy, or related, we recommend that you move straight onto ACCA,
CIMA, or ACA.
Syllabus
You’ll learn complex accounting techniques including maintaining cost accounting records and the preparation of reports and returns. You’ll master a number of accounting disciplines including financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts and ethical practices for accountants.
Assessed through both unit and synoptic assessment:
Compulsory
Advanced Bookkeeping (AVBK)
You’ll learn how to apply the principles of advanced double entry bookkeeping. You’ll prepare depreciation calculations, period-end adjustments and learn how to extend the trial balance.
- Number of lessons:
- Classroom: 5 days/10 evenings
- Live Online: 10 sessions
- OnDemand/Distance Learning: study at your own pace
Subject assessment: computer-based exam
from
£249.00 - £639.00
(inc.VAT)
Buy now
Compulsory
Final Accounts Preparation (FAPR)
You’ll learn how to prepare final accounts for sole traders and partnerships, identify alternative organisation structures, and examine the regulations governing company accounts.
- Number of lessons:
- Classroom: 3 days/6 evenings
- Live Online: 6 sessions
- OnDemand/Distance Learning: study at your own pace
Subject assessment: computer-based exam
from
£249.00 - £559.00
(inc.VAT)
Buy now
Compulsory
Management Accounting: Costing (MMAC)
You’ll develop the knowledge and skills to understand the role of cost and management accounting in an organisation and understand how organisations use this information to make management decisions.
- Number of lessons:
- Classroom: 5 days/10 evenings
- Live Online: 10 sessions
- OnDemand/Distance Learning: study at your own pace
Subject assessment: computer-based exam
from
£249.00 - £639.00
(inc.VAT)
Buy now
Compulsory
Indirect Tax (IDRX)
You’ll examine and apply VAT legislation requirements, complete VAT returns, and study the implications of errors, late filing and payment, and how to report VAT related information.
- Number of lessons:
- Classroom: 1 days/2 evenings*
- Live Online: 2 sessions*
- OnDemand/Distance Learning: study at your own pace
*This is a Blended learning course that includes Classroom and OnDemand learning.
Subject assessment: computer-based exam
from
£249.00 - £519.00
(inc.VAT)
Buy now
Compulsory
Advanced Diploma Synoptic Assessment (ADSY) and Spreadsheets for Accounting (SPSH)
You’ll study the relevance of ethics in accountancy and learn about unethical behaviour or illegal acts in your accounting role. You will also learn the relevant spreadsheet skills and techniques which Accounting Technicians will use on a daily basis by incorporating the knowledge you have learnt from AVBK, FAPR and MMAC.
- Number of lessons:
- Classroom: 3 days/6 evenings
- Live Online: 6 sessions
- OnDemand/Distance Learning: study at your own pace
Subject assessment: computer-based exam
from
£349.00 - £739.00
(inc.VAT)
Buy now
You must pass all the unit assessments and the synoptic assessment to be awarded a grade (70-79 for a Pass, 80-89 for a Merit or 90+ for a Distinction). The marks achieved in the individual units and the synoptic assessment contribute to your overall grade.
2. Study methods
Do you prefer face-to-face learning? Online learning in your own time? Have family or work commitments? We have four study methods that suit different learning styles, to fit around your life.
Study methods available for this qualification
Whichever study method you choose, you’ll be exam confident, as we offer hundreds of practice questions. We offer expert support during evenings and weekends, and we have flexible study methods and course start dates. You’ll benefit from award-winning tutors, practical learning methods, and ongoing support, even after your exams.
