AAT Foundation Certificate

1. Structure

To pass this level, you'll be examined on five units (also known as subjects), of which one includes the synoptic assessment. This tests the knowledge you have gained throughout the level, covering multiple (but not all) units. All assessments are computer-based exams (CBE).

Entry requirements

You don’t need any prior experience working in accounts to study AAT Foundation. There are no entry requirements, but you do need good maths, IT and English skills, and a willingness to learn. Take the AAT skillcheck test launch to find out which level you can start at.

If you’ve completed the AAT Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping (FCIB) short qualification, you will be exempt from completing the first two units of this level (Bookkeeping Transactions and Bookkeeping Controls).

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 the basic principles of accountancy, such as double-entry bookkeeping, recording day to day transactions and basic costing, as well as how to use accountancy software.

Assessed through both unit and synoptic assessment:

Unit assessment only (not tested within the 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.

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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.

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

MyKaplan is an online learning portal with practical resources to help you prepare for your exams.

Online features

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  View your online materials in one place and access your content in a few clicks
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  Contact a tutor directly using live chat. You can also email or request a callback
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  Complete practice tests and get instant feedback
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  Take part in forum discussions with students and tutors and find answers to common questions
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  Instant mock exam results
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  Access on mobile, tablet, computer or through the dedicated mobile app
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  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
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.

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.

Funding options

Apprenticeships ›

You may be eligible for an Apprenticeship through your employer, depending on your circumstances. For more information, contact our Student Services team.

Employer sponsored ›

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.

Payment plans ›

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. You'll need to buy a full level to take out a payment plan.