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 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:
Bookkeeping transactions (BTRN)
- Number of lessons:
Classroom: 4 days/8 evenings
Live Online: 8 sessions
OnDemand/Distance Learning: study at your own pace
- Subject assessment: computer-based exam
You’ll learn how to understand and demonstrate basic financial transactions within a bookkeeping system, across supplier, customer and business accounts.
Bookkeeping controls (BKCL)
- 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
You’ll identify appropriate payment methods and the effect they have on the bank balance. You’ll learn about control accounts, reconciliation and the purpose of using the journal.
Elements of costing (ELCO)
- Number of lessons:
Classroom: 2 days/4 evenings
Live Online: 4 sessions
OnDemand/Distance Learning: study at your own pace
- Subject assessment: computer-based exam
This will teach you to understand the cost recording system within an organisation, use cost recording techniques, and provide information on actual and budgeted costs and income.
Foundation Synoptic Assessment (FYSA)
- Number of lessons:
Classroom: 2 days/4 evenings
Live Online: 4 sessions
OnDemand/Distance Learning: study at your own pace
- Subject assessment: computer-based exam
You’ll understand and develop the personal skills required to work effectively in a business and understand corporate social responsibility (CSR), ethics, and sustainability in the workplace. The synoptic assessment will also draw on your understanding from BTRN, BKCL and ELCO.
Unit assessment only (not tested within the synoptic assessment):
Using accountancy software (UACS)
- Number of lessons:
Live Online: 4 sessions
OnDemand: study at your own pace
- Subject assessment: computer-based exam
You’ll process sales and purchase transactions, bank and cash transactions, perform period end routine tasks like processing journals and reconciling bank statements, and produce reports for customers and suppliers.
(Available via Live Online, OnDemand and Distance Learning study methods only.)
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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Study method comparison table
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 demo
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
The same as classroom, but live interactive online classes at a set time.
- Live lectures delivered online by a tutor
- Re-watch and replay lessons through recordings
- Access to our award winning OnDemand online learning resources
View Live Online demo
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 demo
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.
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:
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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 approved books for each subject on this level from Kaplan Publishing.
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.
If you’re completing a classroom course, your materials are provided on the first day of your course.
Delivery fees are as follows:
UK and NI - £7 for the first package, £7 for subsequent packages
EU - £30 for the first package, £30 for subsequent packages
Rest of the World - £50 for the first package, £50 for subsequent packages
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 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.
Delivery charges apply to all Distance Learning, OnDemand and Live Online courses which include printed materials, and selected Classroom courses. 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
Watch our video explaining MyKaplan (1:30)
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.
Academic Support opening times
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 9pm
Friday: 8am - 5:30pm
Weekends: 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:
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.
| Scheduled |
Flexible |
| Classroom |
Live Online |
OnDemand |
Distance Learning |
| from £389 |
from £349 |
from £279 |
from £219 |
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. You'll need to buy a full level to take out a payment plan.