Study method comparison table keyboard_arrow_down
| What |
Classroom |
Live Online - full day |
Live Online - afternoon/evening |
Award winning OnDemand |
Distance Learning |
| Live, tutor-led classes at set times |
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| Re-watch your lessons |
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| Learning materials available - including study text, pocket notes/revision cards and exam/revision packs |
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| Award winning online learning resources including bite-sized tutor-led videos |
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| Marked mock exams and lots of additional practice questions |
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| Access to Academic Support 7 days a week |
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| Learning Coaches offering advice, guidance and support to help keep your learning on track |
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| Interact with other students studying the same course |
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| Pass Guarantee available with full course |
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| Study at your own pace |
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| Classes capped at 40 students |
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Pass Guarantee Available
Award-winning structured online course with the flexibility to start anytime and study anywhere.
- Topic focused learning modules, containing tutor-led bite-sized videos.
- Engaging activities designed for effective online learning.
- Integrated programme to guide you efficiently through the whole syllabus.
View OnDemand 5 day free trial
Every module and topic has been through a detailed instructional design process, which means we‘ve considered how to best explain each area and cement your understanding of the subject. This includes a variety of concise learning formats such as bite-sized tutor-led lectures, and activities to help link topics together. Every module is scripted and links on screen animations with graphics found within your integrated workbook. This provides a high quality online learning experience, which is so much more than a live recorded tutor session or even a tutor narrating highlighted text book visuals.
In addition to Academic Support, our team of Learning Coaches offer advice, guidance and support, on how to best learn and progress through your course. They use data to identify if you need extra support and will help you get back on track if you need it.
Pass Guarantee
OnDemand is a complete course, which includes tuition, revision and exam preparation, and comes with a Pass Guarantee. If you are unsuccessful, the Pass Guarantee will give you FREE ongoing tutor support until you do pass. MyKaplan can also be extended on request to help you get back on track.
Pass Guarantee Available
A traditional scheduled programme with face to face tutor-led classes.
- Classes with your peers at set times of day
- Centrally located in most major cities: View all classroom locations
- Access to our award winning OnDemand online learning resources
View Classroom demo
Classroom is a complete course, which includes tuition, revision and exam preparation, and comes with a Pass Guarantee. If you are unsuccessful, the Pass Guarantee will give you FREE ongoing tutor support until you do pass. MyKaplan can also be extended on request to help you get back on track.
Pass Guarantee Available
The same as classroom, but live interactive online classes at a set time.
- Interactive live lectures delivered online by our expert tutors
- Full weekday, weekend, afternoon or evening classes available
- Re-watch and replay lessons through recordings
- Access to our award winning OnDemand online learning resources
View Live Online 5 day free trial
Live Online is a complete course, which includes tuition, revision and exam preparation, and comes with a Pass Guarantee. If you are unsuccessful, the Pass Guarantee will give you FREE ongoing tutor support until you do pass. MyKaplan can also be extended on request to help you get back on track.
Pass Guarantee Available
Self-study online modules for you to work through at your own pace.
- Study remotely with printed and online materials
- Includes a variety of additional online resources
View Distance Learning 5 day free trial
Distance Learning is a complete course, which includes tuition, revision and exam preparation, and comes with a Pass Guarantee. If you are unsuccessful, the Pass Guarantee will give you FREE ongoing tutor support until you do pass. Access to MyKaplan and OnDemand content can also be extended for £50 to help you get back on track.
Timetables - Classroom and Live Online
date_rangeView timetables
3. Exams and sittings
Timings and working towards a sitting
You can take your exams at any time, apart from the synoptic exam, which is not available for one week in every four. Understanding when you want to sit and pass your exam will affect the end date of your course and what materials you receive. Please note, you’ll still need to book your exams separately. All assessments on this level are computer-based exams (CBE).
You’ll be awarded a grade (pass, merit, or distinction) based on how you perform across the qualification. Unit and synoptic assessments are not awarded grades individually, but the marks achieved in all assessments contribute to your overall grade for the qualification.
Book an exam
New AAT remote online exams
You can now choose to sit your exams remotely for all AAT Advanced Diploma subjects:
- Advanced Bookkeeping (AVBK)
- Final Accounts Preparation (FAPR)
- Management Accounting: Costing (MMAC)
- Indirect Tax (IDRX)
If you choose a remote exam you can sit it from the comfort of your home, on a chosen date and at a time that suits you. Your results will be released 15 days after your exam date.
