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AAT Bookkeeping Qualifications

Short courses

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Overview

These 2 entry-level qualifications give you the skills to become a bookkeeper, and you’ll gain an industry-recognised qualification. Plus, you’ll have the option to move onto the full AAT qualification with exemptions when you finish.

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Average duration

3-6 months each

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Assessments

2 exams each

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Kaplan pass rate

Consistently higher than the global average

Timetables

Programmes are running regularly throughout the year. View our timetables for scheduled Live Online sessions to see when the next one is running.

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Who it’s for

Entry requirements

You don’t need any previous accounting experience or qualifications to start studying the AAT short qualifications, 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.

Learning outcomes from the course

We offer two different short qualifications. If you take and pass both qualifications, you can become a Professional AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB).

AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping gives you the skills and essential knowledge needed for completing the manual bookkeeping activities that underpin all accountancy and finance roles.

AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping will give you enhanced skills and expertise in bookkeeping activities, critical for the smooth and efficient running of all finance departments.

Apprenticeships

You may be eligible for an apprenticeship through your employer, depending on your circumstances.

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Course content

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Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping

An introduction to double-entry bookkeeping systems and ledger accounting. You’ll learn how to record day-to-day financial transactions within the ledger accounts. You will also learn about more complex bookkeeping procedures such as control accounts, bank reconciliation, payroll, dealing with errors, and the purpose of using the journal. Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping takes around 3-6 months to complete.

from £576.00inc.VAT

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Introduction to Bookkeeping (ITBK)

  • Understanding how to set up bookkeeping systems
  • Processing customer transactions
  • Processing supplier transactions
  • Processing receipts and payments
  • Processing transactions into the ledger accounts.

Principles of Bookkeeping Controls (POBC)

  • Using control accounts
  • Reconciling a bank statement with the cash book
  • Using the journal
  • Producing trial balances.

Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping

You'll learn how to apply the principles of advanced double-entry bookkeeping, acquisition and disposals of non-current assets. You’ll also examine and apply VAT legislation requirements, calculate VAT, review and verify Making Tax Digital (MTD) VAT returns, understand principles of payroll, and study the implications of errors, late filing and payment, and how to report VAT related information. Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping takes around 6 months to complete.

from £656.00inc.VAT

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Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements (FAPS)

  • Understanding the accounting principles underlying final accounts preparation
  • Understanding the principles of advanced double-entry bookkeeping
  • Implementing procedures for the acquisition and disposal of non-current assets
  • Preparing and recording depreciation calculations
  • Recording period end adjustments
  • Producing and extending the trial balance
  • Producing financial statements for sole traders and partnerships
  • Interpreting financial statements using profitability ratios
  • Preparing accounting records from incomplete information.

Tax Processes for Businesses (TPFB)

  • Understanding legislation requirements relating to VAT
  • Calculating VAT
  • Reviewing and verifying VAT returns
  • Understanding principles of payroll
  • Reporting information within the organisation.

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Exams

Level 2 and Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping

Computer Based Exams

You can take your exams at any time as they are on demand. It is important you aim to book your exam as soon as you intend to finish your course. We recommend you book early to avoid disappointment as this could disrupt your study plans. Please note, you’ll need to book your exams separately. All assessments on this level are computer-based exams (CBE).

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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.

Courses

Inc VAT, excludes exams

OnDemand from £832
Distance Learning from £576
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Everything you need to succeed

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Expert material

Our courses include expert content, designed to help you pass your exams. You’ll get printed and digital study materials, as well as marked mock exams and practice questions.

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Pass Guarantee

If your results aren't as expected, we provide free access to extra content, extended tutor support, and guidance for resitting until you pass your exams.

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Academic support

Our team of 50+ finance experts and advisors provide gold-standard personalised academic support 7 days a week. We offer exam strategies, study plans, and proactive resit advice.

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The science of learning

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Well-being support

Access well-being support through our resource library or speak confidentially with Kaplan's Mental Health First Aiders, safeguarding team, or your tutor and talent coach.

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Accessibility

We're committed to an inclusive learning environment, ensuring accessibility and personalised support for all students to succeed.

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Course includes

  • Printed integrated workbook*A key resource for your studies, it guides you through the syllabus and details when to use your other study resources. Includes space to add handwritten notes.
  • Printed study textTextbook covering the full subject syllabus with worked examples and activities.
  • Online study modulesEngaging, online modules including bite-sized tutor led lectures taking you step by step through the whole syllabus. (Distance Learning courses do not include all modules).
  • Printed exam kitGives you plenty of exam style questions and answers to test your knowledge and practice. It includes our recommended revision approach and a revision plan, and exam technique guide.
  • Printed pocket notesPocket-sized revision notes that highlight and prioritise the essential topics you need to understand to pass your AAT exams.
  • Regular testingKnowledge checks will help assess your understanding of a topic before you move onto the next one. You’ll enhance your understanding with consolidation tests (excludes TPFB), and a progress test designed to get you ready for the revision phase of your course.
  • Mock exams2 mock exams that evaluate your performance across the syllabus, highlight your strengths and weaknesses, and help you plan your revision efficiently.
  • Personalised online study spaceMyKaplan is your online learning portal that allows you to access your course content, contact your tutors, and take part in discussion forums. Learn More

*Not included in Distance Learning.

Study methods

Get everything you need to succeed, along with tailored features depending on which study method you choose.

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Live Online
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OnDemand
from £832

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Distance Learning
from £576

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Live, tutor-led classes at set times
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Interactive study modules for the whole syllabus
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Study at your own pace

I chose Kaplan because it offered me the resources and flexibility I needed to study. Having the study materials online was extremely helpful because I travel a lot for work and it meant I could study anywhere.

Alex Calliman
Alex Calliman Kaplan AAT Live Online student

Being able to study at home gives me so much more flexibility around my job. When it's really busy at work I generally don't get time to study during the week, so I make it up at the weekend.

Julie Dove
Julie Dove Kaplan AAT Distance Learning student

Ways to pay

Pay for your course using a debit card, credit card, or PayPal. We also offer alternative payment methods to suit your needs.

Invoice your employer

Your employer may fund the costs of your studies if you're already working in a related field and want to develop your learning.

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PayPal Pay in 3

A buy now, pay later service that splits your purchase into three equal interest-free payments. Offering a flexible way to spread the cost.

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Become a Kaplan client

If you're looking to train your staff and upskill your organisation, you can register as a Kaplan client.

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Alternatively, you can apply for one of our payment plans. Spread the cost by paying monthly, so you can focus on learning and passing exams.