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AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting

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Overview

If you're new to accountancy and finance, looking to change your career into accountancy or have previously worked in an accounts department this level is ideal for you.

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Average duration

6-12 months

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Assessments

4 exams

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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 Classroom and 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 prior experience working in accounts to study AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting. There are no entry requirements, but you do need good maths, IT and English skills, and a willingness to learn. You may want to take the Skillcheck on the AAT website to find out which level you should start at.

If you've completed the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping Short Qualification, you will be exempt from completing the first two units of this level (Introduction to Bookkeeping and Principles of Bookkeeping Controls).

If you have achieved a university degree in accountancy or related, we recommend that you move straight onto ACA, ACCA or CIMA.

Learning outcomes from the course

Level 2 Certificate in Accounting delivers a solid foundation in finance administration and core accounting skills, including double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing and an understanding of purchase, sales and general ledgers.

You will also learn about accountancy related business and personal skills and be introduced to the four key themes embedded in the qualification: ethics, technology, communications, and sustainability.

Once complete, you can move on to Level 3.

Apprenticeships

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

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The amount of resources available and the constant support from my tutor and others that I can easily get in touch with is great. You never feel alone and always able to ask questions.

Lauren Rockliffe
Lauren Rockliffe Kaplan AAT student

Course content

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Compulsory

Introduction to Bookkeeping (ITBK)

You'll learn the basic principles of double-entry bookkeeping systems and ledger accounts. You will also be able to process day-to-day financial transactions for suppliers and customers and bank transactions.

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

Compulsory

Principles of Bookkeeping Controls (POBC)

This builds on the knowledge and skills from ITBK. You'll learn about control accounts, bank reconciliation, payroll, dealing with errors, and the purpose of using the journal. We advise that you complete the ITBK unit before studying POBC.

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

Compulsory

Principles of Costing (PCTN)

You'll learn about cost recording systems within an organisation, use cost recording techniques, provide information on actual and budgeted costs and income, and basic spreadsheet skills to support cost calculations.

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  • Understanding the cost recording system within an organisation
  • Using cost recording techniques
  • Providing information on actual and budgeted cost and income
  • Using tools and techniques to support cost calculations

Compulsory

The Business Environment Synoptic Assessment (BESY)

This unit will prepare you for the internal and external business environment. You'll learn about the legal system, principles of contract law, corporate social responsibility, ethics, and sustainability.

You'll also learn how the finance function fits within an organisation and how to communicate effectively. This assessment will also draw on your understanding from ITBK, POBC and PCTN, so we advise that you should complete your studies for all units before you attempt BESY.

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  • Understanding the principles of contract law
  • Understanding the external business environment
  • Understanding the key principles of corporate social responsibility (CSR), ethics and sustainability
  • Understanding the impact of setting up different types of business entities
  • Understanding the finance function within an organisation
  • Producing work in appropriate formats and communicating effectively
  • Understanding the importance of information to business operations

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Exams

AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting

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

Classroom from £640
Live Online from £575
OnDemand from £520
Distance Learning from £360
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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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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.

Resources to support you

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Accessibility

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

Our accessibility commitment

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 PCTN), 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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Classroom
from £640

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Live Online
from £575

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OnDemand
from £520

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Distance Learning
from £360

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Live, tutor-led classes at set times
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Interactive study modules for the whole syllabus
Speak face-to-face with tutors and other learners on the same course
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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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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.