AAT Advanced Diploma

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 there is also a synoptic assessment that you’ll take towards the end of the level, which incorporates the final two units 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.

Unit and synoptic assessment:

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.

grid_onStudy method comparison table

Timetables - Classroom and Live Online

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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.

New AAT remote online exams

You can now choose to sit your exams remotely for the following 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.

• Important information about remote online exams keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  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 launch 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 six to 12 months, however this varies depending on the study method you choose. There is no specific sitting time for AAT Foundation exams, you can complete your exams all year round.

Recommended ways to study

We advise that you complete the Bookkeeping Transactions (BTRN) unit before studying for Bookkeeping Controls (BKCL) or Using Accounting Software (UACS). You should complete your studies for all units (with the exception of Using Accounting Software) before you attempt the synoptic assessment.

4. Study materials and delivery costs

Study materials

The following materials are included in each course:

• Study text

  A textbook covering the full subject syllabus with worked examples and activities.

• 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.

• Exam kit

  The exam kit gives you plenty of exam style questions and answers to test your knowledge and practice.

• Learning and assessment plan/study programme

  Outlines the course structure.

• Online syllabus coverage

  Covers key topics for Distance Learning and full coverage for other methods.

• 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 bookslaunch

Delivery costs

5. MyKaplan: online learning environment

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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 to VideoBank - hundreds of tutor-led videos to help you get the most out of your course.

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
12 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.

computerMinimum 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.

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:

Knowledge checks
As you go along, knowledge checks help assess your understanding of a topic before you move onto the next one.

Progress tests
These are short tests based on key topics to get you ready for sitting the mock exams.

Mock exam
Practice your exam technique with mock exams with the look and the feel of the real exam, so you can continually check your progress.

Additional video learning resources
If you’re studying Classroom, Live Online or OnDemand, you’ll get access to the full OnDemand learning modules, found on MyKaplan.

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 page 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.