You will be recorded for the whole duration of your exam, which will then be reviewed by the AAT for any irregularities.
There is an additional charge for remote invigilation compared to the standard exam price.
In order to sit these exams remotely, you need to ensure you meet the minimum supporting requirements.
Minimum system requirements
| System |
Requirements |
| Operating System (Windows) |
Windows 8.1 or higher |
| Operating System (Apple) |
OS X 10.10 or higher |
| Surpass Viewer |
You must have the Surpass Viewer custom browser installed on your machine. This will allow you to access the assessment. |
| PSI Secure Browser |
You must have the PSI Secure Browser installed on your machine. This will allow your assessment to be recorded. |
| Internet connection / bandwidth |
512 Kbps upload and download. You are strongly advised to use a wired connection as opposed to Wi-Fi to protect against a loss of drop in connectivity. |
| Download |
Ability to download and install software (admin rights required) |
| Web camera |
You will need a portable webcam to allow you to conduct a room scan. Laptops with integrated webcams are permitted as long as they are portable. |
| Minimum web camera resolution |
640 x 480 |
| Microphone |
You will need a working microphone to pick up any audio during the recording. |
| Date and time |
Ensure that the date and time setting on your computer are accurate for your local time zone. |
| Screen resolution |
1024 x 768 |
| Screen size |
Whilst a 17” monitor is recommended, laptops typically have a 14” screen. You can still sit your assessment with this, though you may be required to zoom out to see navigational buttons. |
If you are interested in sitting your exam remotely, you must download the AAT Remote Invigilation user guide (1,132KB PDF) so you know what you need to do before, and during, the exam. The AAT has also provided RI versions of the exam (MyAAT - Lifelong Learning Portal) which contain additional features: a calculator tool and a dedicated area for rough workings, as physical calculators and blank paper are not permitted. So before you book, it is worthwhile to see whether or not you can use these features.
If you have any questions, please contact Student Service on 0161 259 7400.
How long does it take to pass?
Most students complete this level within nine to 15 months, however this varies depending on the study method you choose and whether you are completing your studies as part of an Apprenticeship, in which case you can’t complete in less than 12 months.
Recommended ways to study
You can study for each unit in isolation or as part of a more integrated programme to achieve the full Advanced Diploma qualification. We advise that you complete the Advanced Bookkeeping (AVBK) subject before studying for Final Accounts Preparation (FAPR).
Our Advanced Diploma Synoptic Assessment (ADSY) course covers the syllabus areas relating to the Ethics for Accountants (ETFA) and Spreadsheets for Accounting (SPSH) subjects, which are assessed only as part of the synoptic exam. They also provide you with an opportunity to recap on your learning from earlier subjects to ensure you are well prepared and confident ahead of the exam.
4. Study materials and delivery costs
Study materials
The following materials are included in each course:
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Study text
A textbook covering the full subject syllabus with worked examples and activities.
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Pocket notes
Our AAT pocket notes are pocket-sized, brief revision notes that highlight and prioritise the essential topics you need to understand to pass your AAT exams.
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Exam kit
The exam kit gives you plenty of exam style questions and answers to test your knowledge and practice.
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Learning and assessment plan/study programme
Outlines the course structure.
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Online syllabus coverage
Covers key topics for Distance Learning and full coverage for other methods.
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Integrated workbook (Classroom, OnDemand, Live Online)
The integrated workbook helps you work through the syllabus, with room to write your notes. It helps you keep everything in one place to make it easy to study and revise from.
Classroom, Live Online and OnDemand students will receive printed and online study materials, while Distance Learning students have the option of printed and online, or online only.
To buy the materials separately...
You can buy AAT books for each subject on this level from Kaplan Publishing.
Buy AAT books
Delivery costs
subscriptions
How much it costs to deliver your study materials and how long it takes depends on where in the world you live.
Delivery fees are as follows:
- UK and NI - £7 for the first package, £7 for subsequent packages
- EU - £35 for the first package, £30 for subsequent packages
- Rest of the World - £50 for the first package, £50 for subsequent packages
Please note that due to varying interpretations of the post-Brexit EU/UK trading agreement, some EU countries are imposing import duty on the value of the goods received from the UK. It is payable by the end consumer via the delivery company and your delivery may be withheld until paid. This may vary from country to country and be up to a value of 20% of the value of the study material.
A package relates to all the materials for a specific subject, for example AAT Bookkeeping transactions (BTRN). If purchasing a course for more than one subject, the additional package charges will apply.
Delivery fees are capped at 3 x the cost, per single order. So, if you buy 5 courses for UK delivery in a single order, it will be £7 x 3, rather than £7 x 5.
Our standard delivery times for Live Online, OnDemand, Online and Distance Learning are:
- UK – 3 to 5 working days
- EU – 5 to 7 working days
- Rest of the World – 7 to 10 working days subject to availability.
Our standard delivery deadline for UK classroom courses is one week prior to the first course date.
Delivery charges apply to Classroom, Distance Learning, OnDemand, Online and Live Online courses which include printed materials. If delivery charges are applicable for your course, they will be shown during the online checkout process, before you complete your payment details.
5. MyKaplan: online learning environment
MyKaplan is an online learning portal with practical resources to help you prepare for your exams.
Online features
- View your online materials in one place and access your content in a few clicks
- Contact a tutor directly using live chat. You can also email or request a callback
- Complete practice tests and get instant feedback
- Take part in forum discussions with students and tutors and find answers to common questions
- Instant mock exam results
- Access on mobile, tablet, computer or through the dedicated mobile app
Access duration
Your chosen study method determines how long you can access your content for.
Classroom
Six months from last course date, with a three month extension policy if required, then £50 for a further three months.
Live Online
Six months from last course date, with a three month extension policy if required, then £50 for a further three months.
OnDemand
Nine months from enrolment date, with a three month extension policy if required, then £50 for a further three months.
Distance Learning
18 months from enrolment date, with a three month extension policy if required, then £50 for a further three months.
computer Minimum system requirements for MyKaplan
6. Tutor support
We'll support you every step of the way throughout your AAT learning experience with us. You can contact a tutor and get the help you need quickly and easily.
Provided by our Academic Support team (our dedicated team of expert tutors):
- Live chat (instant response via online messenger system)
- Email (we'll get back to you within 4 hrs)
- Discussion forum (we’ll get back to you within 4 hrs)
- Request a callback so you can speak to a tutor (we’ll arrange a call with you within 24 hours). Please note request a callback is only available to UK based students.
Academic Support opening times
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 8pm
Friday: 8am - 5:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 9am - 1pm
7. Testing and Mocks
We have a wealth of materials to help you revise for and pass your exams. All study options come with the following:
8. Pricing structure
Unit prices can differ depending on your study method, location and the time you choose to study (if you’re choosing Classroom). Go to our study methods to learn more about each option.
Units are all priced individually, so you can purchase them altogether (for a discount), or separately as you need them. This also helps you split the cost to make it more affordable.
| Scheduled |
Flexible |
| Classroom |
Live Online |
OnDemand |
Distance Learning |
| from £499 (inc.VAT) |
from £469 (inc. VAT) |
from £399 (inc. VAT) |
from £249 (inc. VAT) |
Funding options
You may be eligible for an Apprenticeship through your employer, depending on your circumstances. For more information, contact our Student Services team.
Your employer may fund the costs of your studies if you're already working in a related field and want to develop your learning. You'll need to speak to them to see if you're eligible and whether they would be willing to fund the cost.
The AAT Foundation Level is covered with our interest-free payment plan. The plan lets you spread the cost of your studies over six months, with no extra costs. To be eligible for the payment plan you need to spend a minimum of £